Keay Roofing, Author at Keay Roofing Services

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.

Up to 30% of a home’s heat can disappear through the roof. But by tackling the easy task of insulating your loft, this heat loss can be reduced by up to 20%. The insulation itself should last for a good forty years, during which time it will pay for itself many times over. What’s more, you may also be eligible for a grant to pay for the materials. Whilst adding insulation is something that can be accomplished by a competent DIY-er, seeking professional help is recommended if you wish to board out your loft, or insulate a flat roof.

How Much Can I Save On My Roof?

By improving the insulation of your roof space, you can save cash and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. According to the Energy Saving Trust (2015), assuming a 270mm layer of insulation, a typical three bedroom semi will save about £140 in fuel bills a year. This also amounts to a saving of 590Kg of carbon dioxide a year.

In the case of a four bedroom detached house, you should be able to save £240 in bills and 1000Kg of carbon dioxide a year.

For a three bedroom mid-terrace house, the savings are approximately £135 in bills and 560Kg carbon dioxide a year.

In each case, you should get back the cost of installation in about two years (even without a grant).

Insulating a pitched roof

If you have a pitched roof and you can get in to the loft space, the easiest option is to lay rolls of insulation between the joists. Simply unroll the insulation and cut the roll to length with a large pair of scissors. This will help stop heat escaping from the living area of your home, but will leave the loft uninsulated.

Insulation should be placed over any water pipes or water tanks (to prevent freezing in winter), but under any electrical cables. If the insulation will not go under the cables, you will have to leave that part of the loft uninsulated. Do not put insulation over cables.

Rolls of insulation can be purchased made from rock wool or glass wool (this is the only type of insulation for which you can claim a grant) and come in a variety of widths to match your joist spacing. The first layer is laid between the joists and the next layer is laid at right angles to the first.

It is recommended that glass wool is laid to a depth of 270mm and rock wool to a depth of 250mm.

Most joists are 100mm (4 inches) deep, so you will need 100mm rolls for the first layer, and then lay 200mm rolls at right angles to bring you up to the recommended depth.

If you already have some insulation installed, this can be left so you only need to add extra to bring you up to the minimum depth.

Don’t forget to insulate the loft hatch, and put strips of draught excluder round the edge of the hatch to prevent draughts.

What do I do if I want to use my loft for storage?

If the loft has been insulated to a depth of 270mm, you won’t be able to fit floor boards as the insulation will be over the joists. To avoid compromising on the depth of insulation, and on storage space, plastic loft flooring legs can be purchased to raise the height of the floor by 175mm. Floor boards can then be laid over these.

If you do plan to board out your loft, make a point of using a felt pen to mark out the routes of any pipes or cables as you lay the floor, then you will know which ones to lift if you need to do any maintenance. You may also wish to avoid using tongue and groove boards, because if you do need to take one up, you’ll end up taking half the floor.

Converting a Loft Into Another Room

If the loft area is being converted into part of the living space, then you will need to insulate the roof itself, rather than the loft floor.

There are a number of options here, depending on the size and shape of the loft space. For example, insulation boards can be fitted between the rafters. These in turn can be covered in plasterboard.

Other options include polystyrene slabs fitted between the rafters, or expanding spray foam which can be used in the more inaccessible spaces.

It is important to leave adequate ventilation beneath the roof tiles, or else a build-up of condensation could cause the rafters to rot. Missing or slipped tiles should be replaced before any work is carried out.

Whilst carrying out this work yourself is possible, bringing in a professional roofing contractor will ensure that any changes are safe, sound and up to building regulations. For more information on loft conversions, please visit our dedicated loft conversion page.

Insulating a flat roof

There are three types of flat roof insulation available, warm deck, cold deck or inverted roof.

Warm deck insulation is fitted above the main roof structure (the deck), but under the weatherproof layer. This can consist of a rigid layer of insulation board laid on top of the deck, with a new weatherproof layer on top. This is the method usually preferred.

Cold deck insulation is fitted below the roof deck, leaving a gap between the insulation and the deck for ventilation.

Inverted roof insulation is fitted above the weatherproof layer. This is generally finished with a layer of gravel. This method of insulation can prolong the life of the roof deck and weatherproof membrane by protecting against weather extremes and mechanical damage.

All new flat roofs must be insulated to comply with building regulations, so it’s advisable to seek the help of a roofing contractor at this time.

For more information on flat roofs, please visit our dedicated flat roof page.

