Category: Insulation

Roof Issues to Look Out for When Buying or Selling a Home

Insulation Outdoor structure Roof sheets Roofing Shingle No Comments

When it comes to buying or selling a property, there are countless factors to consider. From location and layout to price and aesthetics, each aspect plays a vital role in the decision-making process. However, one often overlooked yet crucial element is the condition of the roof. A well-maintained roof not only enhances the overall appeal of a home but also provides peace of mind for both buyers and sellers.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the most common roof issues that can arise when buying or selling a home. By being aware of these potential problems, you can make informed decisions and take appropriate actions to ensure your roof is in optimal condition. So whether you’re a prospective buyer evaluating a property or a seller preparing your home for sale, read on to discover the key roof issues you need to look out for.

1. Age and Wear

The age of a roof is an important consideration when assessing its condition. As roofs age, they become more susceptible to wear and tear from exposure to weather elements such as sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Over time, this can lead to weakened shingles, cracks in flashing, or even structural damage.

Additionally, factors like improper installation or inadequate maintenance can accelerate the aging process of a roof. Therefore, it’s essential to determine the age of the roof and evaluate its overall wear during both buying and selling processes.

2. Leaks and Water Damage

Water damage caused by leaks is one of the most common issues homeowners face with their roofs. Even minor leaks can lead to significant problems if left unaddressed. When inspecting a property as a buyer or seller, it’s crucial to check for signs of water damage on ceilings or walls inside the house.

Stains or discoloration may indicate past leaks that have been repaired but could still pose risks in the future. Additionally, inspect the attic for any signs of water penetration, such as dampness or mould growth, as these can be indicators of ongoing leaks.

3. Missing or Damaged Shingles

Shingles are the protective outer layer of a roof and play a vital role in shielding it from the elements. Missing or damaged shingles not only compromise the aesthetics of a home but also leave the underlying structure vulnerable to potential damage.

During your inspection, look for signs of missing shingles or ones that are cracked, curled, or blistered. These issues can result from age, poor installation, or severe weather conditions. If you notice significant shingle damage, it’s essential to address it promptly to prevent further deterioration.

4. Sagging Roof

A sagging roof is a serious concern that should not be taken lightly when buying or selling a property. It indicates structural problems that could potentially lead to significant safety hazards and costly repairs.

When assessing a roof’s condition, pay close attention to any visible signs of sagging in the roofline. This could be an indication of rotting or weakened support beams, damaged decking, or even an excessive load on the roof caused by improper construction practices.

5. Poor Ventilation

Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of a roof system. Inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture build-up in the attic, which can cause mould growth and compromise the structural integrity of the roof.

As a buyer or seller, ensure that proper ventilation measures are in place. Look for signs of excess moisture in the attic such as condensation on windows or damp insulation. Addressing ventilation issues promptly will help preserve your roof’s lifespan and prevent potential headaches down the road.

Conclusion

The condition of your roof plays a significant role when buying or selling a home. By being aware of common issues like age and wear, leaks and water damage, missing or damaged shingles, sagging roofs, and poor ventilation, you can make informed decisions that safeguard your investment.

Whether you’re a buyer conducting due diligence or a seller preparing your property for sale, it’s crucial to have a professional roof inspection performed. This will provide a comprehensive assessment of your roof’s condition and give you the confidence to move forward with your real estate endeavours. Remember, a well-maintained roof not only enhances the value of your home but also protects you and your loved ones from the elements for years to come.

The Importance of Attic Ventilation for Your Roof

Insulation No Comments

When it comes to home improvement, the roof is often the last thing on our minds. We tend to focus on more visible aspects like paint colours, flooring, or kitchen renovations. However, one crucial element that should not be overlooked is attic ventilation and roof vents. These components play a vital role in preventing destructive issues such as mould, mildew, and moisture build-up. If you’re thinking about upgrading your roof, it’s essential to understand why attic ventilation deserves your attention.

Understanding Attic Ventilation

Before delving into the significance of attic ventilation, let’s first grasp what it entails. Attic ventilation refers to the process of allowing air to circulate within the space between your roof and ceiling. This circulation helps regulate temperature extremes and prevents excess moisture from accumulating.

