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We can build your extension once you have planning permission
How the application process works for domestic planning permission
Most planning and building control applications are submitted online. The Planning Portal helps you apply to any local authority in England and Wales and advises you of all the documents you need to submit and the correct fees. Most planning applications require a location and site plan.
How to care for your chimney
In these windy, snowy and rainy months, your roof and chimney are going to take a battering – and if they’re not well maintained they may not be able to withstand the forces of extreme weather conditions.
Chimneys are often a neglected and overlooked part of the roof. Checking the condition of your chimney is an important part of a regular roof maintenance check. Chimney maintenance is essential to prevent damage and deterioration, and if left unchecked, the result could be a chimney that becomes a serious health and safety hazard.
Why choose lead for your roof
Lead is one of the most versatile products you can use, which is why it’s always in demand. It can be dressed, cut and welded together to make it a bespoke watertight shape, it’s extremely long lasting, and it works well with other materials such as stone, brick, tile and slate.
Roof Damage Should you Repair or Replace
If your roof has been damaged and you’re unsure what your next step should be, then you should seek professional advice.
Essentially, you need to know the costs involved for both options before you can make an informed decision on whether to repair the damage or opt to replace the whole roof.
Improve the look of your home with new fascias and bargeboards
Improve the look of your home with new fascias and bargeboards
When you’re thinking about home improvements, it’s easy to forget how important fascias and bargeboards are to the appearance of the exterior of your property.
Fascia boards are the long straight boards attached to the bottom ends of roof trusses that span the lower edge of the roof. Their main purpose is to hold guttering and offer a decorative finish. Bargeboards are used on the gable ends of roofs to cover the ends of the roof timbers.
The appearance and condition of these boards play a large part in how attractive your property looks on the outside and upgrading can make a massive difference to the appeal of your home.
Replace rather than repair
It can be expensive to repair existing rooflines, and it may not be worth the cost if they’re badly neglected. Essentially, all you’re doing is papering over the cracks as any serious issues are likely to resurface.
It’s often more cost effective to install new fascias and/or bargeboards to permanently solve the problem and at the same time give your home a stylish makeover.
uPVC versus timber
Timber fascias and bargeboards require a high level of maintenance as they can easily succumb to rot or become warped. The weather and environment affect the way wood behaves, and timber needs to be regularly treated in order to keep it in optimum condition. If your paintwork is peeling, then rainwater will begin to penetrate the wood leading to irreversible damage.
By contrast, uPVC doesn’t rot or warp and can withstand all types of weather conditions without any impact on its appearance. You can simply wipe the boards with a wet cloth to remove any surface dirt or marks.
The benefits of uPVC
It’s waterproof and weatherproof – the durability of uPVC is its main appeal, but it helps that it also looks great. As well as protecting your roof from the elements, it can completely transform your property and enhance kerb appeal.
uPVC comes in a broad range of coloured finishes and woodgrain foils – meaning you can choose the exact finish to complement the exterior of your property.
And while the primary aim of fascia boards is to support the bottom edge of your roof tiles and conceal and protect the ends of your roof rafters, they also offer other benefits such as helping to keep birds and rodents from finding their way into your roof cavity.
If you want to enhance the appearance of your home, then upgrading your fascia and bargeboards will give your property an instant facelift and add value, so if you are considering selling your home, then having recently replaced the fascias and bargeboards will be a good selling point.
TM Roofing & Building specialises in replacement and renewal of fascias, soffits, bargeboards and guttering with expertise in installing the latest uPVC roofline products.
If you’d like some expert advice on the best option for your property, then give us a call on 01252 851719 as we can provide you with the options available and a quotation for your planned home improvements. For further information on the roofing and building services offered by TM Roofing, please visit www.tmroofing.com
When you’re thinking about home improvements, it’s easy to forget how important fascias and bargeboards are to the appearance of the exterior of your property.
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How to increase the value of your home
Your house is one of your greatest assets, and there are plenty of ways in which you can increase its value – from adding extensions to putting in a new bathroom.
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Clear the Clutter from Your Gutter - Top Tips for Maintaining Guttering
Clear the Clutter from Your Gutter! Top Tips for Maintaining Guttering
When did you last check the state of your guttering? Keeping your gutters clear of clutter can save you from costly repair bills as a build-up of grime can cause all sorts of problems.
Common causes of blocked gutters
One of the most common causes of blockages is fallen leaves, moss and other plant matter. Unfortunately, if you have trees close to the house, plant debris is unavoidable.
