Author: Matthew

Bringing daylight into darker rooms

Homes in Stockton have corners that always feel a little dark. It could be a landing, a box room, or a loft conversion. A roof skylight is a great way to open up a dark space like that. Compared to vertical windows, skylights catch more light because the entire sky is above the window rather than the edge of the room. So a skylight can bring in more light than a window of the same size.

That added brightness alters the feeling of a space. Rooms that once required lights on at midday now feel open and inviting, and homeowners often find they use those rooms much more once skylights are installed.

Loft conversions and top-floor living

Skylights are an ideal choice when you want to light up a new bedroom, study or play area created by converting a loft. They usually don’t need planning permissions. They can be built directly into the slope of the roof, making them flush with the roof. They also make a sloping ceiling look less cramped. Skylights with opening mechanisms let warm air out in the summer, which helps keep the room comfortable.

Good positioning is important. For example, the south-facing slope gets the most sun, and the north-facing slope gives a more even and soft light that is good for home offices or studios. Positioning is also important depending on your roof pitch. A local roofer can probably give some good advice for positioning depending on your roof layout.

Energy savings and comfort

Traditional skylights leak and let in cold drafts. But skylights have improved. Many have double or triple pane glass like windows and low emissivity coatings like window glazing. This means skylights retain heat, and like quality windows, keep heating costs down. Also, since skylights let in natural light, they reduce the need for electric lighting during the day. This also lowers energy costs.

Solar-control glass is worth considering for strong afternoon sun rooms. It reduces glare and limits overheating, so it keeps a room from feeling dim while avoiding overheating. Essentially, it keeps the brightness while avoiding the sweltering heat.

Why professional fitting matters

The quality of a skylight installation is very important. Poor flashing or badly cut tiles are common causes of leaks around roof windows. The right roofing contractor will cut the rafters carefully and use the right type of flashing for the tile or slate, as well as ensure that the surrounding membrane is properly lapped so that water runs away from the frame.

There can be sudden, unexpected changes in weather along the Stockton coast. Strong gusts can suddenly turn into heavy rain. That’s why waterproofing and sealing the roof of your extension should always be carried out by an experienced local professional team, and not by an amateur.

Looking after your skylight

Maintenance is relatively easy. Clean the glass a couple of times a year. Clear leaves and moss from the surrounding tiles. Check the seals and flashing after a severe storm. Blinds designed for roof windows add a level of privacy and also help in blocking out light at bedtime.

Want to add some skylights to your home? Give us a call to get a quote and discuss your options with no obligation on your part. We will explain what skylights will work best on your home, and in the right places to allow natural light to flood the areas of your home where you spend the most time.

As fall moves along, we experience even more blustery weather, which can lead to more storm damage. Now is a good time to review your property to take steps to better protect your home and reduce the risk of water damage.

Why Storms Are Hard on Roofs

Wind can lift off tiles and strip away ridge mortar, and take flashing with it. Driving rain will find a way through any imperfection in the roof covering. Even the smallest weakness can let water in, which can spread to other areas of the roof structure.

Walk Around and Look Up

Take a walk around your house to look for problem areas. Do a visual inspection for roof tiles that appear to be cracked or have shifted, valleys in the ridge lines that appear to be uneven, and areas where there is loose or collected debris on lower roofs or porches. If something doesn’t appear right to you from the ground, chances are it warrants a closer inspection from a professional.

Keep the Water Moving

Blocked gutters and downpipes can lead to damp patches on walls and ceilings. Make sure leaves and silt are not blocking the gutters and check joints for leaks. Make sure brackets are affixed firmly so they do not become dislodged during heavy downpours.

Secure the Details

Chimneys, flashing and vents can take a real beating in bad weather. Look for broken or cracked pointing, or lifting lead or cement fillets. All of these can allow water behind flashing and other flashings, and will eventually cause water damage. Repairing these small areas will be a lot cheaper than repairing interior damage caused by water.

Check Inside Too

On a dry day, take a torch up into the loft. Drips, stains on timbers and insulation, or daylight peeking through the roof, suggest a leak or a poor roof. It’s better to see these things in October, than in a January gale.

After the Storm

When the wind has stopped, look at the roof from the ground and see if there is any damage. If there is damage, then you need to take photos of the damage to make a claim on your insurance. Contact a roofer to come and make a temporary fix to the roof.

Need your roofs inspected? Stockton Roofs can do that. We can repair roofs as well. Don’t know how your roof will hold up this winter? Call us for a free discussion.

As a Stockton homeowner whose conservatory is uncomfortable in the summer and winter, you’re not alone. The biggest complaint we get from Stockton families is that their conservatories have become rooms that have a short usage window, typically 2 months. The good news is that an upgraded roof would give you year-round usage without the stress of a traditional roof extension.

Why old polycarbonate roofs fall short

Polycarbonate conservatory roofs have long been a budget option for adding light to a room, but they lack insulation and let in outdoor noise. As a result, polycarbonate roofs can make it difficult to carry on a conversation as the rain beats down and the room swings from a stuffy summer greenhouse to a cold winter fridge. The erratic temperature has led many Stockton homeowners to look into glass and tiled roof alternatives.

The case for a modern glass roof

High performance solar-controlled glass units in modern glazed roofs let in natural light and minimise heat gain. When combined with thermally broken roof frames, glass roofs can significantly improve the insulation of a conservatory. This erases the trade-offs of hot, greenhouses in summer and cold, unpleasant rooms in winter while preserving the bright and airy feel that most conservatories have. In glass room constructions that aim to bring a garden or seating area into a working or reading space, glazed roofs are often the best option.

