Category Archives: News

Lockdown DIY Tips To Keep You Busy

From endless TikToks to the Whatsapp conspiracy theories, its pretty easy to get lost in the online world during this hiatus from normality, and consistent with the times, you may have been left feeling a little less than normal. Its time to put down the phone and get stuck into all the jobs that you’ve stuck on the back burner and ignored. From growing tomatoes to clearing the gutters, take a look at our top lockdown DIY tips, helping keep yourself occupied. What’s more, doing something useful over the next few weeks is simpler than you think, and you don’t even have to leave the house for supplies…

Upcycle

On the topic of upcycling, you’ll be surprised what a little paint and sandpaper can do to restore your tired old furniture. Dig out some sandpaper and get to work reviving your garden alt="DIY firepit"furniture, perfect for your new Friday nights in, or try your hand at a make-shift bird feeder out of old plant pots or mason jars. With the weather looking promising, why not have an evening
round a fire out doors by making your own fire pit, if you’ve got one, an old washing-machine drum makes the perfect base to sit around and watch the sun go down.

If you want to take things even further, declutter and revive your furniture for a new owner, simply upload your creations online and opt for contact-free courrier services, securing a few extra pennies without even having to step out of the front door.

Take to the Attic

Ah everyone’s favourite storage dumping ground, the attic. Take some time to tidy and clear out your attic during the next few weeks and you’ll never know what you’ll find! Use this as an opportunity to check your attic for roof leaks and carry out your own mini roof inspection yourself. If you’re feeling up to it and have the materials, save some pennies and get to work on one of the most unappealing jobs out there, fitting your roof insulation. Get ahead of the curve and prepare your roof for winter early, providing that even sweeter feeling of a lower energy bill when the time comes around.

Build a Bookshelf

alt="DIY Bookshelf"Time at home in the sun provides the perfect opportunity bury your head in a mountain of books in the sun, however it’s quite rare to ever find a perfectly tidy bookshelf that isn’t overflowing. Use what you have around you and prop up a small shelf to store your favourite page turners, from wood scraps and bricks to old wooden ladders, embrace the concept of upcycling and throw yourself into a project like this. You could even try growing some flowers in old pots or jars for the ideal personalised bookends.

Grow your own

The Easter holidays, filled with the agonising peril of finding new ideas to keep the kids entertained at home. Minimise your shopping trips and use up your left over kitchen scraps to reduce waste and get the children involved in a fun and rewarding activity that isn’t an Easter egg hunt. Try your hand at re-growing tomato seeds or maybe even an apple tree, this is a great project to get your children involved in that’ll last well-beyond the lockdown period.

Whilst garden centres are closed, many are offering contact-free deliveries, helping to keep the business afloat and keeping your garden looking better than ever, meaning that this is definitely an option to consider if you find yourself itching to get into the garden.

Check out what Trioscape has to offer here

Declutter your Gutters

Sunny weather? No rain? Something must be up. Take this time to get started on that one job we’ve been nagging you about for months but you haven’t quite had the energy to do it… your gutters. As you may have heard us mention once or twice, cluttered gutters can lead to devastating leaks springing up in your home, so take the time while the weather’s nice and leaves are starting to grow on trees to give your gutters a little TLC.

Get Painting

The perfect job in the Easter sunshine, add a lick of pain to any dull looking walls to lift your spirits and get in some quality family time. Save the pennies and relish in your newfound free time, order paint online to avoid going to the shops and enlist the help of the kids to channel your inner artists; you’ll be surprised what a lick of paint can do!

Take up Sewing

This year has seen a huge movement towards sustainable living, including reusing and recycling what we already have at home, and what better way to do it than now? Patch up your old, tatty looking cushions and piece back together the fabric that’s been torn apart by the dog, there’s no time like the present!

Clear out your wardrobe and dig out the jeans you ripped but couldn’t quite bear to throw away because “they’ll come in handy one day”, and try stitching on a colourful patch to give your denim a new lease of life.

