Summer is a the ideal to pop outside and look up at your roof to check for any damage or wear and tear that could be in need of repair. You don’t need to be an expert to check for the basics and you don’t need to climb any ladders or put yourself in any danger whatsoever. A quick ground-based roof inspection should highlight any issues now before they become major headaches in the future.

Here are just a few common indicators that your roof would benefit from some summertime TLC to keep it in good condition for when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

1. Missing or misaligned tiles

Run your eye slowly across every roof tile. Take your time to do a thorough check. In this pass we are looking for cracked, misaligned or completely missing tiles. If you find any of these problems it is essential that you call in a professional for remedial work. If water can get through your roof you are in danger of having serious problems with damp in the loft or rotting roof supports, so there is no benefit in delaying.

2. Sagging Roof Line

Our next check is to look at the ridge line. Is it straight or sagging? All roofing sags over time, but is it sagging more than the neighbours or is it sagging too severely? You may want to take a photo and send that to a roofing specialist. They can quickly tell you if you are being over cautious or if the sag warrants further investigation.

3. Chimney Check

Check both the bricks and pointing of your chimney stack. A pair of binoculars will allow you to get a good close-up view without ever leaving the safety of the ground floor. It is particularly important to check the chimney regularly if the chimney is actually in use, attached to an open fireplace or stove. Even if your chimney is not in use, an annual visual inspection is a very good idea as many of the problems of water ingress seem to start close to the chimney stack.

4. Lumps and Bumps

Roofs should be uniform surfaces, so strange lumps and bumps should not be ignored. If they have been there for decades they may not be a problem, but if you notice new lumps and bumps you really should consider a specialist roofing survey. That might sound worrying but it really isn’t. It is just the name for getting a professional who knows about roofs to take a good look at your roof for you.

5. Check your Guttering

Most people imagine that checking guttering means climbing a ladder. We would not advise anyone other than trained professionals to do this. However, from the ground, once again your binoculars can be of real assistance in checking gutters. You can sometimes see large blockages of leaves sticking out over the lip of the gutter. It is also a good idea to look at each of the brackets that support the guttering. If any of these have come loose you will want to get them fixed before the whole thing comes crashing down.

6. Uneven Colour

An uneven colour is not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, if you do see discolouration in sections of your roof you should consider why that might be?

7. Overhanging Trees

If you have mature trees very close to your property do check that branches or falling leaves are not damaging the roofing or guttering. A tree surgeon can safely cut back any potential problems to ensure both the tree and house enjoy a long healthy lifespan.

8. Damp smells coming from the attic

Our eighth test is to go back indoors to do a quick interior check to see whether there are any strange noises or smells coming from the attic or loft space. Strange smells are a sign that something may be amiss. If pigeons get into the loft, you do need to get a professional to check whether they are doing any damage to your property. Damp is harder to spot than wildlife, but can do just as much harm to the fabric of your home.

When to seek specialist help

Taking the time each summer to give your roof the once over with these eight checks is a great habit to get in to. By checking the state of your roof in the summer months you can ensure you keep your home watertight, safe and snug, ready for when the punishing winter weather eventually returns.

If you do find that your roof is in need of repair, then calling in a specialist roofing contractor is your next step. Keay Roofing Services carry out local roof repairs and inspections for homes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, North & North West London, West London, South & South West London, South Hertfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire and North Surrey.

Please give us a call to discuss any issues you may have found on 01753 358267.

As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility when it comes to taking care of your home. One of the most important tasks is making sure your roof is in good condition and keeping it safe. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t take roof safety seriously enough and end up with an injury. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the dos and don’t of roof safety. We hope you find this information helpful and please share it with other homeowners to help keep them safe as well! Thank you for reading!

When most people think of the dangers of home ownership, they typically think of things like fires and burglaries. But one often-overlooked hazard is the roof. A faulty roof can lead to water damage, which can cause all sorts of problems in your home. That’s why it’s important to take roof safety seriously and to have your roof inspected regularly. Perhaps the most dangerous, even life threatening, mistake made by homeowners is to not adequately assess the risks attached to working on a roof.

