Your chimney is a home feature that probably gets forgotten about. If you’re lucky enough to own a working fireplace or stove, then you’re likely to light your fire during the winter and not worry about the channel that the smoke travels through. The trouble is, chimneys can get weather worn, and the signs that your chimney may not be as safe as you thought. Here are some not so obvious signs for you to look out for that indicate your chimney needs replacing.

Spalling Bricks

This problem is a bit easier to spot than some of the others. Spalling occurs when moisture enters the brickwork of your chimney, and starts to force to surface of the masonry off. This can be pretty simple to spot as bits of your chimney will be falling away. If you don’t get this problem fixed, your chimney will continue to erode until the structure collapses on itself.

Rusted Damper

Moisture in a fireplace is an obvious flaw. One of the easiest ways to tell if you have moisture in your chimney is to check the damper or firebox for rust. Rusting can cause some serious problems, including causing your flue tiles to crack which in turn can be a serious fire hazard. If your flue tiles do not work as they should due to rusting, your chimney will begin to allow heat to vulnerable areas which can result in a house fire.

Damaged Mortar Joints

The mortar is what holds the entire chimney together, and is an added layer of protection against moisture damage. Unfortunately mortar damage can be hard to spot as you need to be as close as possible to your chimney to really inspect it. If your chimney has mortar damage, it exposes the bricks to moisture damage that can cause cracks. As water freezes and thaws in the bricks, it will cause the cracks to get larger. Eventually the damage will get so severe that your chimney could collapse.

Flue Tiles Coming Away

Flue tiles are one of the most important safety features your chimney possesses. They protect vulnerable parts of your chimney for excessive heat which could otherwise cause a house fire. A big indicator that your flue tiles are cracked or broken is that you will find thin slices of your chimney tile in your hearth. If you want to properly inspect your flue tiles, you will have to hire a professional chimney sweep to use lower a camera and spotlight any problems.

Cracked Chimney Crown

Checking for a cracked chimney crown is another job that requires a trip to your roof. Your chimney crown is the first line of defence against the weather, so it is important that it is in a good condition. Like the mortar joints, the chimney crown can be susceptible to cracks which grow larger thanks to water freezing and thawing in them. When the cracks become too large, moisture will start to seep into the chimney which can cause tile deterioration and spalling. To prevent cracks appearing, you should weatherproof your chimney crown, as it will also be weatherproofing your chimney as well.

Ensuring that your chimney is in top working condition is important. Staying vigilant in looking out for the signs of chimney damage reduces any risk, no matter how small, of a house fire. The best way to do this is to regularly have your chimney cleaned and inspected regularly. For any more information about the signs of chimney damage, please feel free to contact Keay Roofing on 01753 358267.

Industrial roofs can be built using composite panels, pre-cast galvanised roofs, fibre cement sheets and industrial cladding.

The supporting structure of an industrial roof usually comprises beams that are long and of strong, fairly rigid material such as timber, and since the mid 19th century, cast iron or steel. In countries that use bamboo extensively, the flexibility of the material causes a distinctive curving line to the roof, characteristic of Oriental architecture.

Timber lends itself to a great variety of roof shapes. The timber structure can fulfil an aesthetic as well as practical function, when left exposed to view.

Stone lintels have been used to support roofs since prehistoric times, but cannot bridge large distances. The stone arch came into extensive use in the ancient Roman period and in variant forms could be used to span spaces up to 140 feet (43m) across. The stone arch or vault, with or without ribs, dominated the roof structures of major architectural works for about 2,000 years, only giving way to iron beams with the Industrial Revolution and the designing of such buildings as Paxton’s Crystal Palace, completed 1851.

With continual improvements in steel girders, these became the major structural support for large roofs, and eventually for ordinary houses as well.

Another form of girder is the reinforced concrete beam, in which metal rods are encased in concrete, giving it greater strength under tension.

We provide all type of Industrial roof installation from composite panels to pre-cast galvanised roofs, repairs, and maintenance.

Leaking and damaged garage roofs cause many problems not just structurally, but to contents kept inside.

Keay Roofing are a local company offering a quick and easy garage roof replacement and repair service to customers across the Thames Valley.

Offering a roof replacement service we strip old worn material and replace with new felt, fascias and roofing material of your choice.

You can either replace like for like or choose from a wide range of flat roofing or tiling options.

Choosing Keay Roofing you can be assured of a professional, courteous approach and exceptional finish that will last for years to come.

Garage roof repairs

With regular repair and maintenance your garage roof will remain as good as new.

