Roofing Experts

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.

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.

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.

Awnings come in many different forms, from retractable through to fixed. You can also get varieties such as verandas, which are freestanding structures that are positioned over a patio or seating area outside. Many awning types will rely on being attached to the wall of a building – at least if you are having them installed in a home. Commercial options will often be larger and will therefore be freestanding.

If you are planning on having a retractable awning or a permanent awning that is attached to the side of your property, you need to make sure it’s positioned correctly – you won’t be able to move it easily once it’s fixed! You also need to ensure the wall can hold it, which an awning installer will be able to tell you. If you have your awning installed professionally, you will know it’s been installed in a way that won’t damage the brickwork.

Awnings: a beautiful and stylish addition to any modern outdoor space. From gardens to patios to yards to restaurants to shops, there will be an awning for everyone. The difficulty comes when you want your space back: perhaps it’s a sunny day and you want to soak up some rays, or maybe you need clear patio space for a BBQ where the smoke can escape directly above. Whatever your reasons might be it’s certainly not practical to have an awning there all the time. Retractable awnings solve this dilemma, giving you the best of both worlds so you can enjoy sun or shade as the mood takes you. If you don’t want your awning one day fold it in. If you want to use it the next day, fold it out again. It’s simple and straightforward.

What benefits does a retractable awning give you?

Retractable awnings come with many benefits for homes. Beyond the obvious fact that they are fully flexible and give you control over your outdoor space, they can go further than this. They can give you a sense of peace, wellbeing and satisfaction in your home and your surroundings.

These are some of the specific benefits of retractable awnings:

1. Sun protection. This is a major advantage as what it means in practice is that you can get more use out of your garden. When you have adequate sun protection in place at the flick of a switch, it’s so much easier to go out of doors without putting on suncream first, or having to find a sun hat. If you use an awning in this way, equally you can roll it in when you want some more sun.
2. Protection for the awning itself. When you roll the awning in, you are protecting it from fading in the sun and from getting damp, musty and rotten. An awning will be protected by a cassette when it has been rolled in, so it won’t be affected by weather conditions. This is useful in winter, when you don’t want to make use of your awning and want it to better protected.
3. Protection for the interior of your home. An awning at the window will help make it cooler inside, stopping the sun from coming directly in. This also serves to protect your furniture from the sun, stopping it from fading. It’s a useful added bonus of an awning.
4. Flexible spaces. If you are sitting on your patio and want to be in the sun, you can retract your awning. If the people you are sitting with want to be in the shade, you can have your awning partially retracted. There are options to allow you to use your space flexibly in any given circumstance or scenario.

Retractable awnings come in a range of styles and colours, so it’s a fun and enjoyable process choosing one. Get some brochures to see the colours you can select, begin by looking at fabric, and decide on the right awning for you.