Home & Interiors

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, protecting you and your belongings from the elements. However, roofing can be a complex and challenging task that requires attention to detail and careful planning. To avoid common roofing mistakes, here are some tips: Hire a professional roofing contractor : One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is attempting to repair or replace their roof themselves. This can result in costly mistakes and safety hazards. A professional roofing contractor has the expertise and experience to ensure that the job is done right the first time. Use the right materials: Another common mistake is using the wrong materials for your roof. This can result in leaks, poor insulation, and other issues. Consult with your roofing contractor to determine the best materials for your specific needs and budget. Ensure proper ventilation: Proper ventilation is critical for the longevity of your roof. Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up and ca...

A damaged roof can lead to many issues and large costs for both your business and the customer. Your business will need a full-proof plan to ensure the roofing remains functional and durable to protect your client's roofs. Any mistakes made by your staff can lead to issues such as leaks, dampness and roof collapse.  We know that your business understands that sometimes mistakes happen, but we also know how to prevent them. In this article, we are going to be covering just a few points on how best to avoid common roofing mistakes for your business. Running any business is expensive, so we know we all love to look for ways to cut costs where we can. However, when it comes to installing roofs, both commercial and residential, cutting costs and using cheap materials will do more harm than good for both your client's roof and your business. Carrying out roofing repairs for a professional business may seem simple, but the repairs will only be simple if your staff are correctly train...

There are several ways you can protect your roof against extreme weather conditions, and here are three important ones. Keep an Eye Out for Damage The main reason the weather gets inside your home is through previous damage such as tears and cracks in your roof. If you know a bout of extreme weather is approaching, then it’s a good idea to check your roof for damage beforehand and try to get things fixed to secure your home. If you can see your flat roof , for instance, perform a quick visual check before a storm. Alternatively, if you are concerned about your pitched roof, call a team who can perform a quick assessment. If you are noticing whistling sounds in your home, water overflowing from your guttering, or dripping from the ceiling, then this is a sign something is wrong, and it will need fixing. Insulation Thermal shock is a big culprit when it comes to weather damaging a roof. One way you can miminimizenimise the sway in temperature is by providing good quality insulation to yo...

The variations of the present days roof coverings stems from British history.  The 1666 Great Fire of London, saw the banishment of thatched roofs in the city, leading to the widespread use of clay tiles. The Romans initially made and used fired clay tile roofing in this country; however, revival of the craft took place in the medieval period as they provided a strong, fire-proof alternative to thatching. Clay roof tiles are a beautiful and understated legacy from the past that continue to echo generations of craftsmen’s skills in fashioning rich and colourful roofscapes out of common clay. Generations to come will still be able to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of clay. However, the shortage of coal fired clay tiles after the First World War saw the use of concrete roof tiles rise as they became extremely popular in re-roofing properties post -Blitz London where they were used to re-roof over a million damaged properties For post-war architects and engineers in the twentieth century...

Do you know what's going on under your own roof? The thought of carrying out roof repairs can be daunting but, as with many things in life, ignoring small issues can lead to bigger - and more costly - problems. The good news is that simple roof maintenance is often a job we can tackle ourselves. For larger repairs, it's advisable to call in the experts - and the right specialist will depend on whether your home has a pitched or flat roof .  Most roof damage begins due to a flaw in a particular material, such as individual tiles or lead flashing. "Keep a keen eye out for any cracked tiles, lifting lead, unsecure materials or other early causes of a roof leak, particularly after a nasty storm. Look for buckling or curling roof shingles, damaged lead flashing - found along joints in the roof or around a chimney - and/or a build up of moss. "In many circumstances, the signs of roof damage are most obvious inside. A musty smell in your attic or damp timberwork are both t...

Rogue Traders We have all watched the programs and heard the horror stories however, we still receive a large amount calls from homeowners that have been duped by these scammers. Learn how to spot roofing scammers and avoid them before they have conned you. Roofing scammers tend to target the elderly and homes that they believe can afford to hand over cash to have a ‘problem’ fixed on their roof. They will often appear at your door unannounced stating that they were driving past or are working in the area and noticed that you had a problem with your roof. The scammer will offer you a free appraisal of your roof and will disappear to inspect it themselves. After a closer look at your roof, they will tell you that there are some serious issues and will await your reaction to the problem. Once the scammer has your attention and sees that you’re concerned with the condition of your roof, they will more often than not offer you a one-off special deal to ‘help you out’. The scammer will offe...