Our team of roofers are ready to assist with:

  • Removing moss and algae
  • Dealing with damp and mould
  • Repairing rips and tears
  • Fixing leaking flashings
  • Replacing lost tiles

To request a quote for a replacement garage roof or to book a repair please call Keay Roofing on freephone 0800 157 7424 or 01753 358267

Just so you know, we operate across Berkshire, including Maidenhead, Ascot, Marlow, Stoke Poges, Eton and Beaconsfield.

Conservatory Roof Replacement

Whether you want to refresh the look of your conservatory, or where damage to the tiles of your conservatory roof is too extensive to repair, a replacement roof from Keay Roofing Services is the ideal choice.

By choosing to replace an old, worn, leaking roof with fresh new tiles you’re ensuring your conservatory remains safe, dry and warm for many years to come.

Not only will a new tiled conservatory roof look great, but with improved insulating properties it can help reduce the costs of heating bills.

With a wide range of roof styles and tile finishes available we’re confident of replacing your roof with one that will enhance both the value and aesthetics of your home.

With a new conservatory roof you’ll enjoy:

  • A space you can continue to use all year round
  • An attractive addition to your home
  • Increased property value
  • Your choice of roof style and finish
  • Savings on energy bills with improved insulation

Tiled conservatory roof repairs

Keeping the tiles on your conservatory roof in tip top condition helps stop small problems developing into expensive repairs.

To ensure your roof remains as good as the day it was installed, we offer a conservatory roof repair and maintenance service to fix loose tiles, mend leaks, clear guttering and maintain woodwork.

To request a quote for a replacement conservatory roof or to book a repair please call Keay Roofing on 0800 157 7424.

Loft Conversions

Extend your living space and add value to your home with a professional loft conversion from Keay Roofing Services.

Whether you’re looking to add a new bedroom with luxurious en-suite facilities, create a home office or games room for the kids, or a home cinema for the whole family, we have the experience to turn your dreams into a reality.

From liaising with and organising architects, planners and building contractors, we make sure the whole process of converting your loft into a living space runs smoothly, on time, to budget and with respect for your home and your neighbours.

We’re experienced in converting loft spaces in homes across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. We’ve built everything from dormer loft conversions on terraced Victorian properties in Newbury, to adding valuable new living areas for owners of bungalows in Reading by extending up into free roof space.

What’s more we’re specialists in working on listed buildings, and those in conservation areas, and understand the practicalities of complying with the necessary regulations for converting these types of properties.

If you’re looking for loft conversion ideas or simply an indication of how much it will cost, please give us a call on 0800 1577424 or 01753 358267. At your request, we will visit your home at a convenient time to assess your space and provide a free estimate based on your requirements. 

Will my loft conversion require planning permission?

We can advise you on this but depending on the size of your loft and your plans for converting/extending it, you may not need planning permission under permitted development rights. The government’s planning portal explains more.

Where planning permission is not required, we will secure a Certificate of Lawful Development to remove any ambiguity as to whether building work carried out is lawful and meets permitted development conditions.

Why will I need building regulations approval?

All loft conversions require building regulations approval which takes around four weeks from time of submission depending on your type of property. The buildings regulation officers are there to help and to make sure that

  • the structural strength of the new floor is sufficient
  • the stability of the structure (including the existing roof) is not endangered
  • there is safe escape from fire
  • there are safely designed stairs to the new floor
  • there is reasonable sound insulation between the conversion and the rooms below.

If you’re considering a loft conversion it makes perfect sense to hire a roofer such as Keays Roofing Services. After all, we know roofs! Please call 0800 1577424 or 01753 358267 to arrange a site visit and get an idea of costs.

Aesthetically pleasing, and extremely hard wearing, a new slate roof transforms any home and brings with it many practical advantages.

Why Choose Slate Tiles

Slate is an exceptional roofing material and is one of the most effective ways of protecting your home.

With a water absorption index of less than 0.4%, slate is incredibly resilient to frost damage and freezing. Whilst also being highly resistant to acids, alkali’s and other chemicals, it is colour-fast and non-fading, even in UV light.

As well as being one of the most durable and reliable tiling options around, slate boasts a range of advantages over other forms of tiles:

Advantages of Slate Roofs

  • A beautiful natural finish – natural slate comes in a rich array of colours, sizes and thickness which gives a beautiful unique look to every roof.
  • Value adding – the visual appeal and known reliability of slate roofing adds value to any home.
  • Long life – naturally hard wearing, slate roofs easily last anywhere between 100 and 150 years if properly installed and maintained.
  • Fire resistant – slate is one of the most naturally fire resistant materials making it a perfect choice if there is risk of air borne sparks from fireworks, wildfires or nearby house fires.
  • Weather resistant – the hard surface and weight of this natural stone make them ideal for combating bad weather conditions including high winds and heavy rains.
  • Environmentally friendly – if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your home, slate is 100% eco-friendly.
  • Low maintenance – because of the hard wearing nature of slate it very rarely needs the hefty repairs clay tile roofs require.