Any work on a roof will require working at a height. And working at a height is dangerous (it accounts for a high number of fatalities and major injuries every year). This is especially so when a roof is fragile because it is need of repair, or because the material it is made from cannot safely support the weight of a person.

Before attempting any roof repair or maintenance work, we urge you to first assess the risks involved and consider whether you have the adequate equipment and skill to tackle the job at hand. If in any doubt, then it’s wise to call in the professionals!

The HSE provides some very helpful advice on working at height for employers, which is just as relevant to homeowners working on their own roofs.

The Dos and Don’ts of Working At Height

Working at height can be dangerous. To keep you safe, here are some dos & don’ts that will help prevent accidents:

Take into account weather conditions that might compromise your safety
Work from the ground as much as possible
Ensure you can get safely to and from where you need to work at height
Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, and that it is well maintained and checked regularly
Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
Provide protection from falling objects to those passing underneath
Consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures

DON’T

Work on roofs in icy, rainy or windy conditions
Overload ladders – consider not only the weight of the person using the ladder, but also the weight of the equipment or material you’re carrying up and down. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for more information
Overreach on ladders or stepladders
Rest a ladder against a weak upper surface e.g. glazing or plastic gutters.
Use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks. Use them only for light work of a short duration (max. 30 minutes at a time)
Let anyone work at height, including yourself, who does not have the skills, knowledge or experience to do the job

So, if you are in any doubt about the condition of your roof then please give us a call. We have the specialist equipment and skills needed to safely carry out roofing work and we can provide you with a competitive quote for our services. Remember, it might be slightly more expensive in the short-term but could save you from a nasty injury or more expensive roofing repairs further down the line. Get in touch today to find out more.

Keay Roofing are local roofing contractors who work across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire on both commercial and domestic roofing projects. We can be contacted on 01753 358267 or office@keayroofingservices.com.

Whether you’re renovating your current home, adding an extension or building a property from scratch, the type of roof you choose is incredibly important. Roofs don’t just keep our British rain out; they have a significant impact on the final aesthetic of your home and the property value.

Different roof types have various advantages, disadvantages and levels of maintenance. It’s essential, therefore, that you do your research to ensure the roof you choose is ideal for your home. Otherwise, you may make an expensive mistake.

The problem is, at least for those not in the industry, common roofing terms sound like a foreign language. However, we’re here to help. Our handy guide to the various types of roofs and common roofing terms will allow you to get to grips with the subject.

Common types of roof

Generally, the most common roofs in the UK are flat or pitched. However, there are other options for those who would like something a little more unusual.

Flat Roof

Although more popular in countries that host a warmer climate – particularly in the Mediterranean – this roof type became more popular in the UK after WWII when a lot of housing needed to be rebuilt quickly.

Despite the name, flat roofs are rarely entirely flat. Instead, they have a slight angle to allow for water drainage. Most commonly used in industrial and office buildings, flat roofs are becoming more popular with architects as they work well with minimalistic and modern designs. This is also a popular roof for home extensions.

Flat roofs can often double up as an outdoor space, providing an ideal place for entertaining and enjoying the sun.

Pitched Roof

When you think of a roof, it’s likely a pitched roof is what you have in mind. Most commonly, these consist of two angled sides, which will meet in the middle. Super versatile, a pitched roof can give a building extra living space thanks to people converting lofts into extra bedrooms and storage rooms.

A pitched roof can be far more durable than a flat roof and requires less maintenance. They’re also more reliable for drainage, which is useful in the UK climate.

Within pitched roofs, you can get different variations, these include:

Mono Pitch Roof. As the name suggests, this roof type slopes just one way, from one side of a section of building to another.

Couple Roof. The simplest of pitched roofs, the two slopes are equal and will meet in the middle of your building. You may also encounter a closed couple roof, which has ceiling joists. This makes for a sturdier structure.