If you’re looking to make changes to your roof to improve insulation and energy efficiency, please feel free to give us a call. Keay Roofing Services are Competent Roofer, NRFC and Which? Trusted Trader qualified.

You can contact us for any queries you may have about your roof on 01753 358267

Having your roof replaced is a big investment, both in time and money. Because of this, there are a number of important factors to consider to ensure you get it right first time and minimise the risk of regular maintenance and repair bills.

Your Budget

The first step to any investment in a new roof is to understand how much it is likely to cost. Every aspect of your roof from your tiles to your insulation will come down to budget in one way or another. To keep within yours, it’s best to prioritise certain aspects that you need the most. From there, you can allocate your budget until you have a final maximum price that you are happy with.

The Location of Your Home

Where your home is situated can have a drastic effect on the type of roof you need. This is usually down to weather patterns in certain areas, so it is important to understand how different types of roofing material fare under different conditions. For example, whilst slate tiles may look great, how will they fare in areas known for high winds compared to lead roofing. Taking a bit of time to research roofing materials best suited to the needs of your geographic location will help you come to an educated decision as to the best materials to choose.

What Your New Roof will Look Like

Installing a new roof has the potential to drastically change the general appearance of your home. You should therefore try to match what you choose to the character of your home as much as possible. Every roofing material looks different and final choice can positively or negatively change your homes aesthetic. It’s advisable that choice of colours and finishes on roofing components such as tiles, shingles, fascias and guttering should match as closely as possible to your home’s overall style. This is especially important in older homes, where the classic architecture and authenticity must be protected.

Building Regulations

All new roofs or replacement roofs need to ensure their materials, dimensions and performance properties comply with Building Regulations standards for:

resisting weather
resisting the spread of fire from one property to another
supporting loads (weights)
energy efficiency (providing resistance to heat loss)
providing ventilation to protect from condensation
having adequate drainage

Pitched roofs and flat roofs have different regulations, as do new roofs (for example on new extensions) and replacement roofs, so it is important to understand which set of regulations apply to your particular project.

For example, if you are replacing a flat roof, you will likely need to upgrade your thermal insulation element to meet energy efficiency requirements. Whereas with a pitched roof, if your new roof is a different material to your original roof (e.g. tile to slate) then Building Regulations may require that you have to have the roof structure strengthened or modified to adequately meet the weight of the new material.

More details on planning permission and Building Regulations applicable to new and replacement roofs can be found here

Your Roofing Contractor

Taking the time to carefully plan your new roof is pointless if the contractor you choose is not up to scratch. You should always trust who is doing your work, or you may be paying out for repairs and maintenance for years to come. Always hire a qualified roofer, who is happy to show proof of their work.

At Keay Roofing Services, we pride ourselves on our services and aftercare. We are CompetentRoofer, Which? Trusted Trader, SafeContracter and NRFC approved. For more information on how we can help replace your roof, or for any other enquiries, please call us on 01753 358267 or send us an email.

During summer, you would be forgiven for not paying much attention to your roof. After all there aren’t any leaks so you must be fine, right? The fact is that whilst your roof may appear trouble free, there are often hidden problems which are best dealt with during the summer months.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a very important part of a healthy roof. Without it, excess moisture can build up in your attic which can cause your rafters to rot. Thanks to the additional heat from the summer sun, followed by cooler nights, your roof is likely to build up moisture. This makes it essential to have a good air flow, transporting moisture away from your roof.

To find out the current state of your roof ventilation, go up into your attic and check for damp spots, mould patches, and a musty smell. If you find any of these problems it’s best to call in a roofing expert, such as Keay Roofing Services, to do a more thorough investigation and provide advice on improving your ventilation.

Moss Growth

Moss growing on a roof is a common problem for many homes. Particularly those with a north facing roof or during cold wet summers. When left for too long, the moss can actually start to anchor itself to your tiles, making it harder to get off. When this happens, the moss can start to build up moisture which can have a damaging effect on your roof and even allow water to enter into your home.

If you feel like the moss on your roof is getting out of hand, you should never pressure wash it away. This course of action runs the risk of damaging shingles and tiles. Instead a professional roofer will be able to safely and effectively remove moss so your roof is transformed to its former glory.

UV Radiation

Your roof can take a real beating during the summer. It is constantly absorbing UV radiation, causing it to suffer sun damage as roof shingles dry out. These then become cracked and fall off. This leaves your roof with unsightly holes and no protection from the elements. This problem is usually associated with older roofs, and can often be a sign that they are in need of significant repair or replacement.

