Author Archives: Keith

The Best Material For Your Roof

What should you choose?

Choosing the right materials to use on your roof can often seem like a never ending battle as each material has its own pros and cons. Take a look at our simple guide to the pros and cons of each different material to help decide what fits with your goal and budget for your next project.

Slates

As one of the oldest and most traditional materials out there, it seems appropriate to start with the variety of types of slate that you could choose for your home. Offering a natural and low maintenance finish, slates are one of the most durable materials you could choose for you home. What’s more, if you’re looking for a classy, stylish finish with little effort, slate rarely looks out of place. With a range of different types out there, it can be difficult to choose between them and the final decision often comes down to the size of your budget.

Natural Slate

These tiles consist of natural stone taken from quarries across the country and each quarry produces a different colour or shape of slate, making yours entirely unique. These slates often contain small imperfections on them, adding character to your home and giving it a look that can’t be replicated. Your natural slate roof will last you a lifetime thanks to its durability, meaning that although the slightly heftier price tag, it can in some cases be worth it.

Artificial slates

These slates are made out of fibre cement, a strong product that can create good quality slates with a smaller price tag. Available in a range of different colours and shades, these slates are often more appropriate for more adventurous architectural projects as they can be applied in a range of different ways.

Although perhaps a more stylish finish, slates can often be more time-consuming to install than other materials, meaning that your overall costs may end up being higher. Additionally, slates are noticeably heavy and cannot be used on lighter roof structures, however they are perhaps more strom-proof than tiled alternatives.

Slates vs Tiles

Clay tiles

Clay tiles are a hugely popular material for many renovations thanks to the wide variety in colours and sizes available. These tiles are quick and easy to install and replace, meaning that if you have a smaller budget, this is the ideal material for you. Although not as long as natural slates, the lifespan of clay tiles can vary between 30 and 70 years, acting as a pretty safe alternative.

Concrete tiles

More budget tiles are made from concrete and are readily available from builders’ merchants across the country, whereas clay tiles are often homemade, rendering them slightly pricier.

Tiles do tend to crack over time, meaning that regular maintenance is key, additionally if you are switching from a different roofing material to tiles, you roof’s support system may need updating thanks to their heavier weight. If you’re desperate for a slate roof but your budget wont quite stretch to it, get the best of both worlds by using roof tiles that look like slates.

Metal roofing

One of the fastest growing materials on the market, metal roofing is a great option if you’re looking for individual shingles made from aluminium, steel or copper, This is appealing thanks to its durability and since is nothing to crack or slip out of place, regular maintenance isn’t necessary, however it does often need to be custom made.

Flat roofs

As specialist flat roofers, this is our area. Flat roofing systems are different to pitched roofs, meaning that slates and tiles aren’t needed to keep your home watertight. Instead, a waterproof membrane is needed to be installed. There are a number of different roofing systems to choose from here so lets go through them…

Felt

Roofing felt is an older, more traditional roofing system that is generally a lot cheaper than its alternatives. With a three layer membrane in most newer felts, modern felt roofing is more sustainable than its former bitumen and stone chip versions, and what’s more, the waterproof polyester membrane ensures that your roof is well protected from the elements whilst providing a substantial level of roof insulation.

Perhaps the cheapest and easiest material to put down, felt is a reliable material that can last around 10 years and after this it is super easy to replace. These membranes are pretty much impenetrable and are great at waterproofing your home on a budget.

GRP Fibreglass

This is one of our favourite materials to work with and lets tell you why. GRP is far more durable and longer lasting than felt materials and only costs a fraction more. It is easy to apply and can be suited to almost any roof types and sizes so long as there are strong enough foundations.

So which is better? Well this comes down to the scale and type of your job. You see, small outbuildings, sheds and garages will fear well with a cheaper felt roof over the top of them, however for larger projects you should probably consider fibreglass. Both systems are similar in terms of how weather tight they are however thanks to its slightly stronger characteristics, fibreglass may be a better alternative in areas with more extreme weather conditions.

Rubber bond

A hugely popular and cost effective material to opt for, rubber roofing is a great choice for property owners with flat roofs. Used as a weather proofing solution in addition to roofing systems, this material is available in black or white and requires little maintenance other than occasional cleaning and repairs (see our last post for more information on the importance of cleaning your rain gutters).