Now surely at least one of these suggestions is enough to keep you busy enough to not want to leave the house, so keep washing those hands and please remember to stay home, save lives, and protect the NHS. As always, we’re here to help and whilst we may not be working, please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you need a hand during these tough times. We’ll see you soon!

For more, follow us on Facebook and check out our Instagram

Cycling Update

Following on from last summer’s successful trek across Britain’s three peaks in aid of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the team are back with their latest 400 mile challenge plus a few additional members… so here’s a little cycling update…

alt="charity cycle ride"

With only a few weeks to go until this bunch of ambitious amateur cyclists embark on a pretty tiresome journey across the channel to Amsterdam, we thought it an apt time to introduce the guys taking part.

🚲To donate, please visit our JustGiving page here

So lets meet the team…

First up:

alt="charity cycle ride"Name: Daniel John Bubb-Sacklyn (DBS)

Age: 26

Practice miles under the belt: 22.69

Fun Fact: I’ve never cycled for over an hour, let alone 24…

Thoughts on the ride: “I’m fairly nervous about the cycle. I’m looking forward to spending a few days in Amsterdam, though, and sampling what they have to offer…”

 

alt="charity cycle ride"Name: Jack Mustoe

Age: 27

Practice miles under the belt: 60

Fun Fact: I quite like crisps

Thoughts on the ride: “Just returned home from holiday where I binged every day for two weeks… so not overly confident..”

 

alt="charity cycle ride"Name: Wouis George Leslie Looley

Age: 27

Practice miles under the belt: 70.64, true to form hating every mile of it

(Not so) Fun Fact: I get 0 enjoyment from cycling

Thoughts on the ride: “I’m actually looking forward to it. Although I don’t think I have enough padding on my bike seat”

 

alt="charity cycle ride"

(Lawrence hiding his slap head)

Name: Lawrence Taurean Roland Wooley

Age: 28

Practice miles under the belt: 60

Fun Fact: Good at hiding my slap head

Thoughts on the ride: “Excited, nervous and think my knees are going to fall apart”

 

Although the training efforts might be a little slap dash to say the least, their minds are in the right place. Indeed, this cycle is all being done in aid of a fantastic cause, Mind. Mind works hard to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health for men, that has gained great levels of awareness through campaigns such as Movember, tackling suicide prevention among men. Depression, schizophrenia and other associated mental health disorders are no easier to challenge with a Y chromosome, meaning it’s time to raise more awareness for those battling society’s misinformed expectations of them to simply ‘man up’. It therefore only seem appropriate that the team push their minds and bodies to the limit on this challenge for such a worthwhile cause.

Our support team will be headed up by Jordi (who boasts a whopping 847.64 miles training under the belt…in a lorry), the wannabe mechanic, and James, the mechanic. A camper/support vehicle has been kindly provided by James and his new initiative, Three Counties Camper Hire, providing top quality camper vans to avid adventurers, from festivals to glamping in style on wheels, with your choice of immaculate VW Camper Vans.

To find out more, check out our first blog post introducing the cycle.

For the latest updates and more information, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram

Historic homes: Materials For Your Roof Restoration

Preserving your home’s legacy whilst also adding strength to its historic structure can be a difficult and confusing task. When it comes to your roof, this often requires careful consideration of the different roof restoration materials available. Finding the right roofing material that fits with both your aesthetic aspirations, building regulations and your budget whilst also restoring your home to its original character is not the easiest of tasks. What’s more, many of the original materials are simply not in production any more and so finding a perfect match can feel near impossible.

alt="Slate roof bungalow restoration with valleys"A general rule of thumb is to contact an experienced architect and experienced roofing team before making any major decisions in order to determine which materials best suit your circumstances. Whilst an architect is able to provide insights into the historical styles that will suit this major design feature, we’re on hand to provide you with some of the most common options and roof restoration materials available that offer an ideal historical look and incorporate modern construction techniques.