Wind And Rain

Despite summer offering plenty of sun, the weather can (and often does) take a turn for the worse. These changes are usually short, but can be significant enough to cause damage to your roof. When the wind changes sharply, any loose or unsecured tiles can fall off leaving a holes. When coupled with heavy summer showers or storms, this can let a lot of unwanted water into your attic.

After any summer storm, it is always advisable to check the integrity of your roof. This is to ensure it remains an efficient means of protecting your home.

Preventing Damage

To keep your roof problem free we advise undertaking the following checks each summer:

Look for for bumps, missing tiles, cracked shingles, broken gutters and areas for general maintenance.
Clean out your gutters regularly removing moss and leaves.
Check your attic for damp smells, mould patches, and ventilation problems.

For more information about dealing with roofing problems, please feel free to give us a call. Keay Roofing Services are Competent Roofer, NRFC and Which? Trusted Trader qualified.

You can contact us for any queries you may have about your roof on 01753 358 267 or send us an enquiry.

When extending your home, or replacing an existing roof, one of the main considerations is what type of roof to use. Not only does your choice have an impact on the finished aesthetic, but your budget, your roof’s lifespan and likely need for repair.

The two most popular choices are flat roofs and pitched roofs. Each of which comes with their own pros and cons, which may sway your decision when choosing which roof is best for a new extension or replacing an existing roof.

Flat Roofing

Flat roofing is exactly that. Instead of having a raised middle covered in shingles or tiles that transport water towards gutters, it is a flat area with a slight camber that allows water to drain off into a gutter system. It’s covered in a protective water proof membrane that can be made of either roofing felt or a more modern synthetic rubber bonding.

Pros of Flat Roofing

Simple Design

Flat roofs are perfect for smaller structures such as garages, conservatories or small extensions. It consists of a horizontal layer that is fixed to supporting foundations and has a waterproof layer on top (usually roofing felt). Despite being called a “flat roof”, it does have a small angle to stop water puddling after rain and allow it to drain off.

Cost Effective

Flat roofing is likely to be the most cost effective form of roofing on the market. During construction, it uses less raw materials and time to build. Most flat roofing projects can be completed in a single day, making it cost effective as well as time efficient.

Creates Additional Space

If you decide you want to have a flat roof installed, it can help build a lot of usable free space. For example, you can use the terrace for a rooftop garden. The possibilities are endless provided you implement the proper structural and safety procedures.

Safer For Repairs

Flat roofs also only have a small slope to prevent puddling, which means being on the roof is much safer than a pitched roof when carrying out inspections, repairs and maintenance.

Cons of Flat Roofing

High Degree Of Ongoing Maintenance

Unfortunately flat roofs need to be monitored for problems quite regularly. This is because it is not as efficient at transporting water away from the roof where it can puddle and cause problems. Tears, rips and blistering can easily occur and need early identification and repair to ensure the roof remains watertight. Even with a regular servicing and maintenance regime, your flat roof will likely only last you ten to fifteen years. This can be off-putting for homeowners who do not want to pay for a flat roof re-fit, or are looking to sell their homes.

Pitched Roofing

Pitched roofing is the standard style of roof you see on houses. It consists of a sloped area on the roof of the house that efficiently transports water towards guttering systems.

Advantages of Pitched Roofs

A Longer Lifespan

Compared to flat roofs, pitched roofs will last considerably longer. The lifespan will vary depending on the material used, but some may last well over fifty years. These typically hard wearing roofing materials include: slate, tile, and asphalt. Pitched roofs are also better insulated, protecting your home from extremes in temperature as well as possible water damage.

Can Be Used For Loft Conversions

A loft conversion changes your roof space from storage into a usable room. Not all houses are able to have installed roofs, but at least with a pitched roof you have the option. In addition to bringing additional living space, a loft conversion adds value to your home when you come to time when you wish to sell it. For more information on loft conversions, please visit our dedicated loft conversion page.

Adds Natural Character

A pitched roof can actually help your home blend in with the character of an area and its surrounding homes. This is because most houses these days have pitched roofs, and by not having one you could be diminishing the character of your own. By fitting seamlessly with the surrounding houses, you are ensuring that your home does not look less-than-perfect when compared to your neighbours.

