Frequently Asked Questions
This is probably condensation. We have noticed an increase in this over the past few years and put most of it down to loft insulation being crammed right into the eaves and cutting off any airflow. Double glazing and wall insulation can also be a factor. There were some under tile felts that didn’t allow the roof to breathe and these roofs may require some vent tiles to be retro fitted.
Chimney stacks can be problematic. Because some no longer have a roaring fire in them they are basically just a large brick column sticking through your roof. If you have had it pointed and the lead is sound it could be porous bricks. Some chimneys act like a huge sponge and soak up rainwater until they reach saturation point and then they will leak. That is why some only leak periodically. Often the only answer is to remove them below roof level and tile or slate over.
This is a common problem and could be due to a weak or too strong a mix when bedding the ridge originally. The weather is a factor when it was done. Simply skimming over it doesn’t work. There are dry hip and ridge kits available that require no wet fixing. Other than that all the hip & ridge needs taking off and re-bedding.
Not all roofs are suitable. Visit our Flat to Pitch Roof Conversions page and that should answer any questions you may have.
A velux roof light is a great option, giving you natural light and ventilation. A sun tunnel may also be suitable if a rooflight can’t be fitted. There are some great products that will suit every need including electric openers and blinds.
There are a lot of options for flat roofs. GRP flat roofs, polyester torch on, rubber membranes to name a few. With the advance in technologies, a flat roof need not be a constant headache. 25 years+ is now attainable and some EPDM flat roofs are still going strong after 50 years.
There are a few products on the market that perform to varying degrees! The best solution is to have them cleaned and inspected at the end of Autumn. This way small problems can be identified and rectified early on. Prevention is better than cure.