 

Slate

"manor house restoration"One of the most natural roofing materials available, along with wood, is slate.  You’ll find a slate roof on many historic buildings in the UK. Welsh slate in particular is the number one choice when it comes to this type of roof covering. However, there are some great alternatives if you’realt="bungalow slate roof restoration" on a lower budget such as natural Spanish slate or the man made cement fibre slates which have a slate ‘grain’ added for aesthetic effect.   

As one of the smartest and most aesthetically pleasing materials out there, slate roofs require minimal maintenance and their long-lasting durability means that your roof could survive a lifetime.

Clay Tiling

Clay was one of the earliest roofing materials and many old buildings in the UK will have man made plain clay tiles as a covering. The tiles were made using a clay oven and each tile was made individually, you’ll even sometimes see fingerprints on the ‘nibs’ (which hook over the batten) from the young kids who would have to spend their days pushing their thumbs throughalt="finished clay tiling" the tops of the tiles to create the hook effect of a ‘nib’. alt="tiled ridge roof restoration"

Although you can still source second hand man made plain clay tiles from reclamation yards and old farm sales, there is a newer alternative with many of the same appeals. The modern day clay tiles aren’t made in such a draconian manor and are instead factory made by machines, meaning that you can still get the great material but at a fraction of the cost. This makes them an ideal material to mimic the structure and appeal of an older roof, especially if you’re looking to restore your old roof for less. 

Traditional clay tiles are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, meaning that finding a close or even perfect match for your home can be relatively simple, however if you need something slightly more unique, there are plenty of specialist tile manufacturers that will be able to produce your ideal tile. Like slate roofs, tiled roofs require minimal maintenance beyond checking that they have not slipped or cracked during patches of exceptionally bad weather, but instead of boring you about that now, if you’re interested, take a look at our pervious blog post about preventing storm damage.  

If you’re looking for an even cheaper option yet again, look into concrete tiling, however this option may not be available for many old and historic roofs due to listed building rules. 

Flat roof coverings

It may sound a little surprising but many older, historic buildings have flatter areas that require alt="GRP fibreglass flat roof covering"flat roofing, typically over extensions, dormers and even towers. EDPM Rubber or GRP fibreglass roofing is an ideal, cheaper option for your old roof restoration as the tight water-proofing qualities are able to protect your building’s beautiful heritage without costing an arm and a leg.

Lead Flashings

Lalt="lead flashings"ead flashings are used in order to protect the junctions between roof alt="lead work"covering and the wall, for example between phatapets and chimneys.
These are often vital for restorations where weathering over time has worn the seal, increasing the likelihood of leaks. Lead is the most effective material to use in this instance due to its ability to expand and contract with the weather, providing the ideal waterproof seal around your home. 

To see more of our lead work, why not take a look at some of our latest projects here.

It is always worthwhile contacting a reputable roofing contractor before making important decisions such as this, so contact us today for a free roof inspection and quote for your next roofing project and we can guide you on the best roof restoration materials for you.

Whilst we’re at it, if you haven’t heard already we are planning a 400 mile cycle from London to Amsterdam in March in aid of Mind and we’d greatly appreciate your support! To find out more, check out our blog post or if you want to donate a few pennies, click here. Thank you!

For more, like us on Facebook and check out our Instagram!

Cycling to Amsterdam

Starting the year off on a note straying a little from our normal roofing posts, this may not come as fresh news to the beady-eyed of you out there. For those that have perhaps favoured devouring their Christmas chocolate over closely watching our posts, we have a little news. Three words; Cycling, Amsterdam, Charity.alt="amsterdam canal"

Indeed, on the 26thMarch 2020 Dan, Lawrence, Louis, Jack, Page and Jordi are embarking on perhaps our biggest challenge to date, cycling from London to Amsterdam all in aid of the mental health charity, Mind. Yes, you heard that right, London to Amsterdam, 300 miles, with some rather in-experienced and novice cyclists on board, certainly a challenge. I mean, there are apparently more bikes than people in Amsterdam so at least we’ll blend in a little…

So why are we doing it exactly? Well aside from pushing our bodies and ourselves to new limits, the excursion is taking place all in aid of a hugely worthwhile and notable charity, Mind.