Cons of Pitched Roofs

More Expensive

Pitched Roofs are not a cheap option when it comes to roofing your home. The increased materials, labour and design, mean you will pay more than you would for a flat roof. However, this is part and parcel of ensuring your home works efficiently at keeping the weather out, the warmth in, keeping repairs and maintenance to a minimum, whilst also looking good.

Increased Pressure On Your Homes Foundations

The weight of a pitched roof is greater than that of a flat roof which places an increased burden on your foundations. If replacing a flat roof with a pitched roof this could mean that the depth of your footings become lower than before you had the roof installed. This could lead to a number of costly problems such as jammed doors, windows sticking, and cracks in your walls. Because of these problems, it is not always an option to replace a flat roof with a pitched roof without first seeking the advice of an expert.

For more information, a free no-obligation quote or details of the logistics of installing or replacing a flat or pitched roof, please contact Keay Roofing on 01753 358267 or send us an enquiry.

Now that Spring is upon us, many of us feel the urge to undertake the annual big clean of the house. You would be forgiven for only focussing on the dusty cabinets inside your home. However, it’s important not to neglect the most important part of any property, the part that protects your home from the weather. Your roof.

Spring is one of the best times to do some basic chores for your roof, as winter can leave your gutters blocked and your shingles cracked. So here are the Keay Roofing Spring cleaning tips, to ensure it remains in good condition for the year ahead.

Ensure Your Own Safety

Before undertaking any roof cleaning or repairs it’s vitally important to ensure your safety. Being up on your roof is not the same as walking through your home. There are many hidden dangers, that can cause serious harm to you if you do not follow proper health and safety guidance.

If you’re undertaking repairs we recommend that you equip yourself properly to tackle the task ahead. We recommend that fixed scaffolding is correctly erected to provide a solid platform from which to work. If your work involves using a secured ladder on a pitched roof, we recommend that you wear some form of additional personal fall protection, anchored to a suitable point to protect you in case of a fall or other accident.

Wearing the proper clothing is also important. Sturdy footwear with soles that grip is essential, as are hard hats, high vis clothing and protective equipment such as safety gloves, goggles and face masks.

Using a tool belt is also a good way to keep tools secure from falling from the roof and harming those below, whilst keeping equipment you’ll need easily to hand.

Before you go up to your roof, it would be wise to balance the risk with the reward. If you believe it would be safer for a qualified professional to do the job for you, Keay Roofing Services are here to help. We are a professional team of roofers, who value customer satisfaction above all else. If you would like to know more about our roof repairs and maintenance, please call our helpline on 0800 1577 424.

Clearing Your Guttering

Your gutters are installed to transport water away from your home and into the drainage system, but what happens when they are blocked?

During winter, your guttering is likely to catch dead leaves, debris and roof moss which can cause a blockage. This means that, during a rainstorm, your gutters will not work efficiently. This in turn could lead to the blockage causing a dam effect, pooling water in your gutters. This water will start to put a major strain on your guttering, with a total guttering collapse as a worst-case scenario.

Another problem that may come from blocked guttering is water overflowing from your gutters and pooling around the foundations of your home. This can lead to the water seeping into cracks, and freezing during a cold snap. When this happens, the cracks in your foundations can grow, until they are a serious cause for concern.

Look for Broken Tiles Or Shingles

Tiles and shingles protect your roof from weather damage, and help guide rain water towards your guttering. During particularly bad weather spells, they may become broken or dislodged. Leading to a drastic decline in the efficiency of your roof at keeping out rain.

When your roof is missing tiles or shingles, or if they have cracked, it allows rain to penetrate the weatherproof barrier into your loft. Rain water is also able to soak your rafters, which in turn can cause them to rot. This means serious structural problems.

If you spot any broken or missing tiles or shingles, it is important that you call an expert right away. Keay Roofing Services can source the problem, and carry our effective repairs or replacement to ensure your roof remains an effective barrier against the Great British weather.

Remove Moss From Your Roof

Moss is not directly linked to roof problems, but can be unsightly as well as mask real problems like broken or missing shingles. Spring is as good a time as any to remove moss from your roof, and it is important to remove it correctly.

You should never use a pressure washer when removing roof moss. If you do, you could damage the shingles underneath by wearing away the top layer. This makes them easier to crack in bad weather, reducing the efficiency of your roof.

There are a few different ways you can remove roof moss including using chemical moss killers or removing it by hand. But each should be handled with care in order not to damage the tiles below.

