Home Improvement Advice for Roofing

Do it Yourself Tips for Roofing

When it comes to home improvements, nothing is as important as a weatherproof roof. Interior designs may come and go with each passing week, but your roof is a permanent fixture that needs to last, keeping the elements out and contents protected.

Unfortunately for most homeowners, the first sign of roof trouble comes just when this protection is needed most - in bad weather when rain starts pouring through the ceiling. So it is worth carrying out a few routine checks on your property from time to time to try to identify potential trouble-spots well in advance. Follow this set of guidelines set out by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors to make sure that you are well-prepared for the Great British weather:

Autumn and Spring are good times of year to check your roof for damage caused by wind or bad weather and to look for potential problems. An easy and safe way to do this is to ask a neighbour if you can take a look from their windows using binoculars. Keep an eye out for the following:

Cracks or deterioration of the roof surface on flat roofs. Make sure all roofing material is secure along all the edges. The standard life of a flat roof is roughly 15 years, and after this time you might want to consider getting a contractor to inspect it.

Loose or cracked slates or tiles are usually the first sign of trouble on pitched roofs. Although the life expectancy of these materials is good, unfortunately the nails that fix them will not always last as long. However, if the problem is caught in time, the materials can often be re-attached using new nails, saving you money.

If you do need to replace any material, it is best to replace like with like, since all products are not always compatible with all buildings. This is not simply a question of appearance - some older buildings were not built to withstand the weight of some new materials, for example concrete tiles.

Check eaves, verges and ridges for general wear and tear, and make sure that mortar, painting and lead flashings are all in place around the chimney.

Gutters and drainpipes should be free of leaves and other debris. Overflowing gutters can make walls damp and damage brickwork, or can collapse if laden with leaves. Make sure all gutter supports are secure and in place. Check for rust holes on metal gutters or worn patches on pvc ones.

But although these checks can help minimise roofing problems and costs, it goes without saying that if you do spot a problem, it is time to call in the experts. Finding a reliable contractor to carry out any work is vital - or your home and your wallet are likely to suffer the consequences.

Don't get stung by a cowboy - be wary of doorstep salesmen who claim to have noticed a problem and offer to fix it for a very cheap (often cash) sum. Headed paper which displays no address or land line telephone number - only a mobile - is another tell-tale sign. **

Try to get at least three written quotes or estimates - this will give you a good idea what work is involved and how much it should cost. Think about using an NFRC member, since their stringent entry procedure means that all contractor members have been carefully vetted before they are allowed to join, in accordance with the NFRC's Code of Practice. Contact the Federation for your free list of member contractors in your area.

Having chosen an NFRC member contractor you will be able to take advantage of a range of services. These include a range of insurance packages for clients, as well as free technical advice to help you understand what the problem is, or for information on materials. The Federation also offers a free conciliation and arbitration service, to help resolve any problems or disputes between members and clients.