Collar Roof. In this case, the ceiling joists are higher, allowing more space in the upper floor of your building, as the rooms are partly contained within the roof. Because of this, your exterior walls will be slightly shorter.

Purlins. By adding purlins to your pitched roof, you can increase your roof span while keeping the roof deck stable. A purlin runs the length of the roof and offers more support to your rafters, meaning you may not need such bulky materials.

Other common roofing terms associated with pitched roofs include ridge, the horizontal top; ridge tiles, which protect the ridge; truss, the triangular frame supporting the roof; fascia or barge boards, the decorative boards running just underneath the roof line; battens, which support the tiles; soffits sit under the overlapping roof protecting the interior; dormer, a vertical window projecting from a pitched roof; valley, the angle between two sloping roofs.

Butterfly Roof

For those who like a modern and unusual style, the butterfly roof could be the answer. Often called a V roof (as they look like shallow letter Vs), they provide excellent water drainage and let you add larger windows to a property because walls can be higher. So, if you’d like a glass feature wall or increased windows for natural light, the butterfly roof might just work for you.

Hipped Roof

This is best described as a roof with all four sides sloping towards their adjoining wall. For instance, if your property was square, a hipped roof would look like a pyramid sitting above the building.

Not only are these roofs sturdy, but they also provide extra living space within your building.

If these common roofing terms are still confusing, or you had something else in mind, worry not.

Simply contact one of our roofing experts at Keay Roofing Services, who will gladly help you find your perfect roofing solution.

Or call us on 01753 358267.

If you are considering an extension or even an outbuilding for your home, you will have quite a few decisions to make. One such decision is the type of roof you’ll choose. Gable, hip, Dutch, butterfly. There are many roofing options on offer.

Of course, the choice you make will depend on broad criteria including planning permission and the overall design you are looking to achieve.

However, one main consideration is the price.

Just how far will your budget stretch to get the roof you want?

Reasons for fitting a flat roof

Home and property owners who are sticking to a budget often opt for a flat roof finish on their extension or outbuilding as an affordable ‘no frills’ option.

However, there are other reasons for choosing a flat roof style.

You may want to keep your options open to adding a further storey to your new build at a later date. You also might like the idea of creating a balcony off a first story room that opens onto the roof. Or, you may want to create a storage area on top of your new outbuilding, where you can keep bulky items – like ladders, garden furniture or even bikes.

These are all very good reasons for finishing off your building project with a flat roof finish and with your mind made up you may be ready to go ahead with your plans.

But before you forge ahead, let’s look at some of the common challenges faced by home and property owners when it comes to a flat roof and what you can do to overcome them.

Taking the right corrective action can save you on disappointment and unnecessary expense further down the line and will mean your roof is fit for purpose no matter what you have in store for it.

Our guide to common flat roof problems and how to avoid them

1. Pooling water

Despite appearances, flat roofs aren’t completely flat. A slight incline is necessary to ensure water and snow is able to drain effectively. If water can’t drain away or evaporate within 72 hours it can damage the roofing material and cause leaks.

Small patches of pooling water can easily be patched up to prevent further accumulation.

Simply dry the roof area and patch over with a layer of rolled asphalt before sealing with a thick layer of rubber. Large pools of water are often a sign of severe damage and may require the whole roof membrane to be replaced.

2. Obstructions

Many things can obstruct the gutters and drainage points of flat roofs, including leaves, twigs, snow and household objects such as balls and toys. Over time this can lead to severe blockages and pooling water which can lead to leaks and unnecessary stress on the roof.

Regularly inspect the roof to remove any obstructions and check for damage. This is particularly important during the autumn and winter months as wet leaves and twigs can quickly cause significant blockages. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year to prevent build-up.

3. Blistering

Moisture can get trapped between the membrane of the roof. On a particularly hot or sunny day this water expands, causing the roof membrane to lift away in small bubbles. Over time these bubbles can burst, leaving the inner layers of the roof exposed. Once it has popped, you can repair or replace the affected section of your roof membrane.

