To most homeowners in Cayton, buying a new roof can be a daunting prospect. While it can be a major undertaking, re-roofing your home doesn't have to be a stressful or long, drawn-out process. CheckaRoof works with some of the best roofing contractors in the UK to ensure that your new roof is installed with minimal fuss and that the work is completed to an excellent standard that you deserve, and that we expect.
CheckaRoof is a company that exists because of a vision. We believe that every property, whether commercial or residential, should be protected by a good-quality roof that is constructed to excellent standards using the best materials. As the owner of the property, you should not have to pay the price for incompetent workmanship or poor-quality materials. Your roof should be able to withstand the effects of the elements for many years, no matter how extreme the local environmental factors are in your region.
Wind damage can result in a single tile being dislodged, or, in severe cases, the entire roof being lost. Wind can also lift rooftop flashing (often made of lead) which allows water to flow into the joint between the roof and walls. High wind can also bring down branches, resulting in major damage to your roof, breaking tiles, bringing down chimneys, and tearing away guttering and downpipes.
Heavy or prolonged rain can loosen tiles or compromise chimney flashing. Sudden downpours can overwhelm guttering, loosening the fittings. When this happens, rainwater often finds its way into the loft space or under the eaves where it starts to cause damp and decay. Fascia boards, soffits, and barge boards will start to rot, often unseen until the damage is done. This problem is worsened when animals gain access to the cavity, bringing in leaves and nesting materials.
Snow and ice can be very problematic, causing ice dams. Not only does this add extra weight to the roof, but it also causes water to back up beneath the tiles as the ice melts. Water can then drip through onto the insulation and even into the cavity wall, resulting in rising damp, dry rot, and wet rot.
Obviously, homes in the far north of the UK are more exposed to colder conditions, meaning that the risk of damage is increased.
Flat roofs, often seen on extensions and garages, have a reputation for being prone to damage and for failing. This is especially the case with older properties where the materials tended to be inferior and have degraded over the years.
Long hot summer days cause a lot of wear and tear, making the materials continually expand and contract. This eventually makes them start to break down or shrink, revealing cracks through which water can leak.
This is another major factor in roof damage. Over time, the materials degrade to such an extent that roof replacement becomes the only viable option. Sealant starts to deteriorate and air vents become blocked or broken, leading to leaks and condensation build-up.
If the angle of your roof pitch is too shallow, then it may be at risk of wind damage. It could also prevent water from draining away efficiently. This will leave your property vulnerable to long-term damage. It may be advisable to have your roof replaced with one that has a much steeper pitch.
A roof will fail much sooner if it wasn't installed properly in the first place. Shoddy workmanship by unscrupulous or unqualified contractors is responsible for countless cases of roof failure. This is especially the case with flat roofs for extensions. Contractors have been known to install flat roofs without an adequate slope to allow rainwater run-off, leading to pooling or ponding. This adds extra weight, putting the structure under pressure and causing leaks as water finds its way through the smallest cracks or is absorbed into the brickwork.
Checkaroof exists to ensure that when your existing roof needs to be repaired or replaced, the work is undertaken by reliable tradespeople from a reputable roofing company.
Sometimes it's painfully clear! Most people will only become aware that their roof has failed when they spot the telltale signs. Leaking roofs will become apparent when damp patches spread on interior walls, or water drips through the ceiling.
Damaged or missing roof tiles can cause serious problems, as they can remain undetected. The wooden joists and rafters can rot, compromising the roof structure and making it unsafe.
Sagging rooflines indicate that something is wrong. Loose guttering might suggest that the fittings have rotted under the eaves due to exposure to water. It is essential that any underlying issues are resolved, as a simple repair of loose tiles might hide a more serious problem if joists are rotted.
All new roofs should ideally be inspected twice a year, preferably before and after winter. Few people will actually do this, although some at least make a quick check for loose tiles or damaged flashing. Roof inspection can be a hazardous job, and it is always better to leave this to a specialist with safety training.
The best way to discover whether you need roof repairs or a complete roof replacement is to have it inspected by a professional roofer, approved by Checkaroof.
It may be that your current roof only needs a moderate amount of work to make it sound once again. In some cases, roof repairs or roof restoration are a better option and will save you a significant amount of money.