A little more about Mind…

Although a vastly complex and broad topic, statistics show that around one in four individuals suffer from mental health issues annually, equating to around 676 million worldwide, meaning that the concept of mental health is far more pressing than we once thought. Indeed, in England alone, nearly 16% are experiencing common mental health issues such as anxiety and depression every week. In fact, mental health is responsible for around 72 million missed working days per year*a worrying statistic that even makes our rainy days off look pretty measly. Worries over money and work are continuing to rise, and with only one in eight of those suffering actually receiving adequate help, it’s time to talk.

Mind works particularly hard to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health for men, gaining great levels of awareness through campaigns such as Movember, tackling suicide prevention among men. Indeed, depression, schizophrenia and other associated mental health disorders are no easier to challenge with a Y chromosome, meaning its time to raise more awareness for those battling society’s misinformed expectations of them to simply ‘man up’.

With this in mind, it makes sense for us to embark on a challenge such as this to push our mental capacities beyond our limits along the scenic but challenging journey across the channel. In pairs, we will be taking shifts cycling for 3 hours at a time, ensuring that we do actually get a little sleep. Page and Jordi will be driving the support van, meeting us at each checkpoint. Our support van has been kindly donated with full insurance cover and a tank of fuel by JSR Autos of Ledbury.

Mental health issues affect all of us at some point or other in our lives, regardless of age or gender and charities such as Mind help to break down this barrier through the use of each and every donation. No matter how big or small, every little donation helps and we ask you to please make our adventure even more worth it by donating via our Just Giving link.

All that’s left to say is thank you for taking your time to get this far in our post, why not make it a little more worth that minute of reading by making a small donation… Stay tuned for more updates on training and routes over the next few months via our Facebook and Instagram!

🚴🏼‍♂️Donate here!

To read more about our other charity endeavours, check out what happened when we embarked on the Three Peaks Challenge!

*Data retrieved from the Mind website.

Winter Proof Your Home For Christmas

The prospect of a white Christmas and endless snowball fights is exciting, however you can’t have a white Christmas without balmy temperatures, damaging both our homes and our wallets. Snowy roofs and drooping icicles make for the ideal instagram snap, however if you have’t ensured your home is winter proof for Christmas, the costs incurred from the damage they can cause can make that image slightly less serene.

To keep your home nice and cosy and ward off any unnecessary winter damage, take a look at how to keep your home in top condition in even the coldest of temperatures.

Get rid of condensation

Double Glazed windows are heavenly during these cold winter months, however they often alt="condensation on roof"come with that ever too familiar degree of condensation. Keep your windows from steaming up by firstly checking there aren’t any holes in the sealants around your window. This goes the same for your Velux roof windows, where condensation can be even more noticeable as heat rises to the ceiling of your house. Opt for a dehumidifier or if you want to brave the cold, keep a few windows open ajar to keep air circulating around your room and getting rid of any unnecessary excess moisture.

Condensation can seep through your roof insulation and into your roof frame, causing all sorts of damp and damage as it can cool and drip down into your home, creating the appearance of a leak. Call out a roofer to take a better look at your seals and insert some felt between the frame and your roof to prevent damp and mildew.

Look After Your Pipes

It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that when water gets cold, it freezes and expands, however when it’s in your pipes, this can cause your pipes to crack and burst (not good). Leave your outdoor taps dripping just a little in the cold, ensuring that water keeps flowing and it doesn’t freeze.

If you’re not using too many outdoor pipes this winter thanks to the ever present rain, drain them to keep them from unnecessarily freezing over and disconnect them from the mains. Invest in some strong insulation to keep your taps nice and cosy and this goes for pipes in cooler areas of your house, such as those in your attic or garage.

Clear Away Snow

We’re all dreaming of a white Christmas, however our roofs might not be, as settled snow on your rooftop might look pretty but it can be a major culprit for all sorts of problems in your home. Snow and Ice can cause ice dams and create an unnecessary extra weight on your roof, especially when it refreezes and expands. Ice Dams can back up any precipitationalt="ridge" attempting to run off your roof, loosening shingles and creating those nasty leaks. Clear off any excess snow and icicles, keep your gutters from becoming cluttered and consider adding extra insulation into your attic to help prevent freezing. Be careful when removing snow and ice in slippery conditions and if you’re at all unsure about how safe it is, it might be a better bet to call out the professionals.