Make sure the new membrane extends a minimum of 6 centimetres beyond the edge of the bubble so it remains waterproof. You should regularly clean your flat roof, as a build-up of moss and algae can trap moisture and accelerate blistering.

4. Cracking

The weather plays a significant role in the health and longevity of your flat roof. Intense periods of sunlight, wind and rain causes the surface to expand and contract over time. This can cause the roof surface to crack.

This phenomenon is also known as ‘alligatoring’ as the pattern it causes is similar to an alligator’s hide!

To fix the issue and prevent the cracks from expanding, apply a primer followed by a new layer of coating to the surface the roof. If the cracks are severe or extensive you should seek professional help as the integrity of the roof may have been compromised.

5. Damaged flashings

Flashings are essential for preventing water seeping into the structure. If they become damaged or are improperly installed they can create gaps, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks. Damage can also be caused when moisture builds up and allows fungus to grow, pushing the flashing out of position.

To prevent this, regularly inspect and maintain all flashings. If they begin to come away from the roof, replace them immediately. This will help to maintain the integrity and waterproofing of the roof. If flashings aren’t regularly maintained and a leak does occur, the roof will need replacing.

DIY or call in the experts?

Fitting a flat roof is something that you can do yourself, although it’s always best to bring in the experts to complete the job if you want a roof that will stay in tip-top condition for the long-term future.

Call Keay Roofing services on 01753 358267 or email office@keayroofingservices.com to give your latest building project a finish you can rely on.

Why small developers hold the key to the failing housing target?

In 2004, the UK was set a target of building 270,000 new homes each year. Nearly 15 years later, this is a figure developers are still failing to hit.

The actual total has averaged less than 150,000 new build homes since 2007 – leaving the UK’s housing deficit standing at a whopping 1.2 million.

In another blow to the sector, in June of this year, it was revealed that a third of local authorities in England are forecast to miss two or more government housing targets. The targets include:

Adopting a local plan
Identifying a five-year land supply for housing
Passing the newly created housing delivery test

According to Savills’ planning performance index which has looked into projected housing delivery by 2019, 110 of a total of 326 councils will fail on two or more of these counts. These local authorities account for 37% of the national housing need and if Savills’ predictions do transpire, they risk losing control of where housing development will take place.

Why the industry needs more small house developers

As the UK continues to struggle to hit its housing target, questions are being asked about why this is. Although there is of course plenty of dispute regarding the topic, the industry is largely in agreement that the over-dominance of big house builders is creating a huge problem.

Last year, MPs even called for an end to the big eight house builders’ dominance in a bid to fix the housing market.

Committee chair from the Commons Communities and Local Government Committee, Clive Betts warned:

“The housing market is broken; we are simply not building enough homes. The sector is over-reliant on an alarmingly small number of high-volume developers who are driven by commercial self-interest and have little incentive to build any quicker. If we are to build the homes that the country so desperately needs, for sale and for rent, then this dominance must end.”

A target of 270,000 new homes each year is a huge milestone to reach. Unless there is a huge increase in public sector building (which is unlikely), it’s the private sector that will have to deliver and it hasn’t consistently built this many homes in a year since the 1930s when interestingly, the market was dominated by small building developers.

There are plenty more reasons why the industry needs more small house developers including:

They ensure the market stays competitive.
The business model of big house builders results in homes that are often badly located and poorly designed.
The big builders bank land and sit on their supply for as long as possible so that prices stay as high as possible.
Unsurprisingly, the houses they build are intended to turn a profit rather than meet social needs or high environmental and design standards.
Standards do of course vary among house builders, whatever their size. There are some great schemes run by the big firms and some bad houses built by SMEs. Evidence does however suggest that smaller firms tend to build better homes with more energy efficiency and designs that take the local vernacular into account.
Towns across the UK are experiencing an influx of almost identical houses to that of their neighbours. While this is understandable as economies of scale helps developers to offer customers more affordable homes, many communities are frustrated that they’re losing character. Small housing developers on the other hand tend to be more passionate, entrepreneurial, creative and flexible when it comes to providing new, bespoke homes.
They employ local tradesmen – as well as providing more jobs locally, it means that they can keep to their timescales without compromising on the quality of work

Keay Roofing is delighted to announce that we are just about to start a project with a small to medium-sized housing developer. You can follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date with the project or alternatively, feel free to get in touch to find out more.

