Roofing Problems

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.

Roofing Problems

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.

Roofing Problems

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.