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Can I repair a flat roof myself?

Back in the day, particularly when flat roofs were frequently made of a mixture of felt and bitumen, repairs were hazardous, complicated affairs. Thankfully, modern roofing technology means that, in some cases, it’s perfectly possible for an able householder to repair small leaks themselves. Whilst some forms of leak clearly call for a professional (for example multiple leaks, a complete re-roofing project, weakness in the substructure or a leak in an asphalt roof where heat treatment will be needed), smaller leaks in rubber membrane or EPDM roofs can usually be fixed by a competent amateur. Painted on repairs are fast and effective Recent advances in roofing technology mean that there are now several products on the market which can simply be painted on to a small leak in order to seal it. Provided you know what material your  flat roof  is made of, it’s simply a case of matching the product to the material, then applying the solution in liquid form to create a fast curing bo...

How can you add roof windows to your property?

Homeowners in the North West are increasingly choosing to ‘improve’ rather than ‘move’. This includes making more use of space in attic rooms or even commissioning loft conversions. Also, existing property extensions and even ‘outbuildings’ can become more comfortable and practical with the addition of high-level windows. Roof windows  are going to be particularly important if you plan to convert the upper levels of your home into living space. Adding skylights to your roofing helps to illuminate and ventilate existing rooms and spaces. This avoids the risk of home offices, extra bedrooms or playrooms relying solely on artificial light. Or, the possibility of them being uncomfortable to use due to being stuffy and airless! So, what sort of things do you need to think about, when planning  windows in roofing ? Are roof windows always practical? Firstly, don’t let the construction and materials used in your property put you off. A reputable roofing firm can create new windows in...

Which sort of skylight is best for my roof?

Tired of living in darkness? Adding a skylight to your roof is a simple and effective way to bring more natural light into your home. There are so many different types of roof lights available, which can make the task of choosing one rather daunting. To help make that decision a bit easier, here’s a look at the features and functions of some of the most popular types of skylight: Flat skylights Simple and functional, flat skylights are a great choice for flat roof extensions. They can also be installed with reinforced, walk-on glass, which makes them a practical option for basement skylights, or for a roof area that doubles up as a patio or terrace. Skylight lanterns If you want a skylight that also makes an interesting design feature, then a glass lantern roof is the perfect option. Their pitched structure and elegant frames will instantly improve both the interior and exterior appearance of any flat roof extension. Most roof lanterns are also made to order, so you can choose a frame ...

Can a skylight really improve your health?

Research suggests that natural light is the home improvement that many property owners desire most, particularly in densely populated areas in towns and cities where buildings tend to be crammed closely together. Our homes are typically constructed with small windows that restrict the amount of light that can enter, while north-facing windows, or ones that overlook a neighbouring building or an obstacle such as a fence or a tree, also mean that the interior can be gloomy, even in the brightest weather. Increasing the amount of natural light in our homes by installing a skylight can add value to the property and make it more attractive to buyers, and reduce our carbon footprint by restricting our dependency on electricity. However, there are also some powerful benefits to our health and wellbeing. The health benefits of skylights Natural light is proven to enhance mood. Production of vitamin D occurs when we are exposed to ultraviolet light and low levels are strongly associated with de...