Tag: roofing

It’s new roof time, but which material should you choose?

It's new roof time, but which material should you choose?

The roof of your house is probably not something you think about very much. But, when it’s time for a new roof, you might like to turn your attention to the wide variety of options available to you.

Just as you might take care to choose the right cladding for your home, you should take care when it comes to your roof, too. This isn’t just about choosing a material that will look nice, but something that is practical, has a long life and speaks to your aesthetics inside and out. Of course, that includes measures such as quality waterproofing and installation, as blue roof systems have become a more common standard.

Whether you are the kind of person who likes the precise minimalism of a polished concrete floor or you prefer softer options that blend more easily, here are a few ideas you might like to consider.

Solar panels on a roof

Tiles or slates?

Tiles and slates are the traditional option for most UK homes and often, simple clay tiles are favoured for their colour and ease. However, choosing something slightly different could be right up your street and roofers such as PH Roofing can help you choose something more unique.

Glass roof tiles are a fun way to bring more light into your home but solar roof tiles are a really exciting prospect too. Granted, this option is more expensive than a standard roof but you’ll make energy savings over a long period to balance out the initial cost.

Close up view of metal roof cladding

Metal cladding

Metal cladding is quite alternative but it can be used to great effect. Common metals include aluminium and zinc which both look stunning when used to clad the whole house and not just the roof. While some metals are treated to avoid rust, copper cladding is particularly favoured as it gradually develops its own protective layer, softening the look and ensuring a relatively maintenance-free option.

Metal cladding is always best fitted by a specialist contractor but this shouldn’t put you off. Metal is a very sleek material so getting the finishes just right is essential for the overall aesthetic. The results will definitely be worth the cost.

House with living green roof

A living roof

Almost the opposite effect to metal, a living roof or green roof, allows your home to blend in with the surroundings with a green layer. Sedum is a common option though you may also choose a hardy grass or meadow mixture depending on whether you have a pitched or flat roof.

The idea behind the living roof is that it adds an extra layer of insulation and replace the ecology the building is standing on. As an environmental solution, the living roof is a lovely idea but it is also a practical way to use the space to encourage more wildlife to visit your home and garden.

Replacing an old roof is always going to cost; but by looking at a few different options, it’s clear that you don’t always have to go for the same old thing. Best roofers Manchester could help you come to the best solution for your situation. Do be aware that you may require planning permission to change the look of your property if you intend to make a more radical choice.

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Autumn roofing maintenance tips

Autumn roofing maintenance tipscredit

The autumn is an ideal time of year to head up onto your roof and check what’s going on up there. In doing so, you can be alerted to any problems that are starting, and you can hire a local roofer to make repairs before the long, hard, and damaging winter approaches. The weather is ideal, it’s the right time to do some cleaning and maintenance, and you can rest easy during the rest of the year, knowing that your roof will be able to withstand the elements. So keep reading to learn about a few autumn roofing maintenance tips to get started.

Roof gutter with mesh litter guardcredit

Clean out the gutters

First, get into the gutters and downspouts surrounding your home and make sure that all of them are totally clear of debris. You may want to wait until the leaves have all fallen off of the trees so you can remove them as well before the winter hits. The key is to ensure that everything drains smoothly, without any obstructions. If you have to, install some gutter guards, as they’ll make this task much easier and save you time every year.

Wooden roof tilescredit

Check the roof’s covering

Next, head onto your roof with care so you can carefully inspect it to ensure that it will be able to withstand all of the harsh elements that will come its way when winter hits. For example, if your roof is tiled, check for any broken or cracked tiles, as these would need to be replaced before winter. On the other hand, if your roof is made of metal, look for any indications that the metal is warping, rusting or blistering, as those problems will also need to be addressed before winter. If you’ve inspected your roof and noted that a lot of the slates need to be replaced, or there’s a lot of damage throughout the entire roof, you may need to replace the whole thing.

Hole in a wooden roofcredit

Look for any signs of water damage

In addition to looking at your house’s roof from the outside, you also want to take a look at it from the inside. Look at the interior of the roof to search for any signs that there’s water damage anywhere. Small signs of this type of damage may be identified during this inspection, but because it is the autumn, you’ll be able to have them fixed right away, before the winter can cause further damage with its ice and snow. Remember, a small leak could turn disastrous once heavy rains or other harsh elements come into play.

Repairing roof flashingcredit

Inspect the chimney, pipes, and skylights

If you have any skylights, pipes, or a chimney on the roof of your home, you should also check any of the flashing that surrounds them to ensure that everything is in good enough condition to make it through the next few seasons.

With the tips above, you can make sure that your roof is in the best shape possible every year in the autumn. When the winter hits, you won’t need to worry at all about the integrity and strength of your roof, and you and your family will be protected from the elements.

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