Look After The Lead

Before the temperatures seriously drop, take a look at your existing flashings on your rooalt="lead flashing on chimney"f, as if they we installed a while ago they may now be loose and the cold weather can only loosen them further. Stop excess precipitation creeping into your roof by repairing your flashings, preventing moisture build-ups that lead to inevitable leaks, keeping your home cosy and damp free in time for Christmas.

Don’t Underestimate The Power Of The Wind

Snow and ice might be the go-to problems to solve during the winter, however its important not to neglect the power of gale force wind. Major storms, such as those we’ve alt="slate roof"had in recent weeks, can in some cases cause even more damage than notorious precipitation, meaning they really are a force not to be reckoned with.

Check out your roof for signs of wind damage and replace any slipped or cracked tiles as we don’t need to tell you that this can be an open door for leeks seeping into your home.

If you’ve noticed any damage or just want a professional to inspect your roof, feel free to give us a call, we’re in China now but will be rolling again in the New Year.

That’s all from us for now, have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year, and in your time off, why not check out our Facebook and follow us on Instagram.

GRP fibreglass as an alternative roofing system

GRP fibreglass as an alternative roofing system for your box gutters

So you may have noticed the weather has been more than a little damp lately and leaky roofs and damp have become all range. Maybe it’s time to switch up your old, tired materials and look into the benefits of GRP fibreglass roofing system as an alternative water-tight solution for your box gutters, eliminating the risk of leaks and giving you some much needed peace of mind.

What is a Box Gutter?

To put it simply, a box gutter is a gutter (shocking I know) that allows water to run off a pitched roof and drain away, usually into a drainpipe or separator roof. These gutters are formed when two pitched roofs converge and meet at the lowest points, forming, you guessed it, a gutter in the shape of a box, simple right?

If you cant get your head around it… a picture paints a thousand words…alt="fibreglass box gutter">

You can also find a box gutter in situations where a pitched roof runs down to a parapet wall, stopping the water dripping over the front of the building and drenching unsuspecting passers-by.

alt="fibreglass box gutter pitched roof">

Fibreglass box gutter on a pitched roof

Out With The Old

A common culprit for leaks, old box gutters that are made from lead and dressed into shape underneath the tiles and slate on a roof, holding large volumes of water for extended periods of time. Proper installation for lead requires meeting industry requirements for lap, length of lead and mop stick and step positioning… basically, it’s a complicated process that many contractors fail to get right. It’s for this reason we come across countless lazy box gutters that aren’t doing their job properly. If not installed correctly, lead can easily fail and cause leaks into your attic, leading to that dreaded damp smell to start off small… you can read more about the problems just a small leak can cause here.

While we’re at it, why not check out some of our recent lead work…

Why Is GRP Fibreglass So Important?

So we’ve established that lead isn’t always the safest solution to dodging those leaks, indeed a far more reliable material to opt for is GRP Fibreglass. Whether it be an existing property or a new build, when correctly fitted this material has the same, if not far better, waterproofing abilities as lead and a key attribute to note is it’s sheer strength, creating a seamless surface free from leaks. Due to how strong this material is, if your tiles or slates were to slip from a pitched roof into the gutter, there would be absolutely no damage.

Another bonus? GRP is a much cheaper alternative to lead and can be moulded into any shape without the prospect of it cracking, I mean it sounds like a no brainer really.

How Does GRP Compare To Other Materials Out There?


Other commonly-used materials include EPDM rubber or green minerals felt. EPDM is a form of rubber roofing that is often used on uneven structures, such as Velux windows, thanks to its flexible properties. As a durable and incredibly waterproof material, rubber is a great substitute for lead guttering and exhibits almost exactly the same properties.

alt="fibreglass box gutter">

Fibreglassing a pitched roof

alt="fibreglass box gutter pitched roof">

Fibreglass box gutter on a pitched roof

GRP is stronger and more likely to withstand falling debris, from tiles to branches, indeed EPDM rubber would likely end up punctured, creating an ideal hole for water to seep through.