Restoration work will include a comprehensive inspection to identify areas that need repair. The roof will be repaired. cleaned, and coated. By the time the work is completed, it will look like a new roof! This means that not only will your roof continue to protect your property, but it will also improve its kerb appeal.
If an existing roof does need to be replaced, there are several types available. The coverings used for floor roofs have improved in the last couple of decades, creating a range of durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective roof covering options. You are no longer limited to a felt roof, which was traditionally the only real choice.
These days, you can choose from:
Generally, flat roof replacement is cheaper than a hip or gable roof, as less material is needed. And because the work is completed more quickly, the labour costs will be lower. Before making any decisions, it's best to consult a specialist who can offer advice and guidance. Checkaroof will ensure that you get to speak with a trustworthy professional.
So, how much does a new roof cost? The final bill for roof replacement will depend on the size of the project, whether high-end materials are used, labour costs, and the length of the job. Other costs need to be taken into account, such as scaffolding, removal of the old roof, including old rooftop flashing and the old tiles, and the hire of skips to take away waste and debris.
When roof repair or restoration is not the best solution, then full roof replacement becomes the only viable option.
If you are in a vulnerable position or unable to afford a new roof, many local council authorities offer grants to help cover the cost of roof replacement. You should be aware that few grants are awarded to cover full roof replacement as the criteria are strict. In most cases, a grant is issued to cover roof repair rather than a new roof.
As mentioned above, flat roofs generally tend to be cheaper, but what should you expect to pay?
The average cost of a flat roof in the UK is between £1,000 and £5,000, which is quite a wide margin. The actual cost will vary depending on your choice of material, as well as the factors mentioned above.
The cost of tiled roofs varies according to the size and the type of tile used. For example, slate tiles are usually more expensive than clay, but there are dozens of different tiles available with widely varying prices. You can even opt for second-hand tiles, as these are often cheaper and offer a good way of recycling materials.
As a rough guide, comparing tiled roof repair costs against buying a new roof, the cost of replacing around five tiles is just under £200. However, if cement bedding is needed, or roof ladders and scaffolding are required, then this can soon rise to more than £500.
In contrast, a new hip roof or gable roof* will usually cost between £6,000 and £10,000, although generally speaking, a new gable roof will be slightly cheaper. Again, the size of the project will have a bearing on the final cost.
You can see why it is imperative that you have a reputable and reliable roofing services company to perform an inspection, as they will provide an honest and detailed report, and will recommend a cost-effective solution. Checkaroof will help you to secure the best people for the job!
*A hip roof has two slopes (or pitches) while a gable roof usually has four.
As with most things of this nature, it's best to get a few free quotes from a selection of roofing companies before going ahead. You need to find one that you can trust, as well as make sure that their quote fits your budget.
Checkaroof will guide you through this process, helping you to secure the services of a reputable roofing company that will offer a free, no-obligation quote for a new roof cost.
Paying out for a new roof might not be an attractive thought. However, there are many benefits! A new roof will add value to your property, as well as boosting its kerb appeal.
You will also have peace of mind in the knowledge that the work has been carried out with professionalism and precision, using good-quality materials.
Because of this, you can rest assured that your roof will provide protection for you and your possessions for many years to come, possibly between 50 and 100 years. Of course, this depends on whether it is maintained properly and inspected regularly, but you can still count on your new roof for at least two or three decades.
Checkaroof helps you to find the very best roofing contractors, which means that your new roof is likely to last much longer.
Having obtained your free quote, you need to arrange for an inspection to determine whether it's a matter of minor repairs, or whether you need a replacement roof.
Any roofing services company that CheckaRoof approves will be upfront and honest about any other costs involved, so there won't be any nasty surprises at the end.
Once you have arranged for your new roof to be installed, Checkaroof ensures that all work carried out is done so to the best standards. Your property should always be left looking clean and tidy, as the contractors will clear up the site before leaving.
So, your next step is to contact us. Checkaroof acts as an advice centre, guiding you through the process of all aspects of roofing repair work or full roof replacement.
Whether you have an issue with a flat roof, roof tiles, guttering, flashing, or any other roofing problem, get in touch with Checkaroof today.
We believe in roofing excellence, however harsh the local environment is.
