Author: Peter

Using your roof space creatively

If there is easy access to the roof space in your property are you utilising the space effectively or is it just a family storage area where outgrown toys, family mementos and Christmas decorations live?

The space that is in most lofts is huge especially if the roof construction is such that a lot of the loft has a good head height. In fact, if this is the case it may be worth asking an architect to draw up plans for a loft conversion giving you one or even two more usable rooms. Even if the loft is not suitable to b used as a room with a little thought it can be made into a useful space.

In some older houses the loft entrance was made quite small so getting the entrance made larger would be helpful. Usually this is not a difficult task and can be tackled as a DIY project or given to a builder to complete. Once the entrance is larger a proper loft ladder can be installed making access to the roof space much easier. The pull down ladder retracts into the loft once used and can be fitted to the loft hatch.

Getting the loft boarded out so that it can be walked on without the danger of falling through the ceiling of the room below is essential if you are going to get full use out of the loft space. Make sure that adequate loft insulation is in place before boarding out.

Finding a good roofing contractor locally

Discovering that there is a problem with the roof on your property is often the beginning of a stressful time as there is often a pressure to get any necessary repairs done as quickly and as cheaply as possible but how do you find a local roofing contractor who is reliable and who will complete the work in a professional manner without ripping you off?

Personal recommendation is always valuable so if you know anyone who has recently used a roofing contractor it is worth contacting them to see which company they used and whether they were pleased with the standard of work carried out.

Trusted trader sites can be used to find contractors, but you do need to be aware that this does not always guarantee that the companies will be the best for your needs, and you will need to be convinced of the standard of their workmanship before employing them. This can be done by asking to see other completed work and enquiring about any warranties they give on their work. This is the benefit of using a local company as it is easier to visit other jobs that they have completed and possibly talk to other customers.

Rubber roofing membrane for trouble-free roofing

Flat roofs on garages and single storey extensions were commonplace but over time these flat roofs often develop leaks causing water to enter the garage or extension, but a relatively new product is proving to be a game-changer for flat roofs.

The cheapest option for a flat roof is to have a felted roof as the materials are cheap and are easily found however the expected life span of a felted flat roof is between five and ten years so the likelihood is that it will not last, so many people are choosing rubber roofing as this will last approximately fifty years and is not affected by the elements such as UV rays, rain and frost.

The materials to install a rubber roof can be purchased easily from many suppliers and installing a rubber roof covering can be done by any competent person who is able to work at height, but it is easier if two people can work on the project together as the materials are heavy to lift.

Professional roofing companies can be employed to fit a rubber roof which may be the best option in some cases. Even though it will be more expensive most companies will offer a warranty should anything go wrong with the roof in the future.

Conservatory construction changes you need to be aware of

The compulsion to reduce our carbon emissions is affecting all areas of our lives and the latest development concerns conservatories. New building regulations set to come into force this summer seeks to cut carbon emissions by 30 per cent for new build homes, so for those homes with conservatories attached and transparent roofing this will be difficult to achieve.

Thankfully, the new regulations will not as yet apply to conservatories added to an existing building but for those without a separating door such as open plan designs some regulations on the size of windows and insulation may be tightened.

For those households with a conservatory, much can be done to cut the carbon footprint of the property. Making sure that doors and windows seal properly, installing blinds and insulating any walls will all help to improve the situation and ultimately save energy. As much of the heat is lost through the roof consider changing it for glass or for a solid roof if the construction of the conservatory is sufficiently strong.

To heat a conservatory in an environmentally friendly way one solution is an air source heat pump. This can be used with underfloor water-based heating systems or radiators and in summer can even be used in reverse as an air conditioning unit providing a conservatory that is warm in winter and cool in summer.

Keeping your roof moss free

Whatever the age of the roof on a property keeping the moss at bay is a major concern. Leaving the moss in place can cause the roof tiles to deteriorate and ultimately to become brittle and either crack or become loose. This in turn can result in a leaky roof and make costly repairs necessary.

Removing the moss from a roof can be a simple task if the property is a bungalow as a ladder can be used to access the roof. A jet washer can be used to blast the moss off the roof and a stiff broom can remove any stubborn moss that remains. However, if the property is a house then working from a ladder can be dangerous and certainly climbing on the roof should not be attempted.

Employing a company to remove the moss from a property roof is probably the best option if you are in any doubt. Searching online for a reputable company to undertake the work is a good first step. It is important to read any impartial reviews that are published about the company before you commit to any work commencing and always agree a price beforehand and get it in writing if possible. Although the cost of having the moss removed may seem a lot, having this job done every three or four years may result in fewer problems with the roof in the future.