If you want the job done properly, you should always call a specialist. We have a team on hand that can get the job done quickly and efficiently, leaving your roof looking as good as the first day it was installed. For more information about moss removal, please visit our moss removal page.

Check Your Chimney

Inspecting the structural soundness of a chimney can be difficult to do as it often involves having to go up on your roof to check for damage.

Cracks, gaps, wear and tear will have the same effect on your home as a missing shingle, and will reduce the efficiency of your roof and allow water into your home. In the worst case, severe wearing of the structural elements could lead to a chimney collapse.

Your chimney is made of a number of components and all need checking to ensure it’s weatherproof and that the structural integrity is not being compromised. This includes the chimney pot, the flaunching (the part that covers the chimney stack which supports the pots), the chimney stack itself and the flashings and back gutter (which provide a watertight seal around the base of the stack and the roof itself).

Checking your chimney can be a hard task, and fixing it should only be handled by professionals. If you would like to know more about the types of problems your chimney can suffer from, and how Keay Roofing can help, please take a look at our chimney repair service.

Your roof can take a beating over the Winter, so why not take some time over Spring to show it some TLC? These are a few ways to do that yourself. If you believe a professional job would have a better effect, then please don’t hesitate to call Keay Roofing Services. We are a professional roofing company that always put our customers first. For more information, please call our Freephone on 0800 1577 424 or send us an email.

Your roofline is a series of boards that run along the space that connects your roof to your walls. It’s made up of several different parts including fascias, soffits, bargeboards, capping boards and guttering.

Each of these does a slightly different job, but all are equally important in weatherproofing your home, preventing leaks and problems with water damage.

Fascias

A fascia is a board that is installed at the front and rear of your house. It is fitted onto the bottom edge of your roof. It’s main jobs are to hold roof tiles in place, create a solid foundation for guttering, and protect your rafters from absorbing water (which can lead to damp and rot). Fascias need to be of a high quality, to ensure that they can deal with the demands of their job.

Soffits

Your soffits sit behind your fascias, so can be pretty hard to see. To get a good look, you will probably have to stand right up against your wall, and look up. Their main roles are to protect your rafter ends from moisture and dampness, and also to seal any spaces that will allow birds or rodents to infiltrate your roof space. Soffits also play an important part in your roof ventilation, ensuring a movement of air through your roof space to help prevent damp, which can lead to rot.

Bargeboards

Your bargeboards are effectively the same as your fascias, but sit on the diagonal edge of your home. They work the same way as your standard fascias, offering the same protection to your rafters and helping to weatherproof your home. They do not provide any structural support as they do not hold the weight of your guttering.

Guttering

Guttering is the system used to transport water away from your home when it rains. It consists of a set of pipes, which picks up water falling from your roof and leads it to your drains. Guttering is anchored to your fascias, so replacing one can sometimes mean replacing the other. It is usually made from cast iron, or lighter uPVC. Both of these materials are used because of their strength and durability, a necessary trait when holding gallons of water at a time.

Traditionally, elements of your roofline were made from wooden boards, which required regular maintenance and painting to maintain their weatherproofing. The trouble with this is that wood tends to rot, so a more modern alternative has been to use uPVC boards. These boards do not rot, and require far less maintenance in order to continue working efficiently.

Your roofline is an important barrier, protecting your home from potential weather damage. If you believe any part of yours could do with a service, or that it needs replacing, please feel free to give Keay Roofing a call. Call us on 01753 358267 or speak to us on live chat.

Lead roofing is one of the oldest roofing techniques currently used today. Leads durability, reliability, malleability and longevity has ensured it remains a popular choice of roofing material to this day.

Available in three main forms, lead roofing is suitable for a wide range of roofing projects:

Sand cast lead roofing is the ideal solution for historical renovations, for example a church roof.
Milled lead is better for precision in homes and commercial buildings.
Machine cast lead roofing is mass produced and offers a similar finish to milled lead, but at a more cost effective price.

As well as being used for a variety of roofing applications including:

Flashing
Cladding
Guttering
Chimneys
Roof coverings
Guttering
Waterproofing

Advantages of Lead Roofing

Lead is a great material for roofing because of how easily it expands and contracts with the temperature. This makes it a very reliable roofing material because it can match the constant changes in temperature during the day.

Because of this ability, lead flashing can act as a barrier against rain and moisture for a lot longer than standard flashing. This in turn protects key roofing components such as the timber or joints from the weather.

