Major Repairs Archives

Wind damage – Don’t wait for the storm to blow over!

11th February 2020

Why should we worry about a bit of a breeze?

Two words: wind damage. When strong winds are forecast, we naturally look to batten down the hatches and stay safely indoors as much as possible. Whilst your home is your shelter from storms, a good battering from high winds can damage your property in many ways – some expected, some not. A home generally has 4 weak spots in these types of extreme weather conditions. Here is some advice about what to expect and how to cope:

Windows

Unsecured windows can be damaged easily, with single panes cracking and breaking or coming away from the hinges. With windows out of the frame as it were, the wind is free to blow through your house causing more chaos. You should shut, lock and cover your windows as best as you can.

Doors

Similar to windows, open doors can be damaged by clattering into walls – and so can the walls. Glass in doors windows can also crack and break. Even if there isn’t a window, doors that aren’t shut properly can be pushed open by the wind, leaving it free to wreck your belongings and the interior of the house. Keep your doors locked and bolted. A weighted draught excluder is also a good investment – you’ll want to keep warm as well as safe.

Roof

We naturally think of shingles and tiles coming loose due to a storm. However, roofs are especially vulnerable to wind damage if there is a point of access into the property due to a damaged door or window, as the wind against the walls creates pressure going upwards, increasing uplift force upon the roof. Some roofing parts can be secured or bolted down by a roofing expert. The National Federation of Roofing Contractors may be able to help you find a local roofing specialist.

Garage

Extreme winds can pull a garage door off its tracks, or even bend or break it with the intense pressure. Double doors are most vulnerable due to the larger surface area. It’s worth speaking to the company that installed your garage doors or a reputable contractor about inspecting them and advising on the best course of action if repairs are needed.

How we can help

It’s good to be prepared – if you know repairs are needed, get in contact with us as soon as possible. We can check your home’s exterior and interior for any risks, and help to put away or tie down any garden furniture, and your garden shed.

When the winds have stopped, it’s best to check over your property. We can help with this too – we have experience with hidden structural damage and assessing for danger. Our handyman team are skilled in fencing repairs and can give you an obligation free quote. Give us a call on 0300 323 0700, or send us an email at info@wecr.org.uk. Our office is open Monday to Friday, from 10am until 4pm.

Having problems with your roof? We can help!

10th September 2019

Everything you need to know if you are having problems with your roof

Even if you look after your roof with regular maintenance, you will likely still need to replace it. If you’re having persistent problems with your roof it will need to be replaced at some point. Its lifespan will depend on the material it is made from and the weather conditions where you live.

Problems to look out for with your roof include tiles that are missing or don’t lie flat, or if the roof is drooping or sagging, or you have a leak that cannot be repaired. A professional tradesperson will be able to assess any damage. They’ll let you know if the damage can be repaired or if you need a completely new roof.

It seems daunting as it is such a large part of the house, but it’s actually a relatively straight forward process to replace your roof. To help, we have compiled a handy checklist of everything you need to go through in the process of getting a new roof.

Here’s what you need to do

Assess the damage
You will need a professional to come and assess the work that needs to be done. It may be possible to renovate the roof and avoid replacing the whole thing. For example, they might be able to fix the damage by retiling either the entire roof or a partial replacement. If the timber frames have been damaged then the only option is to have a completely new roof construction.
Home insurance
You need to review your building insurance on your home insurance policy and check if the work needed is covered. Check your documents and speak to the insurance company to find out the process of making a claim. This will make an impact as they may have to sign off on any work.
Hire a professional
From your quotes, you can decide which company you would like to complete the work. There are many factors to consider such as price, are they trustworthy and reliable, do they have good customer testimonials? Check their payment terms as well and make sure that you are paying some of the money upon completion of the work.
Money-saving
Work with the company to consider ways that you can save money such as reusing existing roof tiles where possible or even a roof overlay, where the new roof is installed on top of the old one to save the cost of removing the old one.
Organise accommodation
You will need to decide whether you want to stay in the house when the roof is being replaced. It is normally possible but if you are retired and at home during the day, it is not advisable. Perhaps you can organise staying with family or friends for a few days, or even book a holiday!

How We Care Home Improvements can help you

Roof repairs and replacing a roof is something that our Trading Standards Approved handyperson service is able to take care of. We can even advise you on the whole process. We are an approved supplier to Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset and Gloucestershire councils. This means you can be sure that our work is always to the highest standard.

So, if you need any help or advice with your roof or any other home repairs, please call us on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team.

Problems with your roof? We can help you stay on top

16th July 2019

It’s never a good time to have problems with your roof. We’re here to help, whatever the weather.

How to know when you’ve got problems with your roof

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the weather. It has to work harder than any other part of the house to protect the rest of it. That’s why it’s crucial to tackle any avoidable problems with your roof early on. Small issues that go unchecked can lead to big, and ultimately expensive, repairs.

Often the first time you’re aware of problems with your roof is when you see evidence of water coming in. Other signs to look out for are:

Cracked and / or missing tiles
Loose pointing to chimney stacks
Damaged flashings (the covering on joints and angles)
Evidence of rot to wooden fascias and soffits (the boards that cover the ends of roof rafters)

Perished roof felt is another common cause of problems and tiles may deteriorate with age.

As well as maintaining your roof, guttering should also be kept clear. We recommend doing this once a year. Visit our Handyperson service for help with this.

Have your roof assessed by a professional

It’s very important to have your roof assessed by a professional you can trust to ensure you’re getting the right job done. Sometimes a smaller repair such as repointing the chimney stack or replacing the felt at the roof edge is all that’s needed. However, depending on the condition of your roof more extensive work or a complete roof replacement could be a better solution and prevent more problems further down the line.

Getting the right roofing contractor for the job

When you are asking contractors to quote it’s important to do some research to find the best contractor for the job. Look for reviews or testimonials from other customers who have used them or you can visit the National Federation of Roofing Contractors for a list of approved contractors.

Worried about costs?

An assessment of your roof will help you to determine the best course of action. You should also:

Check with your insurance company whether your policy might cover any of the costs. If there is storm or water leak damage there may be some assistance available. If it’s just wear and tear however, it’s unlikely they will be able to help.
Ensure quotations are itemised so you are clear on what is included in the price and that quotations obtained are comparable.
Ask questions – it’s important that you feel comfortable with and can trust the contractor you choose.
Check if there are different options according to your budget.

How We Care Home Improvements can help

We are specialists in major housing repairs in the Bristol, Bath, North and North East Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire areas. Plus financial options for roofing works may be available.

If you think you may have problems with your roof or you haven’t had it checked for a while, please get in touch by:

Calling us on 0300 323 0700. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
Or send us a message and we can get in touch with you.

Let us keep on top of your roof so you don’t have to.