As specialists in flat roofing, whether it be a porch roof, a garage or even a garden shed, if it’s flat we strongly recommend a GRP Fibreglass roofing system for your roof covering. As such a versatile material, fibreglass can even be used for walkways or balcony waterproofing; we even used it for a fish pond!

If you’ve noticed any leaks or damp around your box gutters recently then its crucial not to ignore them as they pose a threat not only to your interior paint-work but your building’s structure as a whole. Call us out for a free inspection and quote if you’re at all worried.

For more pictures of our GRP Fibreglass work, from box gutters, to walkways, to fish ponds, click here.

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Dos and Don’ts of looking after your roof

Perhaps not always on the forefront of our minds, looking after your roof is something most only really consider in times of bad weather or when signs of damp start to appear through the living room ceiling. However, your roof has a pretty big role to fill and from blazing sunshine one minute to terrifying thunderstorms the next, it isn’t exactly having the easiest time up there.

via GIPHY

To take some of the pressure off your DIY attempts, consider some of our dos and don’ts of looking after your roof.

DO this

 

  • Get an annual roof inspection, enabling professionals to spot any areas of potential damage, preventing having to shell out for a new roof in the long run.
  • Check your roof after poor weather, make sure your gutters aren’t over flowing and look for any possible broken tiles. To understand the importance of keeping your gutters clear, alt="cotswold stone roof"click here.
  • Make sure your gutters are fastened correctly and tightly in order to prevent leaks
  • Keep your roof clear of algae, moss and loose branches that could wreak havoc on your roof. Cutting down or tie back any overhanging branches is your best bet.
  • It’s what’s on the inside that counts! Check the corners of your rooms for damp spots and shine a torch into your attic after periods of wet weather, looking for darker, discoloured patches that might indicate something is leaking.
  • Call the professionals. The ultimate goal for many men is to be the king of DIY, however, good as YouTube videos are, there are many jobs out there that perhaps need a little more expertise than first thought. Don’t leave cracks in your work (literally) by neglecting to call out the professionals, we can give you some tips and tricks for the stuff you can do on your own, whilst simultaneously ensuring your roof is in excellent condition to last.

DON’T, ever, do this

  • Wait. Putting off a small job, such as a leak or damp, with the idea of fixing it when you have a whole bunch of problems to sort. If you can see there’s an issue, trust us it is so much easier to fix if you catch it earlier.
  • Clamber onto a wet roof if you are at all unsure. We know, we know, we just said its alt="roof battens'important to check out your roof, however climbing onto a soggy roof could cause a whole host of problems, not least the issue of perhaps a few injuries.
  • Test weak spots by stepping on them. If you do decide you’re confident enough to get up there, do not step directly onto your tiles as they may crack or break under your weight (sorry), adding additional damage to the list
  • Neglect top quality. Whilst you may be looking to finish your home for less money, it is important to make sure you take everything into account when choosing the materials for your roof, not just the price. This could save you time and money in the long run, check out our guide on the best materials to choose from here.

Tackling roofing issues by yourself isn’t a massive issue if you know what you’re doing; however, do not be afraid to ask for help, consider these dos and don’ts of looking after your roof before you go any further.  Allowing the professionals to do their job saves so many dodgy DIY mistakes, so as ever; if you are at all unsure, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Like us on Facebook and check out our Instagram for more!

 

Do roofers work in the rain?

For the more beady eyed of you out there, you may have noticed in our latest job ad that as roofers, we are unable to work some days thanks to ‘weather limitations’, more specifically, pouring rain. So with such a drizzly country in the winter, you may be pondering what roofers actually do when it rains, and for those of you who aren’t thinking this, we’re going to tell you anyway.