The Role of Roof Vents

Roof vents are an integral part of attic ventilation systems. They facilitate the exchange of stale and humid air with fresh outdoor air, maintaining a healthy environment in your attic. By allowing hot air to escape during summer months and preventing condensation during colder seasons, roof vents help preserve the integrity of your entire roofing system.

Preventing Moisture Buildup

Moisture buildup is one of the most common problems that can occur in an improperly ventilated attic space. Without adequate airflow, moisture from everyday activities such as bathing or cooking can accumulate in your attic. Over time, this excess moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rotting, and compromised insulation effectiveness.

The Dangers of Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments with poor ventilation. These fungi not only cause unsightly stains but also pose health risks for you and your family members. Prolonged exposure to mould spores can trigger respiratory issues such as allergies or asthma attacks.

To ensure a healthy living environment free from harmful mold growth, proper attic ventilation is crucial. It helps prevent excess moisture buildup and creates an inhospitable environment for mold and mildew to flourish.

Extending Roof Lifespan

Investing in a new roof is a significant undertaking, both financially and in terms of time and effort. Therefore, it’s essential to maximize the lifespan of your new roof. Proper attic ventilation plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal.

Reducing Heat Build-up

During hot summer months, attics can become extremely hot without proper ventilation. This excessive heat build-up can cause shingles to deteriorate prematurely, leading to cracks, curling, or even total failure. By allowing hot air to escape through roof vents, you can help regulate attic temperatures and alleviate strain on your roofing materials.

Preventing Ice Dams in Winter

In colder climates, ice dams pose a significant threat to roofs without adequate ventilation. Ice dams form when warm air from your living spaces rises into the attic and melts snow on the roof’s surface. The melted snow then refreezes at the eaves where it’s colder, creating ice dams that trap water.

Proper attic ventilation helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your roof, preventing snowmelt from occurring unevenly and reducing the likelihood of ice dam formation. This simple preventative measure can protect your roof from potential water damage caused by ice dams.

Energy Efficiency Benefits

Attic ventilation goes beyond preserving your roof’s lifespan; it also contributes to energy efficiency within your home. By regulating temperature extremes in your attic space, proper ventilation reduces the demand on your HVAC system.

Cooling Cost Savings

During scorching summer months, an improperly ventilated attic traps heat within your home. This leads to increased cooling costs as your air conditioner works harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. With sufficient airflow provided by well-designed attic ventilation systems, you can significantly reduce cooling expenses and conserve energy.

Preserving Insulation Effectiveness

Insulation plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable year-round. However, without proper attic ventilation, insulation can become compromised. Excessive heat and moisture in the attic can cause insulation to deteriorate, reducing its effectiveness.

By maintaining optimal attic temperatures through proper ventilation, you ensure that your insulation remains efficient in regulating indoor temperature and minimizing energy loss.

Conclusion

While often overlooked, attic ventilation is an essential aspect of roof maintenance and longevity. By preventing moisture buildup, preserving insulation effectiveness, and reducing energy consumption, proper attic ventilation saves you from potential headaches down the road. Whether you’re considering a new roof or looking to upgrade your existing one, don’t forget to prioritize attic ventilation for a healthier and more sustainable home.

Where can I use Kingspan?

Insulation No Comments

It can be very difficult to decide what brand of insulation to choose among all available in the market. Out of all the insulation materials available on the market, Kingspan insulation is among those brands which have been tested and have great results in home insulation. To help you decide where is best to use Kingspan, we have listed the materials which will best suit various locations in your house.

Kingspan Kooltherm

Kingspan Kooltherm has a high tolerance, unmatchable performance, and a range of very durable phenolic insulation materials. Out of all the products available in the market, Kooltherm sheets have been providing the lowest possible ‘thermal transmittance’. Also, it is very resistant to water vapour. It absorbs moisture as low as 2%. It is strong with compressive strength of around 175kpa.

Credit

Internal walls

Internal walls need to be insulated very efficiently because there are a number of factors that can lead to heat loss which further leads to problems such as dampness. Kingspan is insulated plasterboard that is used for internal wall insulation. It has plasterboard on its front surface and a glass tissue polyiso on the reverse surface. Thermal conductivity is ranged from 0.020-0.19 W/m.K. they are highly resistible.

