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It might not look like much, but your home’s guttering system is probably the most essential exterior feature. Guttering runs along the roofline to capture water runoff and direct it into vertical running downspouts and drains. This diverts the water away from your home’s precious foundations.
Because gutters are so taken for granted, they often get forgotten when it comes to maintenance. Efforts are usually reactive instead of proactive, which isn’t ideal.
In this article, we’re going to talk through 5 signs you need gutter repairs, helping you nip issues in the bud before they get any worse.
If your gutters are sagging, this is bad news. Gutters can sag for several reasons, usually, it’s because they have become filled with debris, clogs and blockages. This will cause water to pool in them, which will then cause the sagging.
If this isn’t fixed, gutters can eventually sag so much that they become unconnected, pulling away from the roof. This will leave your home without a functioning gutter system.
Leaking gutters are another big sign that you need to call a repair company.
Gutters will usually leak due to old sealant that’s not doing the job anymore, blockages or damage from impact. Even a small crack can cause a big problem. Cracks are common in the elbow joint of downspouts.
Leaks can have a huge impact on your home over time, leading to pooling around the foundations which can cause costly water damage.
If the water is spilling over the top of the guttering, instead of flowing down into the drains, this is a sign you need gutter repairs.
This could happen because:
If your home has period metal guttering, this can rust over time as the materials age. Rust can form when water sits in the guttering too long, forming pools. If you find rust, this could suggest other issues, like blockages.
Over time the rust can spread leading to more holes in the guttering, which will eventually mean you need to organise a full replacement. If you notice rusty guttering, you should call a gutter repair company pronto.
Detached gutters are cause for big concern. If your guttering has become detached it won’t be functioning as it should. Water will be running off your roof and pooling on the ground around your house, which can lead to soil erosion, fascia rot and foundation cracks.Whatever the reason for your gutters detaching, if this happens you need to arrange gutter repairs as soon as possible.
It depends on the construction, but the minimum weight a flat roof must be capable of bearing is 300lbs. This refers to a concentrated weight where a load is positioned on just one area of the roof. So, for example, a commercial flat roof can approximately support a 300lb HVAC unit in a 2.5×2.5ft single space.
If you opt for a flat roof anywhere on your property, remember that it comes with a need for proper maintenance. Low-slope roofing London-wide should be checked every six months or so, or after spells of bad weather, to spot any signs of damage. No matter how small, these should be addressed before they escalate. Remove any debris (leaves, twigs and so on) regularly to avoid these blocking the gutters and allowing water to pool and stand on the roof.
If there are trees in the close vicinity, keep them cut back to reduce the amount of foliage that falls on your flat roof. And check internally for signs of moisture, dampness or water damage on a regular basis. Spotting problems early means resolving them will be cheaper in the long run.
Building a flat roof can be done in three ways. The simplest and most cost-effective choice for levelled roofing London-wide is to construct a warm roof where a roofing membrane is placed over the insulation that keeps the timber structure warm. Another option is to create a cold roof where insulation is positioned between the rafters under the ply roof covering. This is commonly applied to flat-roofed extensions.
The third method is the hybrid roof that contains diverse elements. Their designs require a gap of ventilation above a warm roof to prevent excess moisture within the roof structure.
If you’re looking for flat roofing local contractors, don’t just select the first firm you come across. Find a roofing company that’s been in business for a while and can demonstrate a good track record in installing, repairing, and replacing flat roofs specifically. Ask for recommendations from your own network or from a local trade association. If you need refurbishment work done to 50% or more of your roof, you’ll need a roofing contractor who can self-certify their work under the Competent Person Scheme. Otherwise, the Building Control department at your local authority will need to approve the job before it begins.
Ask whether they are covered by liability insurance and how long they’ll guarantee the work they will carry out. And never just opt for the cheapest quote unless you’re quite sure they’re the best company for the job. You can’t afford to compromise on your roof as the structural integrity of your property depends on it.
Ensuring your flat roof will comply with building regulations before installation can save property owners time, money and stress. First, the roof must have a slope of around 1:80, with water draining away to one or two roof edges. Waterproofing must be extended up to the adjacent walls with at least 150 mm from the surface of the roof.
Contractors must install ventilation in cold roofs. For warm roofs, the deck must be bonded with a VCL. The roof should have the capacity to withstand strong winds and be sturdy enough to take an individual’s weight. Finally, check whether planning permission is needed. Typically, this is only required if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, or are making significant changes to an existing roof.
If you’re looking for top roofing solutions at competitive rates, check out our range of roofing services at Environ Roofing Company London. To get started, call one of our representatives today!
