Posts Tagged ‘roofing’

Many properties these days have a lead roof. If you are thinking of fitting a lead roof, it is important that this be properly designed and executed. To ensure this, it is equally necessary to have a good understanding of the material and the skills necessary to work it. There are some common things that can lead to the failure of lead roofing and these should be understood.

Lead is one of the best and most durable roofing covers available. It is commonly used on older building such as churches but is becoming more common on other types of building. A hired contractor or lead roof specialist needs to understand potential faults that can occur when fitting a lead roof and how to recognise problems:

• weaknesses, holes, ripples or splits
• using pieces that are too large for the area covered
• poor fittings and fixings
• poor consideration of temperature and potential for movement
• the use of inappropriate or ill-fitting underlays

Each of these can have an impact on how long the lead roofing will last as well as how effective it will be in its protective function.

One of the main causes of failure in fitting a lead roof is making it too tight or the where the sheet is the incorrect size. Because lead is usually fitted on the outside of buildings it is subject to all kinds of weather conditions and in particular changes in temperature. Lead expands and shrinks in changing temperatures and this should be borne in mind when fitting. A fitting should be the correct size for the area and sufficiently tight to keep it in place but not so tight as to not allow it to move, expand and contract in the changing temperatures.

FIND A ROOFING SPECIALIST OR SERVICE HERE

Other aspects that should be considered when fitting a lead roof are the weight of a sheet and strong winds. Both of these can cause a sheet to rip away from its fittings or move around excessively. Also, corrosion caused by moisture or dampness underneath the lead sheet can be caused by fitting to a damp surface or warm air escaping from inside the building. This can be eradicated by allowing sufficient ventilation between the lead and the surface. Finally, Lead is a highly valuable and desirable material making it vulnerable to thieves all too ready to steal it. There are some protective measures (ask your contractor) you can take and vigilance is highly recommended.

There is little doubt that lead sheet is a good roofing material – keeping a building dry and protected. But it is highly recommended that you use only trained and qualified tradesmen, skilled in the techniques to fit one.

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There are lots of things to consider when thinking about getting a new roof fitted to your house. If you are just starting to think about this then this short ‘new roof – top tips’ guide will help you to make some good decisions. It will also be of great help to your service provider. If you have a clearer idea of what you want then that assists them in making decisions about what is best for your project. It will also help you both to control the cost and get the roof that you want and need.

1.       what kind of new roof do you want? Is it flat, slanted, house, garage etc. Can you describe the kind of roof you want: the kind of tiles, covering, colour. The more detail you have the better.

2.       A new roof can many other possible features like Velux windows (if you want light coming in) additional leading and flashwork, guttering and fascias. Think about how you want these to look.

3.       Why do you want a new roof in any case? Some people think they need a completely new roof when all is required is a renovation. A good service provider will advise on this and make recommendations based on your budget

4.       Think ahead. Is your roof on top of a loft that you might convert one day? This might make a difference as to what you decide.

5.       There are roof coatings and coverings to think about. You don’t need to know the details as your roofer will recommend for you. But make sure they explain the advantages of one kind over another before you spend

6.       Plan your budget carefully and how much you can afford to spend. It’s generally true that when getting a new roof the better quality you can afford the longer it will last.

7.       A new roof like any building project takes time and needs project planning. Agree start and finish times with your provider and how they will carry out the work

8.       Get a few quotes before you decide which provider to use. Don’t just go for the cheapest or even what seems to be the most detailed – both can be unintentionally deceptive.

9.       Obviously you need to agree a price for your new roof before they start – get it in writing.

10.   As the work progresses try to get a verbal report from your provider as to what they are doing at each stage and how long it will take. This will build a relationship with them, show that you are monitoring the process, and indicate that you are keen to get the job done.

If you are thinking of getting a new roof you can GET A QUOTE HERE from a local provider