Why some homeowners choose a tiled roof instead

Tiled conservatory roofs offer a completely unique solution. Rather than glazing, a lightweight tiled system is installed over an insulated structure. This can give a performance similar to a solid extension roof. This option is most useful for homeowners who are more likely to use their conservatory in the evenings, as a reception room or snug, where there is a greater priority to keep the area warm, quiet, and private, compared to having a lot of light. Also, a tiled roof has the benefit of blending in a conservatory much better, especially on more old-style properties around the Stockton area. A glass box roof looks really out of place on these properties.

Weighing up cost and planning considerations

Glass roofs are less expensive than fully tiled roofs. One reason is that glass roofs require less building work and often don’t require additional support. This is reflected in the cost. However, many homeowners say that a tiled roof pays for itself over the years that they have it. This is because of the savings they get from needing less heating within the house and the extra months in the year that they can use the house.

Planning permission is unlikely to be needed for either option if you are doing a direct replacement of your conservatory roof. A tiled conservatory roof may require Building Regulations approval as the performance of the roof is improved. It is worthwhile getting your local roofer to check your conservatory first. The age and condition of the frame, its orientation, and the condition it is in will have an impact on which solution is most cost effective.

Which option suits your home?

For Stockton area homeowners, the method of use determines the upgrade approach. Thinking about use cases like breakfast nooks, home offices, plant rooms, etc., balances the advantage and price of replacing a carcass roof (polycarbonate) with a modern, sleek glass roof. However, if you want an additional room that is usable year-round, a tiled roof conservatory is the way to go. Replacing an existing roof on a conservatory is a win-win for homeowners, resulting in an often housing-improved, frequently used room, especially considering the cost of the initial upgrade is less than most other improvement options.

Homeowners planning a new conservatory, or looking to replace an ageing roof, are increasingly choosing between traditional glass and modern tiled systems. Both have genuine advantages, so the right choice really comes down to how the room will be used.

The Appeal of Glass

Conservatories with glass roofs offer a bright and open atmosphere and a strong connection to the garden. Polycarbonate roofs did not perform well thermally, while modern, high-performing glazing does perform much better. However, even with this improvement, they still do not reach the level of thermal control of a fully insulated tiled roof.

The Case for Tiled Roofs

The structure is surrounded by lightweight insulating materials and the finish is made of lightweight tiles that allow for matching to the main house roof. This means the room will be definitely warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, and will have significantly less noise during heavy rain.

Natural Light Considerations

The main drawback of a tiled roof is that it blocks overhead natural light that you would otherwise get with glass. Many homeowners overcome this by adding rooflights or a lantern feature to the tiled roof, achieving a balance between insulation and natural light.

Cost and Long-Term Value

Even though tiled roofs generally have a greater installation cost than plain glass replacements, many homeowners recognize this as a value-added investment because the space can now be utilized year-round and heating expenses are reduced.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

A glass roof may work for you if you mainly use your conservatory in the summer for entertaining. However, if you want a true extra room that can be used throughout the year, a tiled roof will usually be the better investment.

Our team would love to explain both options and give you an honest review based on how you plan to use your conservatory.

A conservatory roof might seem like a fairly standard option: a glass or polycarbonate covering, which is noisy, prone to damage and leaking, and that might feature an old rooflight that lets in a considerable amount of draughts. Did you know, though, that there are more options than you might think for your conservatory roof. You can go for a tiled conservatory roof instead, which will give you a whole host of benefits, and will look much more modern as well (something that is important for lots of people who are looking for ways to upgrade their conservatories). If you are hoping to find the best option for your conservatory, it needs to be modern, stylish, and work for you as well on a practical level, then tiling could very much be the way to go. It is the choice that many people are making as they upgrade their conservatories and start to think about their long-term options for their homes.

So how do you go about replacing your current conservatory roof with a modern tiled roof? Here, you can learn about how to get a new conservatory roof that will last you well into the future and will stand the test of time.

Choosing a New Conservatory Roof: Finding Your Best Options

For many people, tiled with be the best option because of the aesthetics, the insulation and the advanced technology that goes into a modern day tiled conservatory roof. However, some people also choose polycarbonate and glass roofs that use solar materials, so there will not be the issue of glare and it will not get as hot inside. This means you can keep the glass roof look if this is what you prefer.

A tiled roof is a more permanent option, though, making your roof look like that on the rest of your home. Suddenly, your conservatory is transformed into a versatile space that can be used as an extension, in any way you wish, not just as a conservatory. You will no longer have to content with poor insulation and glare, and the ceiling will look like that in any other part of the home – smoothly plastered for a modern appearance. You can also use it to fit any light fixtures you want, just as you would any other ceiling.

With your conservatory roof, you will be able to choose:

• Lightweight tiles of your choosing
• The internal and external finish
• Different types of insulation

The roof will be fully ventilated so there is no risk of condensation. It will also be able to support the weight of window cleaners easily, giving you more options when getting windows cleaned.

You should always consult with a specialist roofing company that deals with conservatory roofs in particular. They will be able to give you further information and advise you on the best options. Check their guarantees (tiles should usually be guaranteed) and ask them about all of the different choices you can make to update and personalise your conservatory.