5 Roofing Problems Caused by Storms in 2022
Over 200,000 UK homes were damaged and left without power during February and that was only from storm Eunice!
Throughout the first quarter of 2022, the was hit by five violent storms. While Dudley, Barra, and Arwen may sound harmless enough, they put a serious dent in British infrastructure and our roofs were their primary target.
1. Falling trees
The biggest fear of anyone caught in the eye of a storm is the chaos wrecked by strong winds blowing over trees and other large objects.
Storm Eunice wrecked thousands of homes and left lives at risk as uprooted trees caused devastation to UK homes.
The roof of a family home in Essex was left completely destroyed by a 400-year-old oak. Thankfully no one was hurt.
2. Debris damage
Storm Dudley hit the UK on the 16th of February and brought a ton of debris along with it. Cars, homes and people were pelted with bricks and other dangerous debris as winds reached 100mph.
The debris carried by storm Dudley crushed cars and tore off the entire roof a house in Eccles, and another in Salford as bricks were ripped from neighbouring houses and flung high into the air.
3. Extreme weather
It wasn’t just the wind we had to worry about, but the extreme weather conditions that came along with it.
Extreme blizzards accompanied storm Eunice across the Northern parts of the UK and caused major damage to residential roofs.
Snow water leaked into brickwork, weakening ceiling joints leaving thousands of houses vulnerable to collapse should other sizeable storms hit in the near future.
4. Water pooling
Flat roofs didn’t get off scot-free during the UK’s battle with the blizzards. The snow and rainfall carried by the strong gale-force winds have left standing water on flat roofs.
Flat roofs do drain away rainwater, but many could not cope with the barrage of rain, snow, and debris that clogged up gutters and drainpipes leaving thousands of flat roofs vulnerable to sagging and leaking.
5. Loose tiles
One of the biggest issues that storms caused to UK roofs is perhaps the most overlooked. Millions of roofs were left intact and unaffected by the recent storms – or so they may think.
Strong winds and storms loosen tiles, especially on older roofs. This leaves your roof more vulnerable to regular weathering, let alone another storm.
Get your roof inspected
After big storms like Eunice and Dudley, it is vital to arrange a thorough roof inspection. Your roof may appear okay from a distance, but a closer look could reveal critical weaknesses that can lead to bigger problems.
Don't wait until the next storm to find out! Contact us at DPR Roofing for expert help and advice on storm-proofing your roof. Our roofers are trained professionals, equipped to deal with any type of roof damage a storm may bring.
DPR Roofing has been serving the Pontefract area for over 35 years, helping roofs to recover from some of the toughest of storms! Call us on 01977 220016 to join our growing list of happy (and dry) customers.
Is It Normal for Gutters to Overflow in Heavy Rain?
There’s nothing better than looking outside when the rain is pouring, and thanking your lucky stars that you’re not out there getting drenched. But when you do, you may well notice that some of the heaviest rainfall is coming directly from your gutters.
Once you’ve noticed it, it’s hard to switch off. At the very least, you’ll hear the constant drizzle of water flowing out at the perimeter of your property. So, is it normal, or should you be concerned? Read on to find out.
A surprisingly common problem
When people talk about normal, they sometimes mean ‘common’. They’re essentially asking whether other people have the same problem. When it comes to overflowing gutters, the answer is ‘yes’.
There are several different reasons why gutters can overflow, and almost everyone has encountered at least one of them at some point:
- Blockages – Gutters can overflow when leaves, moss or other debris stop water flowing through them.
- Too small – If your gutters aren’t big enough to deal with the rate of rainfall running off your roof, it will invariably overflow.
- Too steep – Gutters that guide water away too fast will cause an overflow at the top or bottom of the downpipe.
- Not steep enough – Alternatively, gutters without enough of a gradient will allow water to sit - and then overflow - when the rain starts to fall.
As well as the issues above, leaks in the guttering can create the illusion of an overflow. In this case, the issue is actually caused by a crack in the length of the gutter, a gap in the joints between parts or even a gap between the gutters and the roof.
But is it acceptable?
It’s one thing saying overflowing gutters are prevalent. The other meaning of normalcy is whether it’s something you should put up with. In this sense, the answer is ‘no’, overflowing gutters are not normal.
