Roofing services in Knebworth including flat roofing, tiled roofing, slate roofing - Knebworth Roofer T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd

Roof maintenance advice from a Roofer in Knebworth

Knebworth has some very nice properties and T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd have conducted a good deal of roofing repairs and maintenance in and around Knebworth.

One of the problems we are frequently faced with is when a roofing issue has been left for so long, it has become a major repair or replacement, rather than a simple maintenance job. We always offer free advice to home owners that could potentially save them a great deal of money by making a few checks on their roof to identify when some attention is needed.

By realising there is an issue with a roof early on, the home owner can save an awful lot of money by getting that issue resolved in a timely fashion. For example, a single cracked tile would cost a few pounds to replace if the roof is regularly checked and maintained, but left over the winter months, the problem can result in thousands of pounds worth of water damage inside the property.

This is why we put such an emphasis on a regular roofing maintenance regime. We accept that not everyone can climb a ladder to check their roof, but if you can't do so, we can conduct a very quick survey for an affordable expenditure to give you peace of mind.

Getting to correct advice from a professional Knebworth roofer

T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd are a family owned business and have been in the roofing trade for many years and pride themselves on offering a quality, professional service at a reasonable price. We are also happy to offer free advice relating to roofing maintenance or repairs in Knebworth. Below are a few tips to help you make an informed decision should you require a roofer to conduct a repair or maintenance to your roof.

Before you start, please remember to stay safe and not go up a ladder unless you have help or are used to working at height. Be aware that ladders, attic spaces and roofs present certain hazards and if you are in any doubt, please consult a reputable roofer.

• You can conduct an inspection through the loft hatch yourself. You may see daylight in the roof void that would suggest missing roofing felt or damaged roof tiles on your Knebworth property.
• Wet walls or ceilings indoors may indicate that there could be a leak in your roof.
• Moss and other organic waste can block gutters and retain a lot of moisture. This can damage the roof covering in cold weather so removal is very important.
• Debris on the ground near to the property could be from broken slates or tiles and this indicates that there may be a problem with the roof.
• Inspect your roof twice a year from ground level. You may be able to use a neighbouring property to get a better view of your roofs condition.
• Leaning chimneys or pots may need attention. Also check for any smoke escaping through the brickwork if you have an open fire.
• Roofing materials can become detached in windy weather if the pointing is not in a satisfactory condition. Check in your in gutters on low roofs or on the ground near to the property for signs of mortar droppings.
• Remember that a quick DIY repair using inferior materials will lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Always consult an experienced roofer in Knebworth if in any doubt. This is particularly important if you have a thatched roof or other specialist roofing material.

Roof maintenance in Knebworth

Repairing or replacing your roof in Knebworth can be an expensive project to undertake. This is why just spending a few minutes a couple of times a year looking closely at your roof can help you to identify any roof maintenance requirements that will help prevent costly repairs at a later date.

When should you check the roof on your Knebworth property?

The spring and autumn months are the best time to check your roof and gutters. In spring you are likely to discover any damage that has occured over the winter months and an autumn check with enable any damage to the roof to be rectified before the long cold and wet winter weather hits.

You should notice any obvious problems before they are able to become major headache. Often we are called after a home owner has been cleaning their gutters and have noticed a slipped or missing tile. Another time we get a call is following a particularly bad storm where wind damage has occurred.

This twice yearly check will quickly identify any obvious wear and tear issues with the roof, or any missing or damaged tiles, slates or other roof coverings. The old saying of a stitch in time saves nine really does apply to making an early diagnosis of roofing issues.

A particular problem for many roofs in Knebworth is the accumulation of moss or algae on the roof. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, we can install zinc or lead control strips to help keep the problem at bay. This seems to be more of a problem on properties in Knebworth that are closer to the fields of crops around harvest time as a fair amount of organic material is carried in the air and deposited onto roofs and gutters.

If you see any signs of leaking, such as dark spots on the ceiling, or mould or dampness in your loft area, it would be wise to contact a professional roofer as soon as possible. Leaks in roofs will only get worse, and it will be better to spend a small amount on roof maintenance now, rather than a lot on a big repair later on.

Some other roof maintenance issues you may encounter in Knebworth

Some parts of Knebworth are located next to open countryside which leaves them rather exposed to strong winds. We notice more wind damage to the roofs of properties in Knebworth that are in the more rural parts than those in the built up areas.

A little Knebworth history

There is evidence of people living in Knebworth as far back as Neolithic times and it is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it is referred to as Chenepeworde, meaning the farm belonging to the Dane, Cnebba, with a population of about 150. The original village, now known as Old Knebworth, developed around the famous Knebworth House.

At the turn of the century the architect Edwin Lutyens built Homewood, southeast of Old Knebworth, as a dower house for Edith Bulwer-Lytton. Her daughter, the suffragette Constance Lytton also lived there, until just before her death in 1923.

Knebworth House has been the home of the Lytton family since 1490. The current residents are Henry Lytton-Cobbold and his family. Knebworth house is open to the public together with its surrounding gardens and park. In the park is the medieval St. Marys Church. Although it is called Knebworth House, the house and surrounding grounds are located within the borough of Stevenage.

The grounds include tourist attractions such as an adventure playground and dinosaur park and host various events including classic car rallies and, since 1974, major open air rock and pop concerts, featuring the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Paul McCartney, Genesis, Mike Oldfield, The Beach Boys, Deep Purple, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Dire Straits, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Iron Maiden and Oasis. A mini railway used to be within the grounds but sadly closed in 2012.

So if you live in the Hatfield area and need a roofing specialist, why not contact T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd for a free, no obligation quote.