Author: Peter

Improving the insulation in your home

We all want to keep our bills down as much as possible and one way in which we can cut the cost of our energy bills is to ensure that our home is insulated as best it can be. If your home is a new build then the insulation is probably pretty good but with older homes there are a number of ways in which you can retain the heat for longer and make the whole home more energy efficient.

The first thing to look at is the boiler. If your boiler is old the chances are it is not very efficient. If you are on low income or a home owner you may be able to get help towards the cost of a new boiler. If you rent a property and the boiler is dated you may be able to approach the landlord and see if they would be happy to contribute towards the cost if you are able to get a discount.

Next check the insulation you have in your attic. Simply adding insulation material to your attic or loft space will help retain the heat so you will find that you do not have to have your heating on for so long.

The advantages of a flat roof

When it comes to having a new roof for an extension or garage you may be torn between having a flat roof or having a pitched roof. Both have their advantages and disadvantages and you need to do your research before you commit.

Flat roofs often cost a fair amount less than a pitched roof, for a number of reasons. The materials that are used for a flat roof cost less and it is not so labour intensive to build so the labour costs are also less. They often are cheaper to repair as well so if you do need work doing in the future you may find that it is more straightforward and cheaper than repairs to a pitched roof.

If built correctly and with the correct planning you can even se your flat roof as an extension to your garden. You may be able to create access to it from a bedroom and build a balcony to allow you somewhere nice to sit out in the summer evenings.

With flat roofs easier to walk on, it makes maintenance a doddle. Cleaning out guttering, removing moss off the roof and even having access to clean windows is all easier with a flat roof.

How to identify and fix a leaking roof

A leaking roof can cause a number of issues. You may first notice it when it rains heavy or rains with strong winds. Often you will notice water pouring through celling’s or even light fittings and this can not only be inconvenient but also extremely dangerous. If you discover water leaking into your home and it is near electrics, the first thing to do is to turn off the power at the fuse board. Water and electrics do not mix and although you may struggle with no lighting it is the safest thing to do. Next you need to try and identify where the water is coming from. If it is leaking through a light fitting, it may not be that the leak is right above it as the water will run down channels until it finds a hole that it can pour out of. If it is at the edge of the wall then it may well be an overhanding tile is the issue. In the middle of the roof, there is likely to be a few broken tiles and possible damaged flashing that is causing it.

No one will usually be able to assess the damage whilst it is still raining so try and catch as much water as possible until you are able to get someone to investigate and repair any damage. It may be covered by your home insurance so be sure to check before proceeding with any repairs.

Is changing a flat roof for a pitched roof on a property a good move?

Converting a roof on a property is a big undertaking so is it worth the time and effort? Flat roofs come with advantages and disadvantages but can over time deteriorate so many homeowners look for a high-quality and reliable pitched roofing solution instead. There are a few things you should know about turning a flat roof into a pitched roof before you embark on such a project.

In most cases, a like-for-like replacement does not require any planning permission. Simply replacing your existing flat roof with a new one should be a straightforward process but when converting a flat roof into a pitched roof, planning permission may be required. It is a good idea to contact your local planning authority to be sure.

Installing a pitched roof will need some designing as the roof trusses must be constructed in such a way that they are strong enough to bear the weight of the roof tiles. A structural engineer can be employed to ensure that this is done correctly.

The costs involved in converting a flat roof will need to be calculated not forgetting that scaffolding hire will be an additional requirement. Employing roofing contractors although more costly may be a good idea to ensure a professional job.