How to Make Sure Your Roof is Ready for Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the mind starts to go through the checklist of things to do to get ready for it.  Checking the car tyres, making sure the boiler works, putting the garden furniture away for the year – but what about checking your roof is ready for winter?  RH Roofing Southern Ltd is one of the top roofing companies in Bournemouth and here’s how we get roofs ready for the winter season.

Check for weak spots

This is a job you can start yourself – go up into the loft and look for any spots of daylight.  If you see any, this means there is a roof tile that is cracked or chipped and you need roof repairs to sort it out.  Slating or tiling is the process of repairing those damaged tiles or replacing them if needed and ensures your roof is in good condition.

A thorough roof inspection should also be done periodically.  This will be a job for a roofer as it involves climbing up to the roof and checking everything from the lead flashing around your Velux windows to the ornamental features on the roof as well as the actual roof material.

Inspect the flat roof

Flat roofs have a bit of a bad reputation but many of the modern materials are a lot tougher than previous generations.  We offer DuoPly flat roof systems, as well as hot melt felt and asphalt, all of which can withstand much of what winter throws.

But it is also a good time to have an inspection of the roof just to make sure.  Even a slight crack or split in the roofing can let water in and if there is a period of high winds, then the damage could grow.  You don’t want to have to choose materials for new roofs in the middle of winter!

Guttering and drainpipes

As well as the actual roof materials, you also want to have someone inspect the elements around the roof that keep it working perfectly.  The guttering and drainpipes are top of this list.  These encircle the house and get water away from the roof and into the drains.  But if they are blocked or there is moss growth, then they may not work properly.

Broken or damaged guttering can lead to penetrating damp if left unchecked.  And there’s nothing nice about a flow of icy cold water from the gutter above you as you walk out to work.  So a pre-winter check can be a good idea.

Check other roofs

Finally, don’t forget to check other roofs around the property.  From carports to conservatories to garden buildings, all of them are worth checking as the winter comes around.  By heading off a problem before it develops, you could save yourself a lot of money and a headache if we get a bad winter and the weather is extreme.  And no-one wants to call out an emergency roofer if they can avoid it – so a little forward planning can pay off.

5 Top Materials for Your Home’s Flat Roof

For many years, flat roofs were the nightmare of the homeowner.  They were even a question on your insurance application because they could be so prone to leaking and pulling apart.  But the situation has changed in recent times as more varieties of materials have come along to handle the problem of the flat roof.  Here are some of the most effective.

EPDM membrane

One of the most popular options for flat roofs is called an EPDM membrane.  Systems such as DuoPly have also added other layers to this such as a polyester layer to further enhance the system.  EPDM is a lightweight, flexible and hardwearing option for most sizes of flat roof with a long lifespan.  It works well with Velux skylights and other features and roof repairs are relatively simple for an expert from roofing companies in Bournemouth.

Roofing felt

Roofing felt has been the choice for flat roofs for a long time, but modern products are much better quality and there are also options for hot melt finishes that make them even stronger.  Felt has proven results and a well-known lifespan as well as being suitable for any roof size.  Perhaps the biggest downside of it is that it isn’t suitable for regular footfall – fine for someone doing some repairs to slating or tiling but not for a balcony getting regular use.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a common sight on footpaths but has also been adapted to use on roofs.  It is a budget-friendly option and is very hard wearing as well as working on most roof sizes.  It has a long lifespan and it is relatively easy for roofers to repair it if there is some severe weather that causes damage.  It does require a strong roof structure and is less flexible than other materials.

Metal

While seeing metal in the form of copper or lead flashing is common, homes are less likely to have metal on their roofs.  But new roofs are now being constructed for homes in metal in some cases.  They are very durable and non-combustible as well as having some heat reflective properties.  Perhaps the main reason for considering metal is that it can be formed around flashings and other irregular roof features where other materials might struggle.

GRP fibreglass

If you have a smaller flat roof space, then GRP fibreglass may be worth considering.  It is lightweight and very hard wearing as well as being very resistant to vandalism.  There are no problems with joints leaking as it is truly jointless and has a good lifespan, although not as good as some other materials.  It isn’t ideal for areas where you walk however as it is very slippery and isn’t flexible.

Flat roof options

These five flat roofing materials are the most popular on offer around the UK.  By working with your roofing company to get the right one, having a section of flat roof on your home doesn’t need to be a problem.  And you can certain it remains weatherproof for years to come.

What are the Material Options for New Roofs?

If you search for roofing materials or visit the website of top roofing companies in Bournemouth, there’s a staggering array of options.  You hear talk about slating and tiling, asphalt and hot melt for flat roofs as well as new systems like DuoPly.  Then there are the finishing touches with copper, lead flashing and ornate leadwork.

The good news is you don’t need to be an expert in roofing materials to get new roofs on your home.  That’s what we are here for.  But let’s take a look at some of the basic options to help you understand your choices.

Slate tiles

Slate is one of the older roofing materials and is common for both roof repairs and new roofs because what made it popular then still applies now.  There are different slates from around the country and each has their own look and colour.  You can even get reconstituted slate where slate is bound together with resin to create tough new slate tiles.

Slate has a lifespan of 100+ years and can endure extreme temperatures.  It is both snow and fire resistant and fully waterproof.  You will need to ensure you work with a roofer that can fit slate as it is a little different to other materials.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles also come in a range of colours and finishes and are ideal for period builds or renovations because you can have detail in the finishing that ties in with the look of the house.  Modern clay tiles are machine made but you can also invest in handmade options.

Clay tiles have a long lifespan – there are some on the Guildhall in Lincoln that dates back to the 14^th century!  But the weather can take a toll on them with the freeze and thaw cycle, so they do need to be checked that they meet the UK’s frost requirements when you buy them.

Concrete tiles

Concrete is a relative newcomer to the market and is already proving popular.  It can be made into interlocking, strong and customised roofing materials and are ideal if you want to add things like Velux roof windows in.  They also work on shallow roof pitches where some other materials don’t manage.

Concrete doesn’t last as long as slate but they are more cost-effective, so things can balance out.  If you are happy with the look – and there are lots of options – they are a very practical and budget-friendly choice.

Other roofing options

There are other options for roofing that have their benefits.  Shingles are made from wood, typically a Western Red Cedar but also oak or other British wood.  They weather beautifully with time and are naturally good insulators.  Metal roofs are often associated with commercial projects but can work on some homes, especially on shallow pitches.  They are very long lasting and can adapt to complex shapes.

Finding the right roofing material depends a lot on your home and your budget.  But working with an experienced roofer means you can get the right material to look great and last the longest time.