External walls

While we keep ourselves busy with internal insulation, it is also very important to keep in mind external wall insulation. Kooltherm k5 board is designed solely for external wall insulation, especially with brick walls and cladding systems that are dry. It has a thermal conductivity range from 0.020-0.023 W/m.K. It has a glass tissue texture. For use as external wall insulation, the K5 offers a very flexible application process and is readily available.

Credit

Roof insulation

The roofs of our homes and other buildings tend to lose heat. If not insulated properly, it might also begin condensation build-up as it is exposed to rain and moisture. This will not only harm your building but will also affect your health adversely. Kooltherm k7 boards are used for roof insulation and are used under slates or tiles. With a thermal conductivity range of 0.020-0.023 W/m.K, k7 board has a composite foil texture. A special range of Kingspan TR26 and TR27 are available which have coated glass tissue surfaces on both sides. Both kinds of roofs, plain or vegetated can be perfectly insulated using either H350R or N300R models of Kingspan Styrozone. Board sizes are 1.25 by 0.6m. Since H350R has high compressive strength, it is common in all types of house insulation applications. KingspanTP10 can also be used for insulation of warm or pitched roofs. The TP10 board is a polyiso board similar to the TF70 board with a foil face on both sides.

Cavity walls

Cavity walls are the area people mostly miss out on during the insulation process which later on brings a lot of trouble. You must not make this mistake and insulate your cavity walls right away. Kingspan k8 board is a special type of Kooltherm designed for cavity wall insulation. Thermal conductivity ranges from 0.020-0.023 W/m.K. Its texture is composite foil. You can also go for the Kingspan k12 board which will provide you with good results. They have a composite foil facing on both surfaces which results in better insulation. The Kooltherm range will always give you a better thermal result when compared with a standard Polyiso board so when deciding which is best it is recommended to know what board will suit your application and pocket the best.

Credit

Looking for the best price on Kingspan?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs, you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on roofing supplies (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

Why should you insulate your home?

Insulation No Comments

If you have never considered the usefulness of insulation you might not know how much money you could save. A quarter of heat can be lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft or attic is an effective way to reduce heat loss and save on your heating bills and it eventually pays for itself after 40 years because of the amount you save!

Financial losses from lack of insulation

Insulation prevents heat from escaping and allows you to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer without using too much energy. According to government figures, 66% of homes with a loft have loft insulation, and 70% of homes with a cavity wall have cavity wall insulation, meaning over 30% of homes don’t have insulation – which will often amount to them losing hundreds of pounds every year. Depending on your home, different kinds of insulation will suit you better, some will save you more than others.

‘Cavity wall insulation will save you around £255 a year in a detached house, £150 a year in a semi-detached house, and £95 in a terrace. If you have solid walls, you can save even more money: without insulation, you’re spending an extra £435 a year in a detached house and £260 in a semi.

By insulating your loft, you can knock an average of £135 a year off your energy bills in a typical semi-detached house. With an average installation price of £300, this means the insulation pays for itself in just over two years. In a detached house, the savings are even bigger. You’ll have to pay £225 less for energy, meaning you recoup the cost of insulation in twenty-one months.

Insulating your floors can save you anything from £25 to £70 a year or more while draught-proofing your home saves an average of £20 a year – and makes your home more comfortable to boot.’ Credit: Moneysupermarket

Credit: Erik Mclean on Unsplash

How much does insulation cost?

Insulation can be costworthy if you don’t know where to find the best deals. Here at eRoofs, we have great deals on high-quality rigid insulation boards to suit your budget; starting at only £14.43 each, so you can keep your home warm without losing money on overpriced materials or wasting energy on uninsulated rooms. We have many different types of insulation in stock depending on your needs and type of home, so please don’t be afraid to get in touch for specialist advice.

Want to get the best deal on insulation?

We also offer plenty of support and expert advice for most roofing projects – and definitely any products we sell online. Contact eRoofs here 

At eRoofs you can not only expect a good deal but also:

Superfast FREE delivery on orders over £150*

Handy FREE installation guides (and even instructional videos!)

Incredible prices on composite decking (and frequent big discounts!)

*Free delivery applies to most of the UK, but some areas may incur a charge, unfortunately – please check the eRoofs website for more details.

**Prices all correct at time of writing

 

© eRoofs 2024

MENU

Navigation