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

Roof maintenance advice from a Roofer in Welwyn Garden City

Much of the roofing in and around Welwyn Garden City is ceramic red tile, as this is in keeping with the original design of the towns architecture. Even the properties that still have the original garden sheds, which incorporated a coal bunker, are clad in the same roof tiles as the house they belong to. Most of these properties tend to be located on the West side of Welwyn Garden City, as the East side was built up at a later date.

We have a long list of customers in the Welwyn Garden City area, who often call upon our roofing expertise for general roofing repairs and maintenance.

The trouble is, many people are worried about calling a professional roofing specialist out to check on their roof as they are concerned that it will cost them an arm and a leg. There is no need to worry about this issue, as we always suggest that you check your own roof either from a safe vantage point of a neighbouring house, or with a set of binoculars. Should you identify any obvious problems such as cracked, missing tiles or damaged flashings, this is the time to call in a specialised roofing expert.

Clearly, not everyone is able to dothe checking themselves, so they call us in. A quick check of your roof is a negligible amount to pay, compared to what it may cost if problems are left unchecked.

Getting to correct advice from a professional Welwyn Garden City roofer

T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd 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 Welwyn Garden City. 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 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.
• Wet walls or ceilings may indicate that there is 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 frosty weather so removal is important.
• Debris on the ground could be from broken slates or tiles and this indicates that there may be a problem.
• 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 bodge up with inferior materials will lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Always consult an experienced roofer in Welwyn Garden City if in any doubt. This is particularly important if you have a thatched roof or other specialist roofing material.

Roof maintenance in Welwyn Garden City

Repairing or replacing your roof 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 Welwyn Garden City property?

As long as you inspect your roof twice a year, usually in spring and again in the autumn, you should notice any obvious problems before they are able to become major headaches! 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.

This twice yearly check will identify any obvious wear and tear to 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 big problem for many 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.

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.

A little Welwyn Garden City history

Welwyn Garden City was founded by Sir Ebenezer Howard in the 1920s following his previous experiment of a garden city in nearby Letchworth Garden City. He wanted towns to combine the benefits of the city and the countryside and to avoid the disadvantages of both. The Garden Cities and Town Planning Association had defined a garden city as a town designed for healthy living and industry of a size that makes possible a full measure of social life but not larger, surrounded by a rural belt; the whole of the land being in public ownership, or held in trust for the community. This is an ideal that is adhered to to this very day.

In 1919, Howard arranged for the purchase of land in Hertfordshire that had already been identified as a suitable site. On 29 April 1920 a company, Welwyn Garden City Limited, was formed to plan and build the garden city. Louis de Soissons was appointed as architect and town planner and Frederic Osborn as secretary. The first house was occupied just before Christmas 1920. Today many references to these early pioneers can be found in place names such as the Howard Centre, De Soissons Close and Frederick Osborn School.

Welwyn Garden City is laid out along tree lined boulevards with a neo Georgian town centre. It has its own environmental protection legislation, the Scheme of Management for Welwyn Garden City. Every road has a wide grass verge. In the centre of Welwyn Garden City is Parkway, a scenic area, almost a mile long. The view along Parkway to the south was once described as one of the worlds finest urban vistas. Older and more expensive houses are on the west side of Parkway and newer houses on the east side.

During World War II the Special Operations Executive (SOE) had a research department in the town, and the Inter-Services Research Bureau developed the Welrod pistol and the Welgun sub-machinegun there. Station IX was a secret SOE factory making commando equipment at the Frythe Hotel on the outskirts of the town close to Welwyn itself.

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.