Rubber roofing vs Roofing felt

This is a far more durable material to its felt counterparts and can withstand some of the most extreme weather. It is also more flexible, reducing the difficulty and therefore costs of repairs when leaks occur. Whilst felt still remains the cheapest material, it is worth weighing up all the options before you make your final decision.

Checkout our projects gallery for more information or if you need a little more inspiration 🙂

How to make your home ready for winter

Is your home ready for winter?

With September already here, the temperature has dropped (even more than the abysmal August temperatures) and very shortly the leaves will start changing colour. Whilst providing an exciting run up to Christmas, it could be an expensive end to the year if you’re not careful. We don’t need to tell you that a small leak can turn into something major in no time, if you’re reading this you probably know all that, however there are some more important tips and tricks that you can do to help make sure your home is ready for whatever the winter weather throws at it.

Clean out your gutters

Whilst not the most important issue in the summer months, as the leaves start to fall off the trees its incredibly important to keep your gutters cleared in order to prevent leaks. You see, your gutters are designed to provide a route for excess water to run off the roof, but when your gutters become cluttered 🙂 the water cannot follow its usual exit. Rotting and mould comes about when the water finds another exit (see our last post). Your felt can rot from the bottom up rendering your secondary barrier useless and soon after this your battens and rafters will be in the firing line. Clogged gutters can also lead to water overflowing, penetrating the exterior walls around the perimeter of your home, obvious signs of this are when your inner walls can start to show signs of mould and damp. Stay safe and clean your gutters out at least twice a year, try using a leaf blower or a garden hose for a quick and easy job.

Careful not to ignore your surrounding areas

With the aftermath of hurricane Dorian hitting the headlines, we don’t need to remind you about the extent of damage adverse weather conditions can cause. You want to take a look at the trees surrounding your property and in some cases it might be safest to have them cut down .

Make sure you hire a reputable tree surgeon or this could happen..

You may even find that loose branches are the culprit for your missing or loose tiles so it’s definitely worth taking a good look.

Admittedly, there’s not much you can do about surrounding buildings but its good to be aware that they have the potential for snow to drift onto your roof, which can in some cases cause severe leaks if left on your roof.

Brave the attic

For many, the attic is spider-ridden storage space that is only ever ventured into when you need something out of the ordinary, however it might be worth peeking up to the rafters or even just a shine of a torch to check everything’s A. OK. Make sure your insulation is evenly distributed and vents aren’t blocked near the edges of the attic. Insulation is crucial for keeping your house nice and toasty and if this summer’s weather is anything to go by, we might be in for a chilly winter.

Schedule a roof inspection

If you’re at all worried about the state of your roof or perhaps you’re waiting for that day of torrential rainfall to expose what needs fixing, call us out for a free roof inspection to keep your mind at rest. If you can’t check everything off this list, remember that it’s important to work with any issues before the weather gets bad as when heavy snow and ice hits, minor damage can turn into major damage in a flash. What’s more, it’s harder for roofers to work safely in the winter, meaning that if you want your work done in a shorter amount of time, take action now.

See our previous blog for more information detailing how the change in seasons can cause all sorts of mould and damp and the ways in which this can be prevented.

Can summer damage your roof?

Summer damage for your roof

With the unseasonal August weather leaving us all scratching our heads, you might be pleasantly surprised by the news of a heatwave this weekend. But what does this mean for your roof? With one of the wettest Augusts on record followed by a few days of actual summer weather, this could have a significant impact the longevity of your roof down the road.

You might want to be aware of some of the problems that can crop up so as not to risk a costly total roof replacement, so without further ado, here are some of the ways this summer weather can cause a problem for your roof…

Water is the enemy

With so much rain in a short amount of time followed by a quick flurry of hot weather, these are the perfect conditions for moss and mould growth. When moisture builds up within the layers of your roof, mould and moss is given freedom to grow, damaging your roof from the inside out.

Thriving in warm, wet climates in between shingles in your roof, moss can grow out onto the exteriors of your roof, making it look like you’ve got a thick green blanket over your house. Whilst this may not seem like a big deal, as well as making your roof look rather uneasy on the eye, moss is notorious for holding water. This means that your roof can become covered in concentrated damp patches that will eventually seep through and create leaks.