Published: September, 2018

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home but how often do you think about maintaining your roof? Roof maintenance is a topic that most domestic home owners ignore.

It is very easy to forget about your roof because you cannot see it, but your roof is exposed to so many harsh weather conditions every day, especially in the winter. A combination of strong winds, continuous rain, hail, frost and sometimes even snow, can really take its toll and lead to serious damage and deterioration.

The number one cause of roof problems is in fact poor maintenance so you really should be getting your roof inspected on a regular basis. We understand that this is an expense you probably do not want, but regular visits from a Roofing Company are actually far more cost-effective in the long-run. Not only can they identify issues before they become a problem, if neglected, the lifespan of a roof can be dramatically shortened.

There is never a bad time to have your roof checked but why is this particularly important in winter?

It can prevent leaks from occurring

Leaks can be expensive to fix. Not only do you have to repair the roof, but also any damage caused to the inside of your house. They say prevention is better than cure and, in this case, nothing could be truer.

It is especially important to have maintenance checks in winter because the regular process of ice freezing and melting onto your roof can cause leaks in weakened areas. A roofing company will be able to check for any existing leaks or if there are any areas of concern which could potentially cause problems in the near future.

Your gutters may be blocked

As the leaves begin to fall off the trees, they often settle in gutters which can easily lead to them getting blocked. If you have not checked your gutters since the beginning of winter, it is highly advisable to do this now because leaves may have been sitting in there for months or even years. A blockage means that your gutters will not be able to drain water away from your home which could cause damage.

If you do not have a safe way of gaining access to your gutters, please call a Roofing Company who will be able to help you.

Your vents may be blocked

Vents need to be kept clear at all times. If they are blocked or clogged, this can lead to poor drainage and bad smells lingering. It is highly unlikely that you would know if your vents are blocked so it is very important to get a professional to come in and take a look.

It can prevent pests making their way into your home

It is not just the winter chill that you are trying to keep out of your homes at this time of year, pests can be a big problem too. Freezing cold temperatures and scarce food supplies make winter a very difficult time for any wild animal so it is not uncommon for rodents to try and make their way into buildings.

Never underestimate how determined a hungry rodent can be. If they spot a potential entry point into your home, they will find a way in and believe it or not, not even your roof is safe. If you have trees surrounding your property, they will climb up them and onto your roof. Even if you do not have trees nearby, you are still at risk because rats can even climb up bricks.

Once on your roof, if there are any loose tiles or holes, rodents can make their way into the attic where you can guarantee they will make themselves right at home. You may think you would know about it if you had rats or mice but they will do everything they can to avoid human contact and if they are hiding in your loft, chances are you will not know about it. Typically, most people do not realise they have an infestation until significant damage has been caused.

Regular roof maintenance will ensure that there are no possible entry points on your roof which dramatically reduces the likelihood of sharing your home with unwanted guests.

For more information about roof maintenance or to request a free quotation, please contact Keay Roofing Services Ltd and we will be more than happy to help.

Keay Roofing Services Ltd

TEL: 01753-358267

E-MAIL: office@keayroofingservices.com

As the UK has been hit by strong winds several times recently, we wanted to highlight how important it is to make sure your roof remains in good condition following any storm damage.

How does wind damage roofs?

Strong winds can create stress points on your roof which if left, may lead to more costly damage over time. Aside from the more common loosening of tiles and shingles, strong winds may also be the cause of impact damage from flying debris or falling branches and trees. This then leaves a roof in a weakened state that causes more damage as the roof structure and your home becomes exposed to the elements.