Weather watchersalt="slates on construction site on rain day"

For years Carol has been my favourite woman to wake up to in the mornings and for those of you who aren’t familiar, I am of course referring to the wonderful weather woman, Carol. Carol graces our screens every morning with an update on what’s going on with the weather, making up one of the most important parts of the day, do I go to work or do I spend an extra hour in bed?

Some jobs, such as slating, are fine to do in the rain and just result in having to wring out our clothes when we get home, however, others not so much.

Why rain matters for projects

There are numerous reasons as to why rain can impact a roofing project, not only that we get soggy feet. Unexpected rain can be a nuisance but if it stops as quickly as it starts, it’s likely that we’re able to cover the project in a tarpaulin for the duration and resume work again once things have cleared up. 

The main reason behind this momentary pause can be put down to a matter of health and safety, however there are a number of other reasons why it can be ineffective to work in thealt="chimney wet slates" rain. When stripping off an old roof (which is necessary when carrying out reroof works) it’s important that you have dry weather as if you open a roof up to the elements and then you have a heavy down pour, there is nothing stopping the rain from going straight into your building, ruining plasterboard and even collapsing ceilings! It’s this reason that you won’t find us stripping a roof in the rain. Also, its difficult to felt a roof in the rain… there’s the obvious health and safely problems and then theres the problem of getting a wet chalk line, among other nuisances. 

Didn’t your mother ever tell you that you’ll get a cold if you play in the rain? Well this is the final reason as to why we are *forced* to take a day off when its wet. On a really wet day its impossible to stay dry, even with the best waterproofs (believe me i’ve tried them all) and come the end of the day, you’re really wet through and this often doesn’t happen without repercussions… 

When fibreglassing, it’s important to remember to work with the weather and not against it, meaning that fibreglassing in the rain is a big no. Heavy rain can emulsify resin, causing it to become white in colour, rendering it utterly useless if a smooth and sleek roof is what you’re aiming for.

Free Quotes and Consultations

So onto the important stuff, if we can’t work, what exactly do we get up to? Well, with busy days and a small team, it can often be difficult to fit in a time to go visit other jobs, meaning that this task is often saved for the weekend. Rainy days give us the chance to get one step ahead during the week as most mornings are spent visiting customers and assessing their roofs to give free consultations and quotes.

Coffee Time

alt="coffee latte art rain day"With little time to chill out during the day, rainy days mean that I can take the office work to a coffee shop to sit back and people watch, sorry, work. This is usually followed by a stop off at my favourite breakfast place, The Buttery Tea Rooms, however, if you are a regular to this page I probably don’t even have to mention that for you to know its on the agenda.

Catch flights not colds

During the month of December, the weather is often too harsh to get on with much work, rendering what we do as inefficient as large gaps between work often mean that the exposed roof can become water damaged in-between. Making up for the overtime worked in the hot summer months, this is a perfect opportunity to pack a bag and head off on a plane somewhere for a month, last year was Korea, this year is China, where next?

Check out our Instagram for more updates and like us on facebook!

We’re Hiring! Looking for a roofing labourer

Skilled Roofing labourer

K. Sacklyn & Co Roofing.

We’re looking for a labourer, preferably with some roofing or construction experience to join our team for long term work.

As a family-run specialist roofing contractor with over 30 years experience, Sacklyn Roofing is looking for a roofing labourer to fill a diverse role, so if you’re looking for an office that changes from day-to-day then this might just be the job for you!

Full driving license required

Due to weather limitations, everyday work is not guaranteed, however the flexibility to make up for lost time on weekends is preferred.

We are based in Redmarley/Newent, however work across Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire, giving you a chance to enjoy a good full English in every county. If you’re at all unsure if this is the job for you, check out our blogs for more information on what we get up to.

<img alt="full_english">     <img alt="slates">     <img alt="roof_restoration">

If you think roofing may be your calling or maybe you’re looking for a chance to fine tune your skills, give Dan a call on 07788 424250. Alternatively, feel free to message us on Facebook or Instagram.

You can also email us by using with the form below:

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 Natural slate roof with gro box gutterimperfections 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 🙂