The problem doesn’t stop there, indeed damp patches in your house can lead to mould which can have a poor impact on your health as well as your interiors.

There are two simple and easy ways to stop the summer storms running your roof. The first option is to stick a strip of zinc across the apex of the roof, creating an alkaline liquid when it comes into contact with water, killing moss as it trickles down. Alternatively, fix a small piece of copper wire underneath your ridge to stop any moss accumulating as well as preventing growth in the first place. If you’re unsure on what to do or simply have too much to deal with on your roof, give us a call and we can sort it.

Summer can escalate rotting damage

Since roof decking is usually made of plywood, leaks from summer storms can leave your decking to bend and rot. Since the decking acts as additional support for your roof thanks to its strength, it cannot support the weight of your roof if damage becomes severe. This means that your roof is in danger of collapsing. Poor attic ventilation accompanied by summer storms and intense heat can also have the same effect as your attic can overheat, accelerating the time taken for mould and rotting to form.

Keep an eye on this, if your ceiling starts to leak that’s a pretty clear sign you have a problem, other more subtle clues include mould and mildew appearing on your walls or dark damp patches in your attic. If you spot a slight sagging or dip in your roofline from the outside then it’s worth taking a look to manage the damage.

It’s recommended that you get your roof inspected at least once a year, so once this weather has passed it’s worth getting someone out to check that all’s good.

Cracked shingles

A little known fact, the sun can cause almost as much damage as rain as with the predicted 30° heat this weekend, your roof can reach almost double this temperature. Intense heat after a cooler, wetter period can lead to your shingles drying out, making them prone to cracking and breaking when the next storm hits. Look out for this as cracking can lead to eventual roof collapse if you’re not careful.

If the confusing August weather has been a little too much for your roof, don’t leave it until it’s too late. We can accommodate to all your roofing needs so give us a shout for a free quote and consultation.

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Three Peaks: England, Scotland, Wales

3 Peaks, 23 Miles, 3064 metres, 24 hours and a whole lot of Red Bull.

Taking a weekend off roofing duties; myself, Louis, Jack, Laurence and Jordi embarked on a national challenge climbing the 3 highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, something we quickly realised was no easy feat.

The aim of this challenge was to raise money for the charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity that supports children that have lost a family member in battle. We successfully met target our target of £400 three days before setting off, meaning our goal turned to raising enough money as we could (as well as getting home in time for work on Monday!).

Was I prepared for this challenge? No. Would I do it again? Probs not, I like my sleep. Was it worth it? Absolutely.

Ben Nevis, Scotland:

4:30 AM start and a 8 hour drive to Ben Nevis was a bit of a shock to the system, and it wasn’t long until we encountered our first hurdle, 3 hours of M6 carpark traffic. 11 hours later we arrived, ready and rearing (if not slightly full from too many food stops) to start our climb.

The weather was kind to us at first, providing us with a great opportunity to get going across the shallow creek fields that led to the mountain path. An hour and a half later we reached the valley crossing and felt great! The endorphins of this little evening uphill walk were really hitting, and the fear of exhaustion we’d feel at the end of the trip had disappeared, replaced instead with a great sense of pride at the progress we’d already made. The stunning greenery came to an end here and as did our misguided optimism. Greenery was replaced with stony paths surrounded either side by rocks paved the way for the rest of the ascent. This was followed by a helpful passerby claiming that we weren’t even half way up yet, great. The 4 am start had begun to hit us and the mental exhaustion began to set in already.

After a short break to kick us out of our slump, we continued our climb with the assumption that once we reach the top it will be the confidence boost we need to complete the rest of the challenge. Every corner turned we felt (or rather hoped in my case) that we were close to the top, however each corner simply presented us with a greater slope to climb…until finally we saw it, the brow of the seemingly never-ending hill. Or so we thought. It turns out our excitement at reaching the top of the mountain was stalled as we failed to see the further stretch that would take us another 45 minutes to navigate. The barren and rocky peak was a much welcomed sight, providing us with some spectacular views of the Scottish highland. I may have spent years travelling across various parts world but weirdly, had never been to Scotland so this provided me with a great opportunity to tick Scottish sightseeing off the list…from 1345metres.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, the descent was a down sight faster than the climb and we caught up on precious time that was used up trying to get that perfect summit picture for our instagrams. We arrived back at the car to wake up our sleeping driver Jordi and set off for Scafell Pike.