Most wind damage to roofs can be found on the edges. This makes sense, as strong winds can easily get below any loose tiles or flashings and push it up. This type of damage can seem very minor at the time, but can lead to substantial damage and can get worse after every new bout of strong winds.

It’s therefore important to identify issues fast, and get them fixed quickly to prevent any more costly damage to your home.

How to spot potential wind damage on your roof.

To spot any external issues first walk around your house and check the roof for any loose or cracked tiles.

On flat roofs look for patches, cracks or tears, blisters or wrinkles.

Scrutinise gutters by looking for any signs of leaking seams, loosened fastenings or sections of guttering that are sagging or missing. Check too for blockages in guttering or downpipes caused by moss or leaves blown in on high winds.

Keep an eye on your chimney for loose or missing flashing, damage to brickwork or the chimney cap.

On your soffits and fascias look for signs of decay or staining which could indicate water is finding it’s way through the protective roof layer.

You can also spot roof damage from inside your house. Look out for moisture marks on the walls or ceiling, check out for any brown, yellow or grey stains and peeling paint. This can be an indication of a water leak from damaged roof. Be sure to also keep an eye out for any damp patches or leaks up in your loft.

How to prevent wind damage to your roof

Keep overhanging branches and trees pruned and away from your roof. Not only will this help avoid damage from falling branches, but it will also stop wear and tear caused by branches that touch your roof as they scratch and gauge roofing materials as they’re blown by the wind.

Fix any loose or broken tiles prior to the arrival of high winds. Not only will this protect your roof but also neighbouring property from the potential damage caused by flying tiles and debris.

Free roof repair quotation

If your roof has suffered following the high winds we’ve seen, we can help you to assess the damage and carry out high quality repairs.

We also provide provide a call out service for those “emergency” roofing problems. Our team of roofers will make sure sufficient temporary measures are in place to ensure your property is safe, before providing an in-depth assessment of damage to assist with your insurance claim. We will then complete repairs to your roof. Just call us on 0800 1577424 and leave the rest to us.

For a FREE roof repair quotation, please call us or complete the request a quote form on our website.

As up to 30% of your home exterior that is visible is your roof, it makes sense to carefully consider what material you want to cover it with. Not only will it need to work hard to weatherproof your home. It will also have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic of your property. Your choice can make an architectural statement, or blend with the local environment.

When you are thinking about replacing your roof, you are presented with lots of different roofing material options. You’ll need to decide which material best suits your property and your budget. To help you on your way with your research we’ve produced a guide to a few of the most popular materials.

Tiles

Roof tiles have been around for centuries and are used across a wide range of property styles. In the UK the most commonly used tile materials are clay, slate and concrete which come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.

The beauty of tiles is that they can be chosen to compliment the overall aesthetic of your home. Should your roof be damaged in the future, patches of damage can be easily repaired, matching new with old very simply.

When in place, tiles are non-combustible and resistant to rotting, fire and insect damage, which gives them a longer lifespan than some other materials. Neither do they expand or contract with changes of temperature, providing consistent and effective coverage.

The downside of tiles is their weight and, depending on your roof, fitting them may require reinforcement. Tiles can be fragile, and once damaged you will need specialist roof fitters to carry out repairs. As a roofing material, tiles are also more expensive than other options.

Another consideration, if you’re thinking of installing a slate roof, is that whilst this natural stone offers brilliant aesthetics it has poor insulation. The need for additional insulation in the roof will need taking into consideration when budgeting for type of roofing material.

Sheet Metal

With the clean, crisp lines and striking industrial look you can achieve, sheet metal is starting to make an appearance on many modern homes. Compared to tiles, metal roofing is a lightweight, fire-retardant roofing option that doesn’t require additional reinforcement to the sub-structure. Once installed it can also survive the strongest of winds.