So you find the house of your dreams and you take the plunge, “lets buy it”. You can see concrete tiles and the estate agent says‘ Don’t worry,  it has a new roof!’ Why should you be concerned?!  Around 80% of the ‘new roofs’ we inspect in London should have had Building Regulations approvals and did not. This creates a number of problems!  First, it’s difficult to sell a property without the correct approvals. Second,  the workmanship may not be acceptable if not approved. Thirdly, has the current roof structure been overloaded, concrete tiles are extremely heavy! Lastly, do you want inherit a problem roof? As we know, pre 1930’s roofs in London were usually covered with clay tiles (or slates) which were lighter than concrete.  Now the roof has a concrete tile the load has changed and this work would of needed Building Control approvals.  This will ensure the roof structure is strong enough to support the concrete tiles. Also that Energy Performance (Part...

Natural vs Synthetic slates Many homeowners are faced with a common decision when replacing the coverings to their pitched roof slopes, Natural or Synthetic slates. There are quite a few factors to consider, longevity, appearance and availability but most often the key factor is PRICE, however, this isn’t as different as it might first appear. Natural Slate roofing London offers a truly authentic look that cannot be replicated by manufacturers. For period projects, or properties that need to reflect the natural environment around them, natural slate is usually the preferred choice Natural Welsh slates tend to be the most expensive option on the market; however, there are now many natural slate alternatives available such as machine-cut Spanish slates.  The Spanish slates we use are outstanding, they are flat, uniform and of consistent thickness which is why they are widely used across the UK. Aesthetically pleasing blue grey textured finish and excellent performance characteristi...

Lead Flashings Roof flashing is one of the most critical parts of your roof. Flashings are installed to seal the joins of your roof and places that tend to receive a lot of water. Without flashing a roof would almost certainly develop leaks and cause internal water ingress. Flashings can seem to be straightforward to install, but if they are incorrectly installed, they can lead to major problems and water ingress.  Not only does the installation of flashings reduce the risk of leaks in the home, it also prevents moisture-related problems from occurring, such as damage to the roof structure and the development of mold or dampness. There are various types of flashings used to waterproof the cavities between the roof coverings and brickwork which will be recommended by a reputable contractor. The main types of flashing that are recommended for roof projects are lead step and cover flashings. Cover flashings Cover flashing is the most common type of flashing used for roofing projects,...

Eternit Thrutone slate offers striking aesthetics with its smooth surface, square cut edges and Blue Black colour. This lightweight roof slate is available in six colours and three shapes providing even more design flexibility.  With its low wastage and ease of installation Eternit Thrutone synthetic slates provide a cost-effective alternative to natural slates.   The slate was designed for the increasing demand for a more cost-effective traditional slate aesthetic at lower pitches and were subjected to wind tunnel testing for driving rain and deluge conditions, equivalent to a once in 50 year extreme weather event.  The weather tightness of roof tiles and slates decreases as the roof pitch gets lower as it takes longer for water to drain from the roof.  The extreme testing of these slates was carried out, to ensure that the low pitch installation of the slates could sustain severe weather conditions.   The acrylic coating used on the slate surface provides go...

Choosing the right flat roof in London , tips and hints! The general consensus associated with flat roofs is normally one of worry and concern. Poor materials and shoddy workmanship are the common cause and root of the problem. Flat roofs have been around for as long as we all can remember, here in London you only have to look out of the window of the train or your own home and there are flat roofs are far as the eye can see. The question is, why worry. If a flat roof is undertaken by a competent contractor a flat roof can ​have a long life expectancy. A High end Reinforced Bituminous Membrane (3 layer felt system) is the most cost effective, tried and test system that when installed correctly has all of the following benefits, extended life-spans, ease of maintenance, proven resistance to the fluctuation of the British weather, together with high performance and cost effectiveness, a flat roof can offer a real alternative to a pitched roof. When installed and maintained correctly,. Ti...

