Tag: Roofing

How can you tell if your roof needs repairing?

8th May 2022

It can be difficult to know for sure that your roof needs repairing. Here is a quick guide to some of the telltale signs that your roof has some issues that need to be taken care of as soon as possible.

It’s not always easy to spot issues with your roof, but it’s certainly very easy to put off repairs when you’re worried about the cost or hassle. However, you should familiarise yourself with these signs that your roof needs repairing. If you delay any repairs that need doing, you could be faced with much more expensive problems further down the line. Let’s go through some simple checks you can make yourself before you give us a call.

First of all, check the inside of your roof

The very first sign that your roof needs repair is water leaking into your home. If you spot a leak, dark streaks on the walls or damp and mould on the ceilings, go into your loft and check the roof. Water can leak into the property because of broken tiles or flashing.

Whilst you’re up there, check for any light coming from outside. A secure roof should not let any light in at all. Light shining through indicates that there are holes or cracks in the roof itself. If you can see that the roof is sagging then call us straight away. A sagging roof is a very serious problem that could suggest structural issues with your home.

roof repair
More roof repair advice below!

Next, have a look from outside

Some issues may not present themselves from the inside. You should also try to spot what you can from outside – which is also easier said than done sometimes! Some things can be clearly visible to you from below, whereas others won’t be. Any information you can pass on to us on your initial call will be helpful though.

You might be able to spot any loose, cracked or missing tiles easily. If you see any moss or mould this would suggest moisture damage on the roof. Sometimes on flat roofs, you will see water collected on the surface of the roof, which can lead to moss and mould and later a sagging roof. As the roof continues to rot from the water damage, a sag can lead to it fully collapsing. Don’t let it get to that stage!

Check your gutters

If your guttering is coming away from the exterior of your house, this could suggest that the roofing is starting to come loose. You might also find pieces of tile or shingle in the gutters – another telltale sign that the roof is rotting or starting to deteriorate.

Get in the habit of checking your roof

You should check your roof regularly, both inside and outside, for any of the signs mentioned above. If you see any of these early warning signs then it’s time to think about getting your roof repaired. The best thing to do is to act quickly and call us to discuss how we can help. One of our expert surveyors can visit your home for free to survey your roof and determine what repairs need to be undertaken.

Concerned about the cost of major repairs?

You may be able to receive some financial help to meet the cost of repairing your roof. We partner with the not-for-profit lender Lendology CIC. Lendology offers low-cost Home Improvement Loans to homeowners across the South West. If you can’t take out a loan or you aren’t eligible, we can look into other funding options on your behalf. Our Information and Advice team will be happy to discuss your circumstances with you and help in any way we can.


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    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.

    Getting your home ready for winter

    6th November 2019

    Home Winter - Handyperson

    Get help to prepare your home for the winter months

    As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, it is worth making sure your home is ready for the cold winter months ahead. Freezing temperatures, cold rain, hail and snow can all damage your home. That’s why you need to have the exterior checked for any possible gaps in its defences.

    Prevention is always better than cure! So it makes sense to hire a trusted handyman or handywoman to do some basic home maintenance to prepare your home for winter. By getting some help now, you can save on potentially costly damage to your home. Plus, you can also ensure that you stay safe, warm and cosy over the season. Having someone check your house could also help to reduce your heating bills, by ensuring that there are no gaps for the cold to get in. Your home needs to be properly insulated to stay warm all winter long.

    Our award-winning handyperson service is ideally suited to help with this sort of home maintenance. We have been helping people to protect their homes for the last 30 years and our service is Trading Standards approved.

    How to get ready for winter

    There are various things to consider to prepare your house for the winter. We can send round a handyman or handywoman to assess what needs to be done. They will look to do things such as:

    • Clearing the gutters: water in places it shouldn’t be will damage your property, so we can ensure the gutters are clear of all obstructions including leaves and any debris
    • Check the roof: we will inspect the roof for wear and tear. We can check for leaks and gaps and ensure the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys are intact.
    • External water pipes: we can check these and consider wrapping them in heating tape to save energy and prevent them from freezing.
    • Fire safety: if you have a wood burning stove we can inspect, clean and make any repairs needed. We can also get chimneys swept.
    • Attic insulation: we can check your attic is insulated properly.
    • Check for drafts: we can check around all doors and windows for any drafts. Caulk any cracks or install weather stripping to prevent cold air coming in and heat being lost.
    • Outside taps: we can ensure that any outside taps are insulated. If you have an isolator valve, we will close the valve and open the tap so that if the water left in it freezes, it has room to expand.
    • Paths, patios and driveways: damaged paths and driveways are a hazard anyway, but worsened in freezing temperatures, so we can ensure you go into the winter with a smooth exterior and fix any damaged areas. We can also clean patios, paths and driveways with a pressure washer so they do not become slippery when wet.
    • Outside lights: we can make sure any outside lights are working correctly so you can see clearly on the dark mornings and afternoons.
    • Tidy the garden: the autumn is the time to cut back any trees, shrubs and bushes. Not only because it’s better for them but also to prevent any damage to the house. We can also pop over during the autumn to clear up the leaves as they drop.

     

    How We Care Home Improvements can help

    Our handyperson service is set up to help with exactly this kind of home maintenance, and we have been helping people with their homes for over 30 years. You can completely trust our handymen and handywomen, who are all Trading Standards Approved.

     

    Get in touch

    Our customer service representatives can often provide a quote over the phone. If not, we will arrange for a Handyman or Handywoman to visit you for a free survey.

     

    • Give us a call on 0300 323 0700 for a no-obligation chat with our team. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.
    • Or, ask for a free quote and we will get in touch with you.

     

     

    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.

    Problems with roof

    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:

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

     

    0300 323 0700 info@wecr.org.uk

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