Time: 4.5 hours
Metres Climbed: 1345
Mood: Apprehensive of what’s to come. That was harder than expected.
Blisters: 2
Red Bulls consumed: 2 (Jordi)

Scafell Pike, England:

It really does pay taking a driver with you, thanks to our speedy driver Jordi we managed to arrive at the Lake District in just over 5 hours. It was on the drive that we encountered our next hurdle: sleep. We had planned to use this drive to get some much needed shut eye to keep us going for the climb ahead, however that is easier said than done and only one of us actually managed a sustainable level of sleep.

A 3am start this time with waterproofs on and torches out and we were ready to go. Although the smallest of the 3 peaks, we had been told enough times that this was the hardest climb of the lot and our sleep deprived bodies were not filled with heaps of confidence. We marched on in the dark regardless. Unable to see more than a few metres in front of us we took it, quite literally, one step at a time. With a steeper and rockier terrain than Ben Nevis, coupled with a fresh spray of rain, the path was slippy underfoot, meaning that more precious time was added on to this climb. An hour and a half later, the sun began to rise and we were able to truly appreciate the beauty that this mountain and its surrounding landscape had to offer. Surrounded by the magnificent rolling hills of the Lake District, the mountain path ran through a valley, providing us with an amazing view of England’s deepest lake, Wast water. From here we were able to catch a glimpse of the top of the mountain, mostly hidden by a thick blanket of cloud.

We were informed by a helpful passerby this time that the peak was ‘not far away’ and trust me, after plugging on for all this time, there was nothing else we needed to hear. The mountain fast became more technical, with a steeper and more shallow incline into the clouds and we were shortly greeted with the best view of them all: the summit (an excuse to sit down and have a biscuit, or a whole bar of Cadburys…). Signalling we had reached half way through the challenge, there was no better feeling than realising we were an hour ahead of schedule. After a short break and taking time to take those all important summit group shots, we headed downhill.

The descent may not have been filled with the same degree of optimism as we displayed previously as knee pains and blisters were starting to take their toll. We returned to find a sleeping Jordi (again) ready for our drive to the final leg of the challenge.

Time: 3.75 hours
Metres Climbed: 970
Mood: Tired but happy with the second peak time
Blisters: 11
Red Bulls consumed: 2 (according to Jordi but we saw about 6 empty cans)

Snowden, Wales:

After an unforgiving 4 hour drive to Snowdon, we arrived at the final leg of the challenge, again with next to no sleep. In fact it would be greatly generous to say that and Louis I managed even an hour of sleep, blaming poor choice of car seats as the culprit (and not the copious amounts of caffeine consumed…).

Blisters plastered, boots on and waterproofed up, at 12:15 we attempted to put sleep on the back burner and set off for one last climb. Plagued with heavy showers and a miserable outlook, our grey moods were reflected in the weather.

The climb began with a series of rocky steps, requiring us to utilise our somewhat limited climbing abilities. The terrain then began to even out and a low incline path up the mountain came to view, with lakes on the left and the mountain on the right, we thought we were in for an easy ride. Sadly, this brief moment of relief was short lived as the steps soon returned.

Within the first minute we were greeted with the sight of a mountain rescue helicopter circling the area and then subsequently airlifting a poor victim to hospital, filling us with an immediate sense of dread. We promptly discovered that the injury wasn’t too serious, but it was still a reminder of the potential of danger. Our pace was slowed further thanks to the bottleneck of climbers that now appeared, creating a queue to the top as the path was only broad enough for single direction traffic.

The final 40 minutes of the climb up snowdon were by far the hardest of the entire challenge as weather conditions grew harsher, we were certainly not prepared for this. We opted for the fastest but perhaps the most technical route and put our heads down to complete the challenge on time. The sound of a train gliding over tracks up ahead signalled that the peak was near, after a few more (very painful) steps walking alongside the track, we reached our final great peak. Whilst we all wanted to celebrate, the wind had other ideas and so we took one last brief summit picture and headed back down before our time ran out.

