Roofing before and after: behind the scenes with Joe from Lockhart Roofing and homeowner, Mike

In the final part of our three-part series, Rated Stories, we take you behind the scenes of a roof rescue.

We meet ‘busy busy busy’ Joe, owner of Lockhart Roofing & Brickwork Services, and family man Mike. Mike noticed gradual dampness in the ceiling of his porch and knew it was time to get some expert help. Luckily a family member recommended Rated People to him and he found the right man for the job in Joe.  Mike wants the end result to look good and stop any further damp, Joe explains that he’ll need to install new lead work and re-do two verges.

Joe has been with Rated People for over seven years and his business Lockhart Roofing and Brickwork Services is an approved EPDM flat roof installer and a 5 star Rated People company.

Watch how Joe works with Mike to rescue his roof.

What rating will Mike give Joe?

Visit the Lockhart Roofing and Brickwork Services Rated People profile page

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We all know that carrying a raincoat and sunglasses is a necessity in Britain, with its unique and unpredictable weather. Your house can bear the brunt of these changes and prove costly when it comes to energy bills. Here are some tips to help make sure you’re not caught out with any sudden weather changes.

Help your roof do its job

The roof is your home’s umbrella – keeping it dry and protected from the elements. It’s best kept free of leaks before they cause damp issues in the rest of the house.

Holes can be difficult to track down. The easiest way is if you have loft access – use a torch to look for any signs of water stains or mould. If you can’t get into the loft, you may need to get on the roof itself. Look for water, stains or mould around anything that projects through the roof, such as plumbing, vents and the chimney.

A roofing specialist can help you find and repair any damage to your roof. They get busy when we have a bit of rain, so if you haven’t had your roof checked in a while, it may be worth finding a roofing specialist in good time to make sure your roof’s in good shape to protect you against inevitable downpours.

Sloped roofs are designed to let gravity do its work, allowing water to flow in to gutters. With the mix of damp weather and sun, your roof could become a breeding ground for moss and lichen. While it might add character, water could be pooling in areas, leading to porous tiles letting water in or cracking them as the water freezes.

Read more: a guide to removing moss

Make sure water is going where it should be

Rainwater needs to be channelled away safely to avoid any water damage to the rest of the house and its foundations. Keep an eye out for any damp patches on walls and ceilings as well as stains or plant growth around the gutters themselves. Any water collecting around your house can also be a sign that water isn’t draining away correctly.

Cast iron guttering and components can rust and crack. You can check for these using a torch (and mirror to check the back). Plastic guttering is prone to developing problems due to the expansion and contraction that occurs with weather changes. Leaves and silt from the roof can get trapped and then wear away rubber gaskets with this movement or pop apart the joints.

To keep them in good order, it’s advisable to get your gutters and rainwater pipes checked once a year. A roofer will be able to help you look for issues and sort any problems that might be identified.

Stay dry with a conservatory or summerhouse

Conservatories and summerhouses are cosy spots to enjoy your garden whatever the weather. The main difference between them is that a conservatory is usually made almost completely from glass, including the roof. A sunroom can feel like more of an additional room in the house as it’s normally made with a tiled roof. The only way you can tell it apart from another room in the house is that there are more windows and they can be disconnected from the main house and located further into the garden. During BBQ season, both structures can help keep your guests nice and dry, as chances are it’s going to start raining when you least want it to.

Read more: designing your perfect conservatory

To start off a conservatory or summerhouse build, you’ll want to check if you need planning permission. Often, you won’t need it, however it’s recommended that you check the planning portal to keep up to date with current regulations. If you need help with the planning as well as the building, a conservatory specialist can take care of everything right through to the project being finished.

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