Gutters should be designed and installed to deal with any rainfall that flows off your roof, even when it gets heavy. If they can’t cope with that, then something is wrong – and it needs to be put right.
When your gutters overflow, they send rainwater down onto your walls and around the bottom of your building. Over time, this can cause the pointing on your walls to break down, allowing water through the brickwork. Even worse, it can seep into your property’s foundations and cause serious structural problems.
What to do about it
The good news is, you’re not stuck with your faulty gutters. Most gutters can be fixed or even replaced within a day, so you don’t have to put up with water damaging your property.
At DPR Roofing, we provide an array of dedicated guttering services to commercial and domestic customers across Pontefract. From clearance and small repairs to realignment and gutter renewal, our team will recommend and deliver the right services for your gutters.
Ready to stop your gutters overflowing? Call us today on 01977 220016 or email [email protected]
New Year, New Roof – How to Make a Resolution That Sticks
When the new year arrives, it’s an age-old tradition to make resolutions – from starting something new or giving something up to achieving life goals. Unfortunately, most of them are forgotten before long. As a result, they have no real impact on your quality of life.
Want to make a resolution that sticks in 2022? Read on as we outline why a new roof is the perfect fit.
The most common resolutions
At the start of 2020, a YouGov survey asked Brits what their resolutions were for the year ahead. The list holds no surprises whatsoever, and we’re pretty sure you could guess all five of the most common resolutions:
- Improving fitness – 47%
- Losing weight – 44%
- Improving diet – 41%
- Saving more money – 31%
- Starting a new hobby – 18%
Considering what we now know about how 2020 unfolded, making resolutions for the year was a pretty pointless exercise. As it turns out, however, the same is true for most people every year…
Gone by February
In the same YouGov survey, just 24% of people said they stuck to their 2019 resolutions, while 47% managed to keep some of their promises. Similar findings are reported by Forbes, who suggest around 80% of resolutions are abandoned by February.
Why don’t resolutions stick? There are a few different reasons. Some of them are unattainable, like getting back into the dress or suit you wore in your early 20s. Others are too vague, like saving more money or starting a new hobby. Which hobby? How will you save?
According to Forbes, some simply don’t have a clear benefit. It’s hard to save money if you’re not doing it with a goal in mind, for instance.
New year, new roof!
To make resolutions stick, you need to choose something specific, attainable and beneficial. A new roof ticks all three boxes.
If your roof is looking worse for wear and you find yourself getting it fixed every winter, a new roof is a great way to make your life easier for the new year – and many years to come.
Rather than being worried every time the heavens open, you’ll have peace of mind that your property is protected. In the long run, you could even save money, with no need to constantly fork out for repairs.
On top of everything else, it’s something you can stick to with a clear benefit for you, your property and your family.
Get a quote for your new roof
Make 2022 the year you finally get your roof sorted, with a little help from DPR Roofing.
Our team of Pontefract roofers can take care of the entire roof replacement process, from surveys and designs to sourcing materials and installation. We also offer roof financing to help you spread the cost of your new roof, if needed.
With over 35 years’ experience and a long list of happy customers, we’re a local team of roofers you can trust in 2022 and beyond. To arrange a quote, simply call us on 01977 220016 or email [email protected].
What is Liquid Flat Roofing and How Does it Work?
If you’re looking to repair or replace your flat roof, ‘liquid roofing’ is a term you’ll come across sooner or later. To those unfamiliar with roofing, it can seem like a bit of an enigma – after all, isn’t liquid the enemy of a roof? In this post, we’ll clear things up by defining liquid roofing and explaining how it works.
Liquid roofing: the basics
Liquid roofing is a broad term that covers several types of flat roof options. As you can imagine, it refers to systems where materials are applied as a liquid. These materials then set to provide a waterproof covering for the roof.
Liquid flat roofing can be broken down into two main categories – liquid roofing systems and liquid coatings which can supplement or repair an existing flat roof.
Liquid coatings
Firstly, specialist liquid coatings can be used on an existing surface such as EPDM/GRP or felt to provide added water resistance with a seamless, uniform layer. They are relatively quick to apply and can extend the lifespan of old or failing roofs by a number of years. Liquid coatings can stop leaks on flat roofs by sealing cracks and gaps in the surface, or simply reinforce an old roof before water penetrates the existing materials.