With Lawrence hardly able to bend his leg, the phrase two steps forward, one step back came to mind as he completed the majority of the descent walking backwards. This, combined with the vast numbers of people slowed us down significantly, making the prospect of getting home in 22.5 hours become more of a vague dream than a reality. However the entertaining sight of Lawrence attempting to navigate the mountain backwards sparked enough morale in Jack, Louis and I to carry on down in relatively high spirits and as a team completed the challenge in 23 hours, 32 minutes.

Reliable as ever, Jordi was waiting at the bottom, red bull in hand, to congratulate us. A special mention needs to go to our driver, whilst not taking part in the climb itself, he had an equally challenging task, driving us round the UK in 24 hours and staying awake for the best part of it. It may not have been the wildest of road trips (if you know me after bad weather and no sleep, you know) but we certainly couldn’t have done it without him. The final car journey journey was filled with a great deal of relief however that was momentarily overshadowed by the moans and groans of cramps coming from the back. This was nothing a little trip to KFC couldn’t fix though and we arrived back at Andy Lee’s yard, 40 hours and 1200 miles of driving later.

Time: 4.5 hours
Metres Climbed: 1085
Mood: A mixture of exhausted and elated but tbh more focussed on our highly anticipated KFC
Blisters: 22
Red Bulls consumed: No full cans left but I’m sure Jordi bought 10 with him (he claims they help him sleep)

Needless to say, my legs couldn’t make it to work on Monday.

As one of the most mentally and physically exhausting challenges I have ever put myself through, the amount of money raised made everything worth it, so we would all like to say a massive thank you to all those who donated, so far we have managed to raise over £900! A massive thanks goes to Andy Lee Transport for the generous donation of fuel money and a car to complete the journey, without which we would have struggled greatly.

There’s still time to donate, just click here

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Common Roofing Questions Answered

How much will my roof leak repair cost?

How much will my roof leak repair cost? How much will it cost for a totally new roof? Questions we hear almost every day, however there is no black and white answer. No matter what the circumstance, it always comes back to how much of your hard earned money it’s going to take to ensure that your roof is in optimal condition and your home is protected from the elements.Everyone’s home is different and prices vary due to location, size of the repair and the materials used. The best way to find out the cost of a repair is to give us a call and we will aim to get to you within the week and can offer you a free quote on the day, offering the best quality materials and customer service. It must be noted that without a good quality, well installed roof your building with be susceptible to damp and rot may occur from the top down. Structural joists and beams will be in the line of fire, as well as ceilings and electrics, it really does pay to have a quality roof!

How long can I expect my roof to last?

As to be expected, there are many factors that can prolong or shorten the life of your roof, but in general, a brand new roof can be expected to withstand around 20 years of weathering, with flat roofs naturally lasting less time as water doesn’t run off them as fast. However, a well installed GRP Fibreglass roof installed with top materials can be expected to last upwards of 20 years. There are also elements that affect this lifespan, for instance if you live in an area that experiences weather conditions such as heavy snowfall regularly, your roof may last shorter than is standard. Roofs that are regularly inspected and maintained should last longest and your home will stay protected from the elements for longer.

How long will it take to install a new roof?

When your roof begins to leak, it’s not something you can put off until next year, you need it fixed quickly.Trust us when we say it pays to have a good roof! You may also be unsure of what a repair is needed, whether it’s an easy repair or maybe you’ve reached the end of your current roof’s lifespan and its time for a new roof, rest assured the process is more simple than you may think.

Should a new roof be installed in winter?

There are certainly more advantageous times of year to install a new roof or commission a repair, autumnal and spring showers may cause delays in the work that needs doing as roofers are often unable to work in the rain. Also, GRP Fibreglass needs bone dry conditions with little moisture in the air to allow the resin to cure properly. However, as roofers in England we are experienced at working in harsher climates, meaning that all jobs are feasible in the winter. If its not an urgent repair you need, plan it carefully and book in a job well before the summer to ensure you can be fit in.

Should I install a completely new roof or continue repairing the existing one?

