NWRB is the No 1 choice for roofing systems, we will not be beaten on price or quality Roofs, Repairs There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The roof and guttering must be kept in a good condition to enable a property to remain weatherproof. Ineffective covering can lead to expensive work to the underlying timbers and any decorative finishes, which will deteriorate rapidly in damp conditions. Different roof coverings have varying life spans. The materials used, the quality of the workmanship and the exposure to the elements will all be contributing factors to the effective life of the roof. There are some that last for a hundred years or more, while others deteriorate after 40 years, some are only guaranteed for 20 years reliable cover. You may only realise that a repair is needed on the roof when ceiling stains are noticed in a room after rainfall. This indicates that water is leaking into the roof space. Always repair damage as soon as possible to stop further rainfall damaging the fabric of the house. Steep-Slope Roofing Structures The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures: Tile—clay or concrete—is a durable roofing material. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to verify that the structure can support the load. Slate - Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. In addition, its application requires special skill and experience. Many old homes, are protected by this long-lasting roofing material. How to check the condition of your roof: From the roof space inside: If the inside of the roof is unlined, check for cracks showing daylight as this will indicate areas needing closer inspection. Shine a torch on the timbers and check for water staining. If stains are found on the timber, try to trace the source of the stain. It is useful to inspect the inner roof space after a long period of rain, as the source of a leak is easier to trace. Slate does deteriorate with age so check for hairline cracks by looking for staining on the tiles. From ground level: Outside, check the whole roof by inspecting at ground level. It is easy to spot a disjointed or slipped slate against the regular lines of slates. If there is a change to the colour of a section, it could be newly exposed and therefore unweathered. Look for a powdery or flaky surface, known as delamination, which shows deteriorating slate, which is no longer doing its job effectively. Look at the ridge on the skyline and check for gaps in the mortar joints. Check for the state of the flashings at abutments and around chimney stacks. Check for fallen pieces of mortar. If the roof is too high to allow you comfortable access by ladder for a closer inspection, use binoculars to scan the surface as carefully as possible, from all angles - front, back and sides where applicable. other things you need to know: One the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.        Flat Roofing Structures The following roofing products commonly are used for flat roofing structures: Flat roofs are constructed with joists spanning the gap between two walls, covered by sheet timber or other material. In the case of timber a further, waterproof cover is required. The weight of these last two coverings, together with the span, form the basis of the calculation for the size of joists required. A further part of this equation is discovered in Approved document A of the Building Regulations (Structure) where the possible snow loadings, depending on area of the country and height above the ordinance datum, are taken into consideration.  How to check the condition of your roof: From inside: Check for water staining on the ceiling as this will indicate dampness getting through. Felt covering can deteriorate with age and become porous. This can result in the surface becoming uneven, buckling or cracking in areas. On a particularly wet day, check for drips of water seeping through the surface. It is useful to inspect the ceiling after a long period of rain, as the source of a leak is easier to trace. If stains are found, try tracing the source of the stain as it is not always directly overhead. Water can penetrate the roof surface and travel between the roof and ceiling level before finding its way through the ceiling.   Outside at ground level: Outside, check the roof by inspecting at ground level. Check the apron, which is the area where the edge of the front of the roof does not meet a wall. Here strips of felt are secured over facia boards, sealing the edges of the roof. If there is a change to the colour of a section, it could be newly exposed and therefore unweathered. If the roof is too high to allow you comfortable access by ladder for a closer inspection, use binoculars to scan the surface as carefully as possible, from all angles - front, back and sides where applicable.        Common roofing problems to look out for:  Sun: Heat and ultraviolet rays cause roofing materials to deteriorate over time. Deterioration can occur faster on the sides facing west or south. Rain: When water gets underneath shingles, shakes or other roofing materials, it can work its way to the roof deck and cause the roof structure to rot. Extra moisture encourages mildew and rot elsewhere in a house, including walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Wind: High winds can lift shingles' edges (or other roofing materials) and force water and debris underneath them. Extremely high winds can cause extensive damage. Snow and ice: Melting snow often refreezes at a roof's overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. This blocks proper drainage into the gutter. Condensation: Condensation can result from the buildup of relatively warm, moisture-laden air. Moisture in a poorly ventilated attic promotes decay of wood sheathing and rafters, possibly destroying a roof structure. Sufficient attic ventilation can be achieved by installing larger or additional vents and will help alleviate problems because the attic air temperature will be closer to the outside air temperature. Moss and algae: Moss can grow on moist wood shingles and shakes. Once it grows, moss holds even more moisture to a roof system's surface, causing rot. In addition, moss roots also can work their way into a wood deck and structure. Algae also grows in damp, shaded areas on wood or asphalt shingle roof systems. Besides creating a black-green stain, algae can retain moisture, causing rot and deterioration. Trees and bushes should be trimmed away from homes and buildings to eliminate damp, shaded areas, and gutters should be kept clean to ensure good drainage. Trees and leaves: Tree branches touching a roof will scratch and gouge roofing materials when the branches are blown by the wind. Falling branches from overhanging trees can damage, or even puncture, shingles and other roofing materials. Leaves on a roof system's surface retain moisture and cause rot, and leaves in the gutters block drainage. Flashing deterioration: Many apparent roof leaks really are flashing leaks. Without good, tight flashings around chimneys, vents, skylights and wall/roof junctions, water can enter a home or building and cause damage to walls, ceilings, insulation and electrical systems. Flashings should be checked as part of a biannual roof inspection and gutter cleaning. NWRB has experience in working with all types of roofing products and systems. If you have require any further information or your roof has a problem that you would like us to take a look at please visit our contact us page http://www.nwrb.co.uk/contact.html all quotations are free and guaranteed If you would like to see more examples of our roofing work please visit our portfolio page and click the play button: http://www.nwrb.co.uk/photo_player_flash.html