Liquid flat roof systems
On the other hand, liquid flat roof systems are a standalone material for flat roofs, which act as an alternative to the likes of EPDM/GRP and roofing felt. They are quicker to apply than most other flat roof systems, with several elements required such as resins and topcoats. Liquid flat roofing systems are waterproof, durable and long-lasting, with an expected lifespan upwards of 35 years.
How liquid roofing systems work
Liquid roofing systems are installed on top of roofing boards/god base material, which need to be free from any damage or rot.
With GRP, edge trims are installed to prepare the roof for the liquid system. Resin is applied to the boards using a brush and/or roller to laminate the roof. A fibreglass material is then added on top of the resin, after which another layer of resin is applied and rolled out to consolidate the three layers. Once the system has cured, the topcoat is applied with a roller. This requires around three hours to fully cure, leaving your flat roof completely waterproof.
The importance of liquid roofing expertise
The explanation above keeps things as simple as possible to clarify the basics of liquid roofing. However, when applying liquid roofing systems, it’s vital that you choose a company that knows what they’re doing.
From temperatures and curing times to the right materials and measurements, liquid roofing requires a wealth of experience and expertise for the best results. That’s exactly what we provide at DPR Roofing.
Operating throughout Pontefract, we provide specialist liquid roofing services alongside other materials like felts and single-ply membrane. To find out more or get a quote for your flat roof, give us a call on 01977 220016 or email [email protected].
How Often Do Flat Roofs Need Replacing?
From commercial properties to domestic extensions and garages, flat roofs are a common feature on properties up and down the UK. If your property (or part of it) has a flat roof, it’s good to get a rough idea of how often they need replacing.
This post provides a rule of thumb and how to tell when a replacement is needed.
A rule of thumb for flat roof replacement
Flat roofs have a much lower slope than pitched roofs, which are generally upwards of 25 degrees. Despite the name, they’re not completely flat – with a small slope of below 10 degrees to guide rainwater off their surface.
The lower pitch makes them unsuitable for the kind of hardwearing materials which are used to cover pitched roofs, such as slate and tiles. Along with the lack of pitch itself, that makes them susceptible to a number of issues over time, such as ponding water.
While pitched roofs have a lifespan of several decades depending on the material, flat roofs typically need replacing every 15-20 years.
How to tell when your flat roof needs replacing
As with any roof, there are some flat roof problems that can be repaired while others will call for a replacement. If you’ve got a small crack or tear in the roof’s covering, it might be fixable with the right expertise. Similarly, issues with the edge flashing can usually be repaired if they’re found early.
On the other hand, the following problems are usually an indication that your flat roof needs replacing:
- Ponding water – If puddles of water are forming on your roof and still visible 48 hours after rainfall, it’s usually indicative of more serious issues with your flat roof.
- Larger cracks – When cracks or tears are left to become larger, it’s unlikely a patch repair will provide a long-lasting solution.
- Numerous cracks – Similarly, if you find several breaks in your roof’s surface, it’s probably best to get the roof replaced to tackle the underlying cause.
- Leaks or water ingress – By the time water has got through the surface of your roof, sufficient damage will have been done to make replacement a necessity.
If you want to avoid replacement for as long as possible, regular inspections are the best course of action. A professional roofer will be able to spot small issues developing and nip them in the bud before they cause irreparable damage to your roof.
Book an inspection
Want to find out the best course of action for your flat roof? Or just looking to book in an inspection to maximise its lifespan? Whatever the case, the team at DPR Roofing is on hand with professional flat roofing services across Pontefract.
Our expert roofing contractors will undertake a rigorous inspection of your flat roof to determine whether repairs or a replacement is necessary. We’ll explain our findings and provide a no obligation quote so you can make an informed decision about your flat roof.
Call us today on 01977 220016 or email [email protected] to get the ball rolling.
What’s the Most Expensive Roof Type?
When you’re looking for a new roof, it’s understandable that you’ll want to get a better idea of the costs for different types of roof and materials. Some property owners will head straight towards the most expensive type to maximise the lifespan of their roof. Others will steer well clear, with a view to cutting costs up front.
