FAQ: Question Time for Our Roofing Experts

Kevin Westlake:

We have Problems with our Velux Window. It was installed several years ago and has always leaked. Do we need to replace the window or do you think it was installed incorrectly?

Harry:

The odds are the window was not introduced accurately in any case. The primary thing to search for if the right flashing unit has been introduced (for slate, tile different profile for tiles) .

On the off chance that it is the wrong one or has not been introduced appropriately it’s generally down to the head lap, insufficient overlap (slate flashing) or side lap (tiles). It could be conceivable that the overskirt at the highest point of the window (demonstrations like a canal) could be penetrated due to a slipped slate. It is conceivable to settle as Velux do new parts.

I’d envision it’s exceptionally uncommon yet in the event that it’s a blame with the real window and casing then Velux offer a multiyear guarantee, however just enquire once you are certain that the window has been introduced effectively.

I strongly question the likelihood of the window spilling because of a development of leaves that would mean a considerable measure of issues for velux if that was the situation. There windows are tried against a wide range of climate conditions and situations. Is the window and flashing right for the point (pitch) of the roof? (wrong blend will bring about holes) Your builder needs to check each plausibility and output the distance around the window or more to edge tallness to determine no breakages over the window.

In the event there’s a shot that moisture can work its direction into the underlay or rafters and get in where the underlay has been cut open when the window was introduced. Any of these proposals ought to be anything but difficult to comprehend. You said you utilised a builder, I don’t represent all builders ( I believe each exchange should stick to there claim) however you should ask for a survey off a trustworthy roofing organisation, a lot of experience means a ton.

Peter Makely:

We want to convert our flat roof into a Decking and Garden Area?  Is this possible and can steps from above be put down so we can access this?

Harry:

You would definitely need to get an auxiliary architect to take a gander at the roof. On the off chance that you are proposing to include a staircase and furthermore some kind of roof deck. I would figure that the original roof joists would not have the capacity to take the additional weight in a protected way. The staircase would need to be settled to the current roof deck/joist and afterward weathered with the film that you would use on the principle rooftop.

With respect to roof covering you can utilise a superior single employ pvc roofing layer to climate your roof. This would then be able to be overplayed with either a timber decking or a clearing section on supports/pebbled wrap up. The decked zone would clearly NOT be settled through the roof layer and simply sit free over the roof. The heaviness of the deck will hold it down. You would need to utilise a wool channel/insurance layer between the completed film and whatever roof deck complete that you liked. This shields the waterproofing film from getting to be harmed and furthermore goes about as a filtration layer for all the soil that would aggregate under your deck.

Phil Boorman:

When Im in the loft I have noticed that the roofing felt is in a terrible condition. It’s frayed with holes and some areas it has completely disintegrated. We do not have any problems with leaks so do we need to bother getting replaced?

Harry:

As far as we are aware there is at this moment in time no government warning on roofing felt containing asbestos or the safe handling / disposing of sarking felt due to it dangerous nature. As there is no asbestos fibre in old roofing felts, it seems to me that the felts on your roof have started to perish, best solution is to post for a quote on here and get some advice, by all means you can call us and we can provide a quotation for any works free.

the felt running into the guttering is always the first bit of felt to wear because it is exposed to all the elements, Sarking felt is the end that laps over into the guttering to allow water run-off. Over a long period of time the tiles/slate move, vibrate in the wind up and down and hit the top of the fascia board and sometimes that cuts the felt. This done it allows water penetration via wind movement to ingress to the timbers inside and you know what that mean. One of the best and secure ways of dealing with this is to replace the first 1 metre up the roof with new, this in achieved by removing the first four rows of tiles/slates and battens/ cutting away the rot and torn felt normally about 6″ lifting the rest up and installing a new length under making sure you leave enough hanging out to go into the gutter. Simply replace what tiles/slate you removed in a reversed action and re-bed in cement the ends to prevent ingress there.

A good solid solution, hope this helps with your question.

Paul Spencer

I have had my roof replaced and it is constantly Leaking, what do you advise?

I had a re-roof and have had issues continually en route. Right off the bat they didn’t do the entire roof, they missed the mark by around 2-3 feet. They at that point returned and just nailed tiles over the old slate which fortunately my neighbour saw and hailed it up to me. So then they returned and took up that bit and put new felt down and set the tiles back on. I at that point saw they had missed a similar piece out on the front. Yet behind the stack, so it wasn’t obvious to see except if you were a reasonable way back from the house, which was making it spill. I additionally had a cascade falling off the front of my home because of the flashing not going into the gutter. So they returned for a third time and clearly settled it.

 Regardless I have water spilling into both the front and back rooms and I am having no reaction from the builder. It is simply deteriorating and more terrible consistently. One of the rooms was just put in July so it is turning into a misuse of cash the more it spills.

I was trusting somebody would have the capacity to give me some guidance on what I can do? I assume my solitary alternative is to get another contractual worker in to settle the issues and endeavor to recoup the cash I have effectively paid through little cases court? Am I qualified for attempt and claim for the harms caused by the holes which have just come to fruition after they told me they had redone the whole job?

Likewise, would anyone be able to offer any exhortation on the most proficient method to get a better than average roofer. I have looked online to acquire two roofers, the first came and performed a simple repair. At that point revealed to me I required another roof. After that the second one did the most exceedingly terrible work conceivable (they both had great testimonials)

Harry:

What concerns me here is that there is no mention of building regs. As it was a re-roof building regs ought to have marked it off, it is presently compulsory that building regs are included on all roofs where more than 25% of the roof covering is supplanted or expelled and in addition all space protection is moved up to current government specs 270mm.

You should then receive compliance from building control that the work is up to scratch. You need to contact the individual you utilised and give them a reasonable time scale to adjust their deficiencies on the off chance that they neglect to go along.  At that point you could utilise another roofer however don’t be shocked if the entire roof must be taken off and re-done as it sounds a wreck yet without taking a gander at it we can’t generally tell what the problems are

In the event that the individual was an advertised contractor they should have open obligation protection for the activity they have done. While it doesn’t cover awful workmanship it will cover harm caused by the awful work i.e. water harmed ceilings, walls, this would be my first port of call, the insurance agency. Your home insurer may also be able to help.

It is reasonable to accept from what you have composed this individual who knows nothing about roofs and has most likely under-priced the job to accomplish the work. Unfortunately the low cost of the pricing likely means that shortcuts have been made. This is where problems are often found

You can take them through the small claims court however this can be frustrating, take a lot of time and money and doesn’t always work in your favour. But definitely use as the final resort.