Metal roofs are nearly almost maintenance free and as a building material it is cheaper than slate or tiles, but can be costly to install. However, with its excellent durability you can expect low maintenance costs throughout its long life span. Another consideration with a metal roof is that it can get pretty noisy with heavy rainfalls, so installing sound cancelling insulation is recommended.

Lead

If you are looking to cover an odd shaped roof, lead might be a good choice for you due to its malleability. Lead is also naturally very resistant to any type of corrosion and therefore is long-lasting. Lead is a cheaper roofing material compared to others, but this does comes at a price. As a material, lead is toxic and over time will break down and pollute water it comes into contact with. Whilst it is lighter than other roofing materials, lead can also place stress on your roof line and gutters so may require a little additional support.

Felt

Felt is one of the more versatile roofing materials used mainly for flat roofs, garages and garden sheds. Roofing felt is normally installed by layering two to three layers of felting followed by a waterproofing material, such as tar, to form a watertight barrier.

This roofing material is suitable for small and large projects and can be fitted to flat, pitched or curved roofs. It can stand up to wet and windy conditions but does not cope well under UV light or high temperatures, which leads to longevity issues. It also required regular maintenance by skilled professionals, which can add to its lifetime cost. Recycling felt is difficult and transportation can be expensive.

Rubber

Like felt roofs, rubber, or EPDM roofs as they are also called, are more affordable than the other roofing materials. Rubber works well as an insulator keeping the warm in and cold out and is often made from recycled materials. However, as a roofing material rubber is not very durable and can be damaged by falling debris and will also need resealing through its lifetime.

At Keay Roofing services we have years of roofing experience and are very happy to help you with choosing the right roofing material for your project. We incorporate our years of roofing experience into our work, ensuring that the customer is always satisfied. We will always ensure that the materials we fit to your roof are of exceptional quality, we stick to deadlines and our customer service is second to none.

For more information on how we can help replace your roof, or for any other enquiries, please call us on 01753 358267 or request a quote.

This time of the year you most likely would have done an Autumn clear up in your garden, put your garden furniture in storage for the winter and cleared all the leaves and mowed your lawn for the last time until the Spring. How about your gutters? Have they been cleared from the leaves and moss ? If not, now is the best time to check your gutters before the winter weather kicks in.

You often don’t think about your guttering as they are “out of sight and out of mind”, but they have an important job to do to ensure the structural integrity of your house. If they are broken or clogged, the rainwater off your roof could cause serious issues, such as damp and even structural damage to your property. Because of this it’s a good idea to clean your gutters annually to keep them performing properly.

How to spot blocked or faulty guttering

To inspect your guttering, you could pop outside while it is raining. If you see any water running down the side of your house, then you may have an issue and your guttering could be blocked. The main cause of blocked guttering is debris such as fallen leaves or moss.

When your gutters become weighed down by debris and standing water this can cause water to spill over the edge when it is raining. The additional load this excess water creates can also impact on the integrity of your guttering system by placing extra load on brackets which, if lose or damaged, could come away altogether. If any part of your guttering system looks old, worn or lose now is also a good time to replace it.

Another problem with guttering is leaking joints, which is the most common cause of isolated damp in homes across the UK. Leaks can be caused by bits of debris, general wear and tear or poor installation.

As well as looking up, you can also examine how sturdy your gutters are by examining the downpipe on the ground. If anything feels lose you should be checking the condition of the gutters.

How to do it yourself

We recommend that you clear your gutters at least once a year. This is a job you can tackle yourself, but we do recommend approaching this with caution as working at heights is a common cause of accidents. Always make sure you have the correct equipment for the job and use a sturdy, stable ladder.

Wear suitable clothing. A top with long sleeves and rubber gloves.
Use a sturdy extendable ladder. Attaching ladder “horns” is also a good idea to keep the ladder from damaging the gutter.
Use a plastic tarpaulin spread out underneath where you’re working onto which you can dump leaves, moss and gunk.
Use your hands and/or a small plastic scoop to remove blockages.
Flush out your gutter and drainpipes with a garden hose once you’ve finished – this will also highlights any leaks.