You may have heard that you can continue replacing tiles or slates on your roof for years instead of installing a new roof, however there are times when a new roof is preferable. Constantly replacing materials won’t always stop your ceiling from leaking and internal damage may occur, meaning that its time to call out the professionals so that they can keep your interiors dry. Additionally, if your tiles or slates continue to slip, they will need refastening or it could be dangerous for those walking directly underneath. This doesn’t necessarily require an entire new roof but it is worth getting an expert out to identify the looser tiles in order to keep your home secure.

What materials should I use?

When considering what materials to use, there are a few elements to consider, for example planning permission and budget. For pitched roofs, the most common materials to use are slate or tiles. Slate can either come in natural form or man made, with the latter usually working out cheaper. When it comes to tiles, the two most common options are clay or concrete with concrete costing considerably less. The more expensive options will usually be more aesthetically pleasing and they are often longer lasting, however they are not always necessary concrete tiles and cement fibre slates will be more than adequate for the vast majority of roofs. They each come in a range of sizes and even colours.

On flat roofs there are a range of options including lead, GRP fibreglass, Rubber and more traditional felt. For more information please see our solutions page.

The team at Sacklyn roofing are experienced and professionally trained roofers who will do their best to fix all your roof-related problems in the shortest time possible. We provide a high quality service that ensures that your roof will withstand 20+ years of weathering. For more information visit our main site www.sacklynroofing.co.uk or read our recent blog posts. So if you’re looking for a quote for your next project, or just some information on your roof leak repair cost, contact us now.

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Bats on the Job

Bats are a protected species in the UK and so if you suspect that you have bats in your roof, it is essential that you take the necessary precautions before commencing construction work of any form, such as simple roof repairs.

Originally, bats would roost in wooded areas and caves, however, as these have become more scarce, species have adapted to roost in homes, old and new, hibernating throughout the winter.

Lesser Horse Shoe Bat:

<img alt="bat on roof"> These virtually harmless animals can go largely unnoticed as their droppings tend to be odour free and dissolve quickly and they wont bring dead prey inside their roosts (unlike our feline friends!). Your wooden rafters and insulation will be kept in tact and females only give birth once a year, meaning that an infestation is not on the cards.

We suggest that if you suspect you have bats living in your roof, you should contact a local conservation agency before starting any construction work. Additionally, it should be noted that the handling of bats and the disturbing of their roosts is forbidden and can be seen as breaking the law, however as well respected and experienced roofers, we are able to work around these magnificent creatures with advice from local agencies in order to produce some fantastic results.

Below are some pictures of a detailed slate roof on a late 2018 project on a country manor’s coach house in Gloucestershire. Here, we worked around the bats to produce a result that we are exceptionally proud of. The architect specified that the work carried out matched the original build to the finest detail. The aim of this project was to restore the roof to its former glory whilst retaining the loft space as one of the most important maternity roosts for the Lesser Horse Shoe bat in the UK with the help of licensed bat workers.

To fit the original coach house we used smaller than usual slates at 400mm x 225mm (although there are over 35 recognized slate sizes used within the UK). The preferred slate sizes stocked by the majority of UK merchants would be 600mm X 300mm, AKA 24 x 12” and 500mm x 250mm, AKA 20 x 10”.

We also matched the original mitered hips using a hidden gutter to drain away any rainwater.The hip ends were formed out of the original slate that we were salvage whilst stripping the old roof.

The two large front and rear faces were reinstated with newly sourced slates, which were matched as closely as possible to the original.

<img alt="velux window installation"> In order to make the roof as authentic as possible, we replicated the original diamond pattern with the two contrasting slates. Another part of the restoration, through following advice from the licenses bat experts, we were able to reinstall the original hoppers with new lead so that bats use could use them to travel in and out of the loft. The original lead finials (details at each end of the ridge) were similarly restored and reused to keep the character and heritage of the building alive. All new lead (soakers and back gutters) was fitted to the chimneys. Two conservation roof lights were added to the rear face to increase the amount of natural light inside. Old <img alt="slate pattern"> slater’s under felt was used as opposed to a more modern breather membrane; this is for the benefit of the bats as they can hang from the old felt with no trouble. It’s said that more modern felt is manufactured differently so that when the bats hang on it they actually get caught up in the fibers and they cannot escape once caught.