Installing a slate roof

The installation of a slate roof shouldn’t be taken lightly.

When installing a slate roof it’s always advisable to seek the help of a professional slate roofing contractor. Their expertise is vital to ensuring that the structural support is sufficient to support the weight. Slate tiles are very heavy (much heavier than clay tiles) and a roof that has not been thoroughly checked might not be able to support the weight.

Slate tiles also require shaping by hand to ensure they fit specific roof measurements. This type of tile also has the potential to break when stepped on, making installation an impractical task for many and best handled by an expert to ensure the best fit and finish. Once installed professionally, a slate roof will provide many years of reliability and safety, with very little maintenance.

Slate Roof Repairs

Slate is sometimes referred to as ‘The Hundred Year Roof’ due to its long life. But that does not mean that slate tiles will not occasionally become damaged. If you notice any cracked, broken, loose or missing slates they should be replaced immediately to protect your home from water leaks and stop precious heat escaping.

At Keay Roofing services we understand that a few cracked tiles do not warrant a whole new roof. Our experienced roofing contractors will be able to replace your broken slates quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your home remains 100% protected.

Why Keay Roofing Services

At Keay Roofing services we incorporate our years of roofing experience into our work, ensuring that the customer is always satisfied. We will always ensure that the slate tiles we fit to your roof are of exceptional quality, we stick to deadlines and our customer service is second to none.

If you are interested in having a slate tile roof installed, or your existing slate roof has some tiles that are broken or missing, then please feel free to give us a call on 01753 358267 for a free quote.

Alternatively you can click the link to the right and fill in the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Tiled Roofs

At Keay Roofing Services we know tiles. Richard could talk about them for hours. And if you’ve ever seen one of our roofs being tiled then you too will appreciate the team’s skill and approach.

As a process how we tile hasn’t changed in hundreds of years: roof tiles are ‘hung’ from the wooden framework of a roof by fixing them with nails. Tiles are usually hung in parallel rows, with each row overlapping the row below it to exclude rainwater and to cover the nails that hold the row below. There are also roof tiles for special positions, particularly where the planes of the several pitches meet. They include ridge, hip and valley tiles.

We take great care when we recommend a tile for your new roof – whether it’s to match your existing tiles or create a new look for your house.

Your choice of roof tile

A large number of shapes (or “profiles”) of roof tiles have evolved. These include:

Flat tiles – the simplest type, which are laid in regular overlapping rows. An example of this is the clay-made “beaver-tail” tile (German Biberschwanz), common in Southern Germany. Flat roof tiles are usually made of clay but also may be made of stone, wood, plastic, concrete, or solar cells.

Roman tiles – flat in the middle, with a concave curve at one end at a convex curve at the other, to allow interlocking.

Pantiles with an S-shaped profile, allowing adjacent tiles to interlock. These result in a ridged pattern resembling a ploughed field. An example of this is the “double Roman” tile, dating from the late 19th century in England and USA.

Mission or barrel tiles are semi-cylindrical tiles laid in alternating columns of convex and concave tiles. Originally they were made by forming clay around a curved surface, often a log or the maker’s thigh. Today barrel tiles are mass produced from clay, metal, concrete or plastic.

Interlocking roof tiles are similar to pantile with side and top locking to improve protection from water and wind.

At Keay Roofing Services we know our tiles. If you’d like to talk tiles too and get a quotation for your new roof, please call us on 0800 1577424.

Flat Roofs

Need a new flat roof or an old one replaced?  You have found a fast, reliable and cost-effective flat roofing contractor that can help.

New Flat Roofs

At Keay Roofing Services we install new flat roofing on porches, dormers and balconies as well as sheds, garages and extensions. We know how to achieve a perfectly smooth finish, with no warps or shallow patches, and can guarantee exceptional customer service from start to finish.

Our flat roof options range from the traditional hot bitumen to the newer more advanced Firestone flat roofing system, which comes with a 20 year manufacturer’s guarantee. We also offer non-slip options for balconies.

If you’re not sure what’s best for your project, we’re happy to advise on the most appropriate material based on required performance and your budget.

To request a no-obligation survey and quote call Keay Roofing on 0800 157 7424 or 01753 358 267.

Flat Roof Replacement

Where a flat roof has deteriorated to a state where it requires replacing, we offer a complete strip and replace service. We will remove old worn materials, repair damage to structural supports and build a new flat roof from the material of your choice.