Energy saving and roof insulation A quarter of the heat loss from homes occurs through roofs in uninsulated attics. Installing insulation in your attic or attic is a great way to save energy and prevent heat loss. While many see insulation as an unwanted additional cost to their roof or home project, it will pay for itself many times over in energy savings over its lifetime. If you replace more than 25% of the roof, the insulation must be installed and meet the minimum energy performance level to meet current building codes. Properly insulating your attic has many benefits, including: Reduce your heating costs Improve your home's energy efficiency and carbon footprint It keeps your house warm in the winter months and cooler in the summer months Help reduce condensation problems in your home Types of insulation for your roof Open Attic - In attics that have not been converted for home use, laminated coil insulation is usually installed between the ceiling joists. We tend to use grou...

Since the 13th century, clay tiles have enriched rural and urban settings with rich colors, shapes, and tones. Clay bricks have played an important role in the history of architectural development. The Romans were the first to make and use clay roof tiles in the country, and the museum's current collection attests to the material's wide use. In the Middle Ages, a craft revival occurred first along the east coast, where contact with the land was strongest and provided a strong, fire-resistant alternative to straw. In 1212 AD, King John issued a building code for London to remove flammable roofs and replace them with tiles. Since then, clay has become a coveted material. In the 18th century, tile became the standard roofing material wherever there was a suitable supply of raw materials, a source of fuel, and a thriving craft tradition. Clay brick production began as a very small scale industry, with many areas having only one source of supply. Over time, roofers developed their o...

Gutters are very important because they protect your home from water damage. It is recommended that you maintain and upgrade gutters as your best line of defense against potential problems from snow and rain, leaves, twigs, and windblown debris. For as long as gutters have existed, people have been looking for ways to keep their gutters free of clogs and functioning properly. One of the most popular ways to protect gutters has long been covering the top of the gutter with plastic or a mesh filter, which is designed to keep leaves and debris out.  London roof repair experts can keep your gutters in good working order. An upgrade can prevent most, if not all, of the damage caused by clogged or broken gutters: exterior stains and trim damage, interior leaks and water damage, and damage to ceilings, walls and panels, floorboards, and furniture. Repairs of this type usually cost thousands, even tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, the Wisconsin winter and the weight of the accum...

Lead Flashings The roof is one of the most important parts of your roof. Tile is laid to cover your roof joints and areas that tend to absorb a lot of water. Without a roof covering, leaks are almost certain to occur, leading to water infiltration. Fasteners may seem easy to install, but if installed incorrectly, they can cause major problems and water ingress. Installing facade cladding not only reduces the risk of leaks inside the house, but also prevents the occurrence of moisture problems, such as damage to the roof structure and the development of mold or dampness. There are several types of siding used to seal the gap between the roof and brickwork that are recommended by reputable contractors. The main board types recommended for roofing projects are lead and decking ladders. cover layer Covers are the most common type of cladding used for roofing projects, mainly because of their versatility. Cladding can be attached to the front and back of chimneys and railings on both flat ...

Variations in modern roofing date back to British history. The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed the city's thatched roofs, leading to the widespread use of clay tiles. The Romans originally made and used baked clay roofing in this country; however, the craft's revival came in the Middle Ages as it provided a strong and fire-resistant alternative to straw. Clay tiles are a beautiful and unpretentious legacy of the past that continues to reflect the skill of generations of craftsmen in creating rich and colorful roofs from ordinary clay. Future generations will also be able to enjoy the aesthetic beauty of clay. However, the shortage of clay charcoal bricks after World War I led to increased use of concrete bricks as they became very popular in the rehabilitation of buildings after the London Blitz where they were used to restore over a million damaged properties. For postwar architects and engineers in the 20th century, concrete provided the flexibility, strength, and econ...

Natural sunlight in a space can be important for the decoration of the property and the health of its occupants. Skylights are a great way to bring natural light into your space and can provide up to three times more sunlight than a vertical window of the same size. In our past and future blogs, we will tell you about different types of skylights/skylights etc. And options are available to meet property and space requirements. When choosing a roof light, you are faced with two main choices: glass or polycarbonate (in our previous blog we provided information about polycarbonate roof lights). Many of our customers are wondering which option is best for their needs and need additional information about the differences between the two materials. The glass used to make skylights is strong and flexible. Many of the modern flat roof windows on offer are made of glass, which allows you to achieve a first-class aesthetic. The glass is clear and gives off a very bright and beautiful natural li...