Author: Mark Radford

DPR have worked on both commercial and domestic roofs for over 27 years. It’s safe to say that in this time we have learned a thing or two about roofs. And one of the things we have learned, that could be more important than everything else, is that a roof is a single cohesive unit.

A good roof is the sum of its parts and if any one part is lacking, from the beams to the joists to the tiles then the roof will not perform well as a whole.

One part that is of vital importance, and is seemingly often overlooked, is the guttering. Water can actually be very damaging. Just think of the way it can rust and destroy exposed metalwork. This is why we have created special routes that rain and excess water takes. These routes typically start at the guttering and end in the main underground drainage system.

However, if at some point this route is interrupted, for example by a blocked gutter, then the water will simply not run where it is supposed to and every drop of water that does not run where it should means it has reached somewhere else and will inevitably lead to some sort of breakdown/corrosion.

This is why it is very important to have clear guttering system. This will enable water to run exactly where it should, and not damage any structures around it.

Some people are capable of doing this themselves. However with domestic properties it is often just thought of as an unpleasant job plus it has its dangers due to height and is put off and put off until it becomes a real issue. In commercial properties it is simply overlooked, and not thought of until a problem arises and stock is at risk.

This is why DPR offer a retained service in which we will regularly visit your site in order to clean your gutters and carry out any maintenance work that needs doing. By taking advantage of this service you can rest easy knowing that we will probably prevent any problem before it arises. If an issue does arise you can contact us knowing we will be round as soon as possible to remedy it.

One of the earliest recorded uses of slate is from the 1300’s, and it is still in use today. And it is easy for us as DPR to see why.

We see, use and install slate pretty much every day. A well-made slate roof will be completely water tight and will last anywhere up to 150 years with little to no maintenance. They also look fantastic, and work with a number of architectural styles.

Its appearance is a large part of why it has endured as long as it has. Depending on the light, and the slates proximity to water it has a different sheen. There are also different veneers and also different types of slate that can be used for a huge range of appearances.

From an environmental standpoint there have been several studies which have confirmed it to be the natural material with the lowest environmental impact. Other roofing materials leak toxic compounds for up to a couple of years after they are installed, whereas natural slate only uses water in its production.

There is also a good future for slate. Cupa Pizzaras have recognised that the solar absorption and diffusion make it ideal for capturing and storing solar power. There has even been a Thermoslate system developed which can integrate invisible solar collectors into any existing natural slate roof.

The best thing about these solar slate panels is that they are quarried and installed exactly the same as standard roofing slate. They even look the same, so it saves the client the need for unsightly solar panels, and saves the installer the hassle of making room for them.

 

Much like you would look after your own personal health, the roof of a building must be looked after to ensure everything remains in good working order. They are certainly not glamourous projects, and are easy to keep putting to the back of the pile, but the truth is, if left, you could well be exposing your home to some serious problems.

Unfortunately, we often only consider doing something with our roof when we have an active problem and need something repaired immediately. What would be better is if we took preventative measures at strategic times throughout the year to check the general health of our roofs. That way, you can prevent water damage starting or if it has, prevent any further damage.

When it comes to fixing a problem, you must always start at the location of the leak. Unfortunately, a lot of leaks do not show in the place the problem is, often running down boards or finding a gap at the least possible point of resistance. As a result, detecting the location could well be the hardest point, and might require a professional roofer.

Once you have located the issue, it is then important to work out what damage has been done and how much more is going to happen (depending on weather, the damage condition now and other influencing factors). Determining these will probably also show whether or not you can do the repair yourself, or you require a professional roofing company.

You should also consider at this point if your roof has been damaged by general wear and tear, which should really have been looked after, or through a freak event like strong winds and rain. You may be able to use an insurance company to cover some of the costs if this is the case.

If you are worried that your roof has not been checked for a few years, do not sit back and wait. It is important your roof is checked at least annually, so speak to a professional company who can come and carry out a check on your roof, before a large problem occurs.