How can we help?

If you feel uncomfortable doing this job yourself then a professional roofing company such as Keay Roofing can help.

We can help you look after your guttering by providing yearly clean ups, one off repairs or a full replacement service using cast iron, aluminum or UPVC in a variety of colourways to suit your home.

We undertake:

Regular gutter clear outs and unblocking
Replacing leaky or damaged gutter joints and parts
Gutter re-alignment
Damage repair including insurance work
In addition to gutter repairs we can also check and repair fascias (which gutters are attached to) and soffits, to ensure wood is not water damaged and vulnerable.

When replacing gutters, the installation can either be part of a new roofline system, with replacement UPVC or fascia and soffit boards, or simply new guttering fixed to the existing roofline.

For more information on our guttering services or to book a guttering clear out, please call 0800 1577424.

Ventilation moves air through your home helping to reduce moisture levels and the build up of condensation and damp. If your roof is poorly ventilated, excess moisture will soon start to build up and start to cause problems such as rot and mould. This can affect not only the structure of your roof, but also insulation material and personal items stored in your loft.

So if you start to notice any of the following signs of ventilation problems, now is the time to start taking some remedial action.

Wet or damp rafters
Musty smell
Mould build up
Swollen rafters
Rust to metal roofing components

To help set you along the right path of adequately ventilating your roof, here are just a few of the myths (and facts) you may face when tackling this task.

1. Ventilation Removes Warm Air During Winter

For some, the idea of ventilating the roof space can ring alarm bells as they believe they’ll lose precious warm air which should be warming their home during winter. However, this should not be a worry if your roof is properly insulated.

If your roof is under-insulated and under-ventilated, excess moisture can build up in your attic without being able to easily escape. The result is a roof that is steadily reducing in efficiency.

2. The More Ventilation, The Better

Ventilation vents are an essential part of every roof, but like most things, you need to have the right amount for your home. Having too many vents in your roof can increase the chances of water leaking into your loft space and causing damage. Not enough and moisture won’t be able to escape, leading to problems associated with condensation build up. The amount of ventilation required is dependent on your roof size, shape and material. To help make an informed decision on what’s right for you, speak to one of our experts here at Keay Roofing on 01753 358267.

3. Roof Vents are Only Suitable for Warmer Climates

This myth stems from the same idea as the one that says ventilation allows warm air to escape during winter. Whilst ventilation is important to help keep a house cool in the summer, other factors such as tiles, insulation, colour and sun exposure are equally important.

But it’s actually colder climates that benefit the most from an effective roofing ventilation system. As we heat our homes, more hot air is trapped under the roof space thanks to improved loft insulation. This means our roof spaces (above the insulating layer) are cooler than the rest of our homes, creating an environment that’s perfect for moisture and condensation to build up. Adequate ventilation will move this moisture laden air away from your roof.

4. Vents Are the Same as Ventilation

Despite being called vent-ilation, simply having vents does not mean you are ventilated! Ventilation is a carefully designed system that allows air and moisture to move away from your roof. If the system is simply a combination of vents with no thought or design, you could actually do more harm than good.

The most common form of roof ventilation in the UK are eaves vents and running vents.

Running vents – these run the full length of the soffit boards and are typically installed at the time the house was built.

Circular soffit vents – are little plastic vents cut into the soft boards. These are usually retrofitted to properties as part of remedial work such as installing additional loft insulation or fitting PVC eaves cladding.

Ventilation tiles/slates – are another means of providing extra ventilation to a property which had restricted ventilation at the time of construction.

Whatever type of ventilation your loft has, or type of vent you intend to add, it’s important to ensure your roof has adequate cross ventilation to ensure the wind draught has a separate entrance and exit point. This is usually achieved by fitting vents to opposite sides of your roof space.

For help with getting to grips with your ventilation system why not contact a member of our team? Please feel free to contact us on 01753 358267 or send us an enquiry.