Whatever side of the fence you’re on, we’re here to provide a bit more insight. Read on as we discuss the most expensive types of roof.
Pitched costs more than flat
First things first, the two broadest categories of roofs are pitched and flat. Out of the two, pitched roofs are the more expensive option if you’re starting from scratch. So, if it’s a roof for a new-build house or an extension, a pitched roof will be more expensive.
That’s because they require more time to construct and more materials to cover them. The materials used are also more expensive per square metre compared to things like GRP for flat roofing.
Similarly, it’s more expensive if you want to replace a flat roof with a pitched roof, as you’ll need to completely restructure the roof, rather than simply re-covering it. The only scenario where a pitched roof isn’t more expensive is if you already have one, in which case it’s very rare you would want to convert it to a flat roof.
Most expensive roofing materials
The second question when it comes to costs is this: ‘Is the material being used on either a pitched or flat roof?’ For flat roofs, if you want to avoid cheaper materials like bituminous felt, two of the more expensive options are:
- GRP (glass reinforced polyester) – also known as fibreglass roofing
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) – also known as single-ply rubber roofing
Alternatively, if you’re looking for the most expensive roofing materials for a pitched roof, the clear answer is slate. Or more specifically, Welsh slate. Slate is a more long-lasting option than clay or concrete tiles. It also comes with a sought-after natural appearance, which many property owners are willing to pay more for.
Going one further, Welsh slate is much older than other varieties, like Spanish slate. Because it’s been formed over a greater number of years, Welsh slate is denser, stronger and more durable.
The benefits of expensive roof types
As mentioned earlier, not all property owners are looking for the most expensive materials simply so they can avoid them. Choosing a more expensive type of roof or roofing material can be well worth the cost – and can even save you money over time.
While a pitched roof costs significantly more than a flat roof, for example, they typically outlast them by at least a decade. Similarly, the difference in lifespan between slate and the alternatives can be 20, 30 or 40+ years, with the right maintenance. Or a difference of 5-10 years for EDPM or GRP versus flat roofing felt.
Despite costing more up front, you’ll find yourself with more money over time as you won’t have to fork out for repairs or replacements. Even if you don’t stay put long enough to reap the rewards of your investment, a more expensive roof type will add even more to your property’s price tag. It’s a win-win however you look at it.
What’s best for you?
When you’re comparing different roof types and materials, it ultimately comes down to what’s best for you and your budget. If you can afford it, we would always recommend going for a premium roof that will last you longer. However, a well installed roof using concrete tiles, for example, is by no means a short-term solution.
Whatever your preference, the team at DPR Roofing is on-hand across Pontefract to make it happen with the highest quality every time. We even offer cost-effective roof financing if you want to spread the cost of your roof into affordable instalments. Get in touch with us today to arrange a quote or get more information on our roofing services.
Why Does My Roof Leak Keep Returning?
Whether you’re a homeowner or the manager of a commercial property, it’s hard to think of anything more annoying than a leaky roof. If the constant drip or growing damp patch wasn’t enough, there’s the uncertainty and worry about the damage it could be doing to your property.
That’s why it’s such a relief to get your roof repaired. Unfortunately, not all repairs last. You may well find that the leak comes back with a vengeance. In this post, we’ll discuss potential reasons for why your roof leak keeps returning, and how to stop it for good.
Leak after leak – but why?
From a tiny bit of water ingress to a steady drip through your ceiling, leaks are a sign that your roof isn’t working. That can be hard to take if you’ve forked out for repairs just a matter of weeks or months ago.
The good news is: there’s a simple diagnosis for the leak returning. The bad news? It’s because the repairs weren’t up to scratch.
Faulty repairs
In many cases, a leak will return when your roofer hasn’t fixed the problem. Whatever they have done, it hasn’t worked – and the water is still coming in. This is often the case if your leak returns the next time it rains heavily, or within a matter of weeks.
Patching things up
Alternatively, the repairs might have patched things up. However, your roofer has failed to identify and tackle the root cause.
As an example, a few tiles might have slipped out of place. Your roofer will have fixed the immediate issue. But they still haven’t recognised that other tiles are likely to come loose over time due to the underlying cause – most likely rotten battens or worn nails.
If this is the case, your leak could return within a few weeks or months.