Lead roofing is also very malleable, which means that it can be bent and moved into new shapes to fit different purposes. This allows it to help a variety of different roofing projects and designs. This manipulation of lead to be used for roofing is a method known as dressing.

As well as benefiting the waterproofing of your home, lead roofing is one of the most environmentally friendly building materials available. It’s energy efficient as most standard lead roofing has an energy rating of A to A+. Lead also has a considerably smaller carbon footprint compared to most other building materials.

The Lead Roofing Association, one of the most influential professional partners in the lead roofing industry, have produced a short film ‘The Truth About Lead’ which explains the findings of a recent study into how lead roofing can improve a building’s carbon footprint.

In summary:

Lead has an established recycling infrastructure, which cuts out on waste products
Lead has a much lower carbon footprint when compared with other hard metals
The long-life span of lead complies with Euro code requirements, which is perfect for architects
Lead is not impacted by cold or wet weather, so roofing projects will not run over
The lifespan of lead is thought to be around three times longer than other flashing products.

For more information about this research please visit www.leadsheet.co.uk/research-summary

Lead roofing is a useful roofing material that can help you lower your carbon footprint. If you believe that your home could benefit from lead roofing, then please feel free to give Keay Roofing a call. We are a professional roofing company that caters to the needs of our client in any way we can. Feel free to give us a call on 01753 358267 or send us an enquiry.

Your roof is your homes first line of defence against the weather. If there is a problem with your roof, then your entire home is at risk from potential water damage. There are other risks as well, including the possibility of birds or bugs exploiting the gap in your defences, and making a home in your roof. Either way, a problem with your roof can lead to a costly fix.

Here are ten of the most common roofing problems that we know can lead to serious problems if not identified and fixed early.

1. Faulty Installation

Poorly installed roofs are much more likely to see problems sooner rather than later.

Incorrect tile placement can allow water to enter through the spaces and cause leaks and damage to your roof and roof space. Nails placed in the wrong place, or too few used to hold down the tiles, can result in tiles slipping and breaking, particularly during bad weather. Guttering installed incorrectly can misdirect water to areas where it can cause damage. Flashing that’s meant to protect valleys and protrusions like vents and chimneys can cause water to leak into your home if not fitted properly.

To avoid these problems always make sure you have your roof installed by reputable roofing contractors. Look for assurances such as CheckaTrade reviews, Which Trusted Trader and Competent Roofer accreditation.

2. Moisture and Water Damage

Moisture can find its way through gaps and cracks in your roof and seep into walls and floors. This can be a costly fix not just for your roof, but also other areas of your home. Moisture damage can occur due to a number of reasons, but is generally down to gaps in your defences such as missing tiles, or puncture damage on flat roofs and protective membranes. This makes your roof ineffective against adverse weather such as rain, snow, or sleet.

3. Damage from Trees

Overhanging trees can be a big problem for your roof. Not only is there the danger that a strong wind will blow it over, but its branches can rub on your roof tiles which can wear away the top layer. This means the tiles are much more likely to succumb to weather damage, and general wear and tear. If you have a tree with limbs that hang over your roof, you should get a professional tree surgeon to clip back overhanging branches.

4. Pooling Water

Pooling water is a sign that your roof is not performing efficiently. A roof in proper working order will transport rain water away from your home, and into drainage pipes. If your roof is not transporting water away and it starts to pool, it will increase the load that your roof has to bear. When left alone, pooling water can cause the load to exceed the overall threshold of your roof and possibly lead to a collapse.

If you are currently suffering from this problem, it is advisable that you call in a professional roofing company to carry out a thorough assessment of why pooling water is occurring.

5. Improperly Installed Flashing

Your roof flashing is the sealant that protects areas of your roof that are susceptible to weather damage. They are exceptionally efficient at protecting joints from water damage, and maintaining water tightness in your roof. Without flashing, water can effectively pour straight into your home, which can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage. If you do not have flashing installed, or it is installed by an amateur, then your roof’s effectiveness will be compromised.

6. Punctures and Penetrations

Extreme weather conditions (such as wind or hail) can puncture and penetrate your roofing material, creating entry points for moisture to seep into your home. It is important to check your roofing material regularly for any holes or gaps to avoid the water damage that can occur as a result.

7. Poor Ventilation

Most roofs have a space near the base (near the soffits) and at the top (near the ridge) to provide ventilation for the warm air that naturally rises.