Felt Flat Roof

Versatile and strong, bitumen waterproof felt roofing is extremely effective at withstanding the effects of rain and sun. Suitable for small garages to large warehouses, felt roofing remains a popular, cost effective choice.

Fibreglass Flat Roofing

Also known as Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP), fibreglass flat roofing is quick and easy to install and can last for over 30 years. A bit more expensive than other options, the benefit is in its strength, looks and resistance to most forms of damage.

Rubber Flat Roofing

Rubber flat roofing is a popular choice for those concerned with the aesthetics of their new roof, as it can often be installed in one complete layer without the need for joins. Extremely light weight, elastic and strong it is ideal for a wide range of roofs.

Why Keay Roofing

At Keay Roofing Services we incorporate our years of roofing experience into every piece of work we do.  We ensure that the customer is always satisfied, that the materials we use are of the highest quality and our team of roofers stick to deadlines and individual customer’s wishes.

Having worked on many homes in Windsor, Eton, Marlow, Maidenhead, Beaconsfield and beyond, we have built a reputation for being the local, trusted, reliable and efficient roofing contractor in Berkshire.

To request a quote for a new or replacement flat roof from Keay Roofing Services call us on 0800 157 7424 or 01753 358 267.

Do you need professional moss removal?

Let Keay Roofing Services do this messy task for you: remove weight, keep gutters clear, and extend the life of your roof.

Moss can be a beautiful addition to your garden, but when it starts growing on your roof, it becomes a problem. Not only is moss ugly to look at, but it can also cause damage to your roof. If you’re dealing with moss on your roof, don’t worry – we’re here to help. Uncontrolled moss on your roof can cause serious damage that leads to costly repairs. With our help, you can keep your roof moss-free and extend the life of your home.

The Problem With Moss

Moss is a very common problem for homes and is generally found in damp places that receive low levels of sunlight; it especially likes north facing roofs. Whilst it may seem fairly harmless, moss has been known to slowly degrade roof tiles, leading to them becoming worn and brittle and eventually allowing water into homes.

Loose moss is also known to fall into gutters creating blockages and overspills that cause water damage to property, that in turn incurs additional expense for repair.

There’s no specific roof type that moss prefers and it will happily grow on most roofing materials including asphalt, concrete or slate tiles. This makes regular moss removal a must if you want to keep a roof in pristine condition.

Many people try to tackle this problem themselves, usually using a jet wash to remove the moss. However this method of removal can lead to further problems as the high pressure spray wears away at the uppermost layer of your shingle tiles, leaving them susceptible to breaking.

Moss grows very little in summer so this is normally a good time to get it removed. During the fall with moderate rain fall, moss kicks into gear , so treating right before this time of year is always advised. However please talk to the team about removal, and they will be able to advise the best course of action.

Keay Roofing is here to help you with your roof. We’re experts at removing the weight that adds strain on your structure, keep gutters clear so water can do its job and flow away from your home’s foundation, and extending the life of your roof . If any one of these tasks sound like something you’d rather not deal with yourself, give us a call today!

The Keay Roofing Solution

We here at Keay Roofing are roof moss removal specialists and our approach gives your home a new lease of life, without damaging your roof tiles. Whatever roofing service you require, we are always open and honest with customers so that you understand our processes from the first point of contact to the finished product.

Expertise and Experience.

In the business of roofing, there are many things that can go wrong. This is why it’s so important to have a team of experts on your side – like the ones at our company. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to spot potential problems and fix them before they become big (and expensive) issues. Working in a broad area including but not limited to: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, North and North West London, North Hampshire and North Surrey. The team are always on hand to remove unsightly moss that can increase the risk of water damage and structural rot leaving your rood pristine.

 

If you want to get rid of the moss on your roof, please give us a call on 01753 358267 for a free quote. Or you can fill in a contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Why you should always get slipped or broken roof tiles repaired

Professional repair and replacement of loose and broken roof tiles to maintain the structural integrity of your home.

Over time slipped and broken tiles can cause real problems for your home, letting in water and allowing warm air to escape. Keeping on top of these smaller problems will ensure your home remains safe, warm and free from additional structural damage.

Keay Roofing offers a professional, cost effective and fast roof tile repair service to properties across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

Storm Damage

High winds and storms are one of the major causes of damage to tiles. Loose tiles are hazardous to property and people as they are at particular risk of being blown off in the next high gust, resulting in more damage and higher repair costs.

If a roof tile has been displaced, it should be replaced quickly to prevent water from penetrating and causing damage to the felt and timbers underneath.

For a FREE roof repair quotation, call us on 0800 1577424 or complete the call back form on the right.