How to stop leaks returning
Leaks that keep coming back are a sign of poor workmanship. The only way to stop the cycle of repairs and leaks is to get a better roofer to look at the problem, identify the root cause and fix it with long-lasting repairs.
The truth is, shoddy roofers will happily keep coming back to patch things up and charge you for it. That could be down to a lack of know-how when it comes to roofs. Or even worse, they’re intentionally letting the problem come back to keep you paying out.
Time to call the experts
At DPR Roofing, we’ve worked on a number of jobs where customers have become tired of forking out for short-term repairs, only to see leaks return.
Whether it’s a small home or a large commercial property, we’ll always perform a thorough inspection of your roof to determine exactly what is wrong with it, before recommending the best course of action. Most importantly, we’ll be up-front and honest if your roof needs replacing to stop leaks coming back for good.
Ready to put a stop to the constant cycle of leaks and repairs? Get in touch with our team today on 01977 220016 to arrange a no obligation quote.
4 of the Most Valuable Home Improvements
When you’re making home improvements, the first thing on your mind will probably be how they’ll improve your life. Having a new kitchen or bathroom is usually worth the cost just because it’s nicer to see and use every day.
However, the vast majority of home improvements also have an impact on the value of your home. That essentially gives you some of the cost back if you come to selling your property, making the investment even more worthwhile.
Want to find out more? Read on as we look at four home improvements which add the most value to your home.
1. Extensions
While property prices are affected by a range of factors, especially their location, homes are generally more valuable when they’re larger with more space to use. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that extensions are amongst the most valuable home improvements according to estate agents.
In a survey by Which, estate agents revealed that the three most valuable improvements were:
- Adding a bedroom as an extension
- Adding a reception room as an extension
- Adding a garage
2. Loft conversion
Following a similar train of thought, loft conversions are another home improvement that add considerable value. They essentially provide extra living space without the need to extend the built home – and without any need to eat away at the garden space.
Typically used as an additional bedroom, loft conversions have been found to increase the sale price of a home by an average of £11,020.
3. New kitchen
Kitchens have long been known as the most important room in the house when it comes to selling your home. With good reason too. They’re the heart of any home, where you’ll spend many a morning, afternoon and evening preparing meals for the family or enjoying the therapeutic fun of baking.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise that a new kitchen can add around 6% to the value of your property. With the average UK house price standing at around £230,000 – a new kitchen could be worth upwards of £10,000 for your home.
4. Replacement roof
There are several reasons why a new roof is one of the most valuable home improvements for any property. For one, your home’s other selling points rely on it. A beautifully converted loft or a spacious new extension will do nothing for the value of your home if there’s an unsightly damp patch on the ceiling.
On top of that, a new roof is a major attraction when it comes to kerb appeal. In short, this is the first impression buyers get of your property when viewing it from the kerb. A poorly kept roof will badly colour the rest of your home, making buyers question every inch of the interiors because of what they’ve seen outside.
Finally, unlike other home improvements, roofs aren’t an optional extra. If buyers spot a roof’s poor condition, they know it’s the first thing they’ll need to replace if they buy the house. That will be at the front of their mind when they make a bid, which could see a significant amount taken off your sale price.
Protect your home’s value with a high-quality roof
It’s hard to overstate the importance of a good roof for your home’s value. At DPR Roofing, we provide a comprehensive roof replacement service to make it even easier to protect your property’s price tag.
From inspection and design to sourcing materials and installing your roof, we’ll keep your home looking at its best and fully safeguarded from the elements. To find out more or get a no-obligation quote, contact our team on 01977 220016 or email [email protected]
What Health and Safety Training Do Roofers Have?
It goes without saying that roofing is a potentially dangerous job. That’s why roofers need to be equipped with the right health and safety training, to protect themselves, their clients and the general public.
Read on as we discuss the health and safety training all roofers should have.
Safety first
Did you know that around one in five deaths occurring at construction sites are associated with roofing works? While relatively infrequent, the possibility of accident, injury and even fatality is always present, which is why we place such an emphasis on the health and safety of all of our staff members, the clients they serve and the public at large. We pride ourselves on quality, customer service and safety on each job we undertake.