A poorly ventilated roof means that the moisture and temperature in your roof are unregulated, which can lead to serious problems. Moisture and temperature build up can cause damage to the components of your roof, lead to a build-up of mold and mildew, and even have an effect on your energy costs.

8. Membrane Shrinkage

Below your roof tiles, there is a roof membrane that acts as a barrier against extreme temperature and UV light, whilst also helping to resist puncture damage. This protective membrane can shrink when over exposed to UV light, which leads to cracks, blisters, and ridges in your roof tiles.

There are a number or reasons that roofing membrane shrinks, but these mainly centre around what the membrane is made of, the way it was designed, and the way it was installed. The most effective way to find out if your roof membrane is shrinking is to look for any roof shingles that have started to come away from your roof, or get a qualified professional to come and take a look.

9. Blocked Drainage

Your drainage system is designed to transport water from your roof to your drains. This plays a very important part in maintaining your roof, as it prevents pooling which could lead to a roof collapse if left unchecked. Blocked drains and guttering are usually caused by a build up of fallen leaves, dirt, dust and silt. It is therefore important to check your gutters regularly, and even more so during the autumn months when we see the most falling leaves.

10. Lack of Proper Maintenance

If there is one sure-fire way to ensure that your roof will have problems at some point in the future, it is by neglecting to maintain it. Many major problems start out small, and can be easily fixed with a simple roof servicing, or by noticing the problem early on.

It is important to do a regular routine inspection of your roof to look for problems like missing, loose or broken tiles, a build up of moss or puncture holes in the roof tiles. This does not mean going up to your roof and checking each individual tile, but being able to spot problems from the ground and call a professional in to fix them.

The number one way to prevent roofing problems from seriously affecting your home is by having a professional roofing contractor perform a full assessment of your roof. This will highlight any small problems your roof may have and fix them before they really do some damage to your home.

For more information about how a full roof service can help, or if you would like to book a roof service, please contact Keay Roofing Services on 01753 359267 or send us an enquiry.

Winter is cold. As the sun gets lower and sets earlier, the wind can really start to put a chill in your bones. This is why having a roof over your head is so important, as it keeps heat within your house and stops it escaping. Your roof is also your first line of defence against horrible winter rain and storms. In short it has a pretty impressive list of jobs that it does to keep you comfortable.

The trouble is that years of weather cycles can take a toll on your home, so it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of danger. Here are some tips to keep in mind regarding your roof this winter.

Problems Inside Your Home

If there is a problem with your roof, you will see some clear signs from within your home. Any leaks, water damage, or general dampness in your ceilings are a tell-tale sign that there is a broken or missing tile. The quicker you find the problem; the less damage will be inflicted so it is important to stay vigilant against any indication of damage.

Visual Check

This is where things can get a bit dangerous. Doing a full inspection of your roof yourself can be beneficial as you can assess any damages and make a decision yourself. Unfortunately, this can mean going on the roof which can be slippery, especially during the winter when rain is never far from the forecast. In these situations we always recommend bringing in a professional who has been trained and has the specialist equipment to carry out a safe assessment.

Most of the time you should be able to do an adequate visual check from the ground. Signs to look for are things like animal damage, debris, and broken or missing tiles. You should also check the floor around your home for any signs of slipped or broken tiles, or moss, as this can be a sign on a problem with your roof.

Clogged Gutters

As autumn turns to winter and leaves start to fall, you may find that your gutters aren’t transporting water away from your home. This is probably due to debris and leaves from trees and bushes clogging up your guttering. This small issue can turn into a large one, as standing water will put stress on your gutters which may not be able to take the added weight. This could lead it to break, which will mean rain water will not move away from your home.

Keeping your gutters clear is an annoying job, but it is important that it is regularly attended too. You should also exercise caution and take proper safety procedures when using a ladder. Or call in the roofers to help clear your gutters safely.

Annual Roof Check

Having your roof inspected by a professional should be done before the winter comes around. It is much better to stop a problem before it starts than to fix one once it is too late. At Keay Roofing Services, our trained professionals will ensure that every nook and cranny of your roof is checked over for any faults. We can also repair any damage that we find right there and then. This gives you piece of mind and ensures that your home is safe from the winter.

Being pro-active in checking your roof is the first step to preventing water damage. This in turn could save you a lot of money in the long run. For more information about how to protect your roof this winter, please contact Keay Roofing Services on 0800 1577424 or send us an enquiry form.