As of spring 2019, the bats have been returning to the roost and they now have a safe space to thrive for the foreseeable future. Only recognized bat professionals came into contact with and handled the bats in the roof. See our gallery for more pictures .

How to speed up your WiFi

Gloucestershire, home of the slowest broadband in the UK

Are you aware that Gloucestershire is officially home to the slowest internet speeds in the UK? If you are struggling with slow and inconsistent and unreliable internet speeds, then you are not alone. We’ve long been promised the prospect of fibre optic, however many out there are still waiting for the ever promised fibre optic internet to arrive in their area, yet then when it does arrive the price is somewhat unappealing. If you’re wondering how to speed up your wifi at home then maybe its time to explore alternative options that provide faster Wi-Fi connection, something fibre optic cannot promise.

We have unlocked the key to faster and more reliable internet available to everyone. We are now providing a unique service providing free speed testing and friendly advice on contracts to choose, followed by a speedy 4G installation, helping to bypass your internet troubles with a broadband alternative that could be faster and more reliable than your landline connection. Additionally, if you would like the process to be even more hassle free, we can offer on going technical support.

To unlock faster internet in your home or office, please contact us for pricing, more information and free testing

Slate Hip Alternatives

With over 30 years experience in roofing, we’re no stranger to a slate hip to tidy up a roof, take a look at some mitred slate hip alternatives from a project completed in 2018.

Mitered Slate Hips

Here’s a few pictures from a 2018 project on an industrial unit roof in Gloucestershire.

The product used was a textured cement fibre slate. A good alternative to natural slate, especially with the textured finish.

Other roofing materials used during this installation were a high quality roofing felt and a treated 25x50mm roofing batten.

Code 5 lead cap

The four hips of the roof are joint with a mitered effect in the cement fibre slate, creating an almost seem less join between all four faces of the roof. An alternative method of hip would be to use hip tiles made out of other materials such as clay or concrete.

The ridge was capped with a piece of code 5 lead, thick and durable.

Feel free to contact us with any of your roofing needs!

Mitered hip

For more, check out our latest slate roof projects and see if you can spot any more slate hip alternatives, make sure you like us on facebook and check out our Instagram!

Natural Stone Roofs, Gloucestershire

Natural stone roofs are among the oldest roof coverings around and are typically used in the Cotswold’s. A stone roof can last for 100 years or more and look absolutely stunning. Traditionally the roof is tiled with diminishing courses with the largest tiles at the bottom of the roof and the smallest at the top. This is a barn that we are working on with a natural stone roof in Shipton, just outside Cheltenham.

The nature of stripping a natural stone roof, sorting all the various different size tiles and reusing the sound tiles is always time consuming but the end results are rewarding.

If natural stone roofs aren’t quite the aesthetic you’re looking for, as specialist flat and slate roofers we are able to fit a wide variety of materials to suit all of your needs for your next project. If you’re looking to find out more, check out our blog post detailing the range of materials available.

So if you are looking for experienced roofers in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire or the Cotswold’s then contact us for your free quotation for:

Construction of new stone roofs
Turning stone roofs
Repairing stone roofs

No job is considered too big or too small for us, so please do get in touch for more information on your natural stone roofs

Fibreglass Fishpond – GRP Roofing

Fibreglass fishpond in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

K. Sacklyn & Co. are a team of expert roofers working throughout Gloucestershire, so why have we got a photo of a fishpond on our blog?

Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) commonly referred to as Fibreglass is a high performance waterproofing system for all types of flat roofing, box gutters, valleys, balconies, walkways or anywhere that requires waterproofing, even fishponds.

It is formed in situ by reinforcing polyester resin with chopped strand matt using a peroxide based catalyst to harden it. Once cured it forms a joint free laminate that will last well in excess of twenty years. Just the kind of material you want a fishpond to be made from, long lasting and waterproof.

So with this in mind, when asked to construct a fish pond for someone, we couldn’t say no to the exciting project. Completed in just two days by two of our expert roofers, this fibreglass fishpond in Cheltenham was completed with the upmost care to ensure that the base stays water tight for at least 20 years.

So if you need a fibreglass roof or even a fishpond, contact us now

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