For that reason, each member of our team undergoes a thorough induction and training process to ensure they are well acquainted with all of their legal obligations and with the safety protocols we follow. Whether working on domestic roofs or commercial roofs – or simply performing routine maintenance on our own premises – we always ensure we prioritise safety above all else to deliver impeccable results efficiently and safely.
The paper to prove it
When it comes to health and safety, someone’s word is never enough. All of the roofers employed by DPR Roofing have received the qualifications and certifications which guarantee their knowledge of the latest health and safety standards. This means that we are compliant with all of our legal obligations and follow the most up-to-date guidance on how to conduct ourselves responsibly, respectfully and safely while on the job, giving you complete peace of mind.
Among others, DPR Roofing has achieved accreditation from CHAS, SafeContractor, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), Constructionline, the Federation of Small Businesses Construction (FSB Construction), the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and TrustMark. With such a laundry list of organisations endorsing our work, it’s not difficult to see why DPR Roofing has established itself as one of the leading roofing specialists in Pontefract and beyond.
The tools for the trade
As well as ensuring that each of our team members is trained to undertake all roofing jobs safely and responsibly, we also equip them with the machinery and vehicles necessary to perform their duties to the best of their abilities. For starters, our large fleet of vans and trailers are fully insured against any eventuality, while our in-house mechanics regularly check, service and maintain them in accordance with our health and safety policy and official transport regulations.
Meanwhile, we also have a powered access booms (otherwise known as cherry pickers) at our disposal. This nifty machine has a slimline base unit which allows it to navigate into tight spaces and gives our engineers the ability to reach hard-to-access and high-up roofing areas. For that reason, it’s an indispensable tool on many of our commercial and domestic roofing projects and we take the time to ensure that the access platform is tested regularly to guarantee it is always in perfect working order.
Don’t cut corners with health and safety
From the right tools and equipment to the all-important training and certifications, DPR Roofing provides roofing services you can trust across Pontefract. If you would like to find out more or arrange a quote, simply call us on 01977 220016 or email [email protected].
Why Clean Gutters Are an Essential Step for Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning is a great way to get your home in order following a busy winter – especially after several months spent indoors because of the colder weather. Amongst the top priorities are deep cleaning the carpets, dusting every last ornament and finding a home for those Christmas presents that have been sat in the corner for months.
But how many people take a step outside and consider the exteriors of their home? In this post, we’ll discuss why guttering should be added to spring cleaning lists up and down the country…
The reasons behind spring cleaning
The saying goes that a tidy house allows for a tidy mind. This is no doubt the reason many people grab the cleaning supplies from March to May. While it’s easy to put things off over the festive period, when there are lots of other things to do, spring allows people to focus on getting things clean and tidy – not to mention the brighter days shedding more light on the mess we’ve made!
Another popular reason for spring cleaning is to keep up appearances. Whether it’s neighbours passing by or friends and relatives popping over, you want your house to look at its best simply to give off a good impression.
Gutters contribute to both of these factors. With trees shedding their leaves in autumn and plenty of rainfall in winter, gutters in spring are typically full of debris which has been turned into a mulchy mess by shower after shower. That’s hardly conducive to a tidy mind, nor is it the best look from the outside of your home.
A timely reminder
On top of the reasons above, gutter clearance and spring cleaning go hand in hand. Most gutters will naturally gather a significant amount of leaves and other debris over the course of the year. That’s why we recommend an annual clean for gutters as a general rule of thumb.
With spring cleaning happening every year from March onwards, it provides the perfect timely reminder that your gutters are ready for a clean.
Preventing damage
Above all else, gutter clearance can prevent more serious problems further down the line. When gutters become clogged, they can leak and overflow, which allows to water to get onto your walls and even affect your building’s foundations.
Alternatively, the added pressure from debris, made heavier by rainwater, can cause gutters to break or pull away from your roof. All of this will be much more expensive to fix than paying for a simple gutter clean once a year.
Ready to spring into action
Unlike most spring cleaning jobs, gutter clearance has the added benefit of protecting your property over the course of the year. However, also dissimilar to those other jobs, it’s not something you should tackle alone.
At DPR Roofing, we’re fully trained to work at height and have a wealth of experience in roofing and guttering. If you’d like to find out more about gutter clearance in Pontefract or book in your property, don’t hesitate to contact us on 01977 220016 or email [email protected].