Water running down the side of your house when it rains is a sure sign of a blocked gutter. Another indicator is sagging gutters, which can occur when the gutter is weighed down by debris and standing water. Other causes of sagging are damaged brackets and rusty screws.
Leaking gutter joints are a frequent problem and can be caused by general wear and tear or plant debris stuck between the joints. Leaking gutters are a common cause of isolated damp areas in the home so if you spot any wet patches check your gutters to see if they are the root of the problem.
How to unblock your gutter
The easiest way is to use a professional gutter cleaning company to regularly clear your gutters as they will have all the appropriate equipment and a tall ladder. They will start by removing any large items of debris and then run water to clear away other accumulated grime.
If the blockage is in the downpipe, they'll use wire to make a hole in the middle of the debris before running water down the hole to clear away further mess.
If you clean your gutters yourself, make sure you don’t use metal scraping tools on synthetic materials such as UPVC as this can lead to further damage and more costly gutter repairs later on.
Regular guttering maintenance
A crucial time to clean your gutters is before winter sets in but after the autumn leaves have fallen. This will help prevent gutters from becoming blocked and then overflowing in wet weather or freezing in low temperatures. Blocked gutters are more vulnerable to damage than clean ones.
Another good time to do a check is in early spring as winter winds may have dislodged things or blown debris into your gutter. Also, make sure that your brackets haven’t come loose after snow fall or high winds.
If your property is surrounded by trees, it may be worth installing a gutter guard as this will act as a filter. The guard catches falling leaves and other debris and prevents it from reaching your gutter and downpipe but still allows water to flow through. Guards won’t stop every piece of debris from entering your guttering, but they will help certainly prevent larger items from causing damage.
Repairing damaged gutters
If your gutter joints are damaged, it’s vital to get them fixed as soon as possible. Removing a section of guttering and cleaning between the joint can sometimes resolve the problem, however, it’s best to call in the experts as any cracks will need to be sealed, whether you have cast iron, UPVC or aluminium gutters.
TM Roofing & Building provides all roof maintenance and roof repair works including moss removal, roof renovation and tile replacement. To find out more about any aspect of roof maintenance, please call TM Roofing & Building on 01252 851719 for an informal chat or to book a free, no obligation inspection.
When did you last check the state of your guttering? Keeping your gutters clear of clutter can save you from costly repair bills as a build-up of grime can cause all sorts of problems.
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When is Planning Permission Required
If you’re thinking about extending your property or adding on a conservatory, it may be easier than you think. Planning permission is generally not required as long as you abide by certain regulations.
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What is the planning application process for domestic works?
If you’re considering extending your property or undertaking other building works, you will need to find out if you require planning permission for your project.
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Need more space? Should you choose a conservatory or an extension?
Need more space? Should you choose a conservatory or an extension?
Both a conservatory and an extension will give you additional space, but which you choose depends on how this extra space will be used.
As well as the building regulations that need to be taken into consideration, you should also have a think about the long-term usage of the room and which option is likely to suit your lifestyle.
The pros and cons of conservatories
During the summer months, conservatories provide a light and airy space in which to entertain. With the doors open, they become an extension of your garden, and you can enjoy the best of both worlds – being indoors while still enjoying the outdoors.
However, with such a large expanse of glass, it’s tricky to find the right balance of heat and light. In summer, conservatories can become overheated and too bright, and in winter they can run up a hefty fuel bill if you want to keep them warm.
The key thing to consider with a conservatory is its location. East facing will give you sun in the morning while a west facing conservatory will provide plenty of evening sunshine. A north facing conservatory is likely to be cold; a south facing one could become uncomfortably warm on hot days.
Why choose an extension?
The cost of an extension is generally little more than a conservatory, depending on your plans, but this option offers a lot more functionality. With a well-insulated tiled roof and brick walls, there’s little additional cost in heating your extra space, and it can be used all year round in any capacity.
An extension gives you more flexibility when it comes to size and location. You can extend upwards into the roof, sideways or to the front or rear. You also get the choice of one or two-storey extensions.
The possibilities then become limitless. You could decide to open up your living room, expand your kitchen or even install a new bathroom. And, of course, garage extensions are always popular as they provide invaluable storage space as well as somewhere to put the car!
Enjoy your home
In the end, it comes down to personal choice and which option you think best suits your lifestyle. It may also depend on planning regulations and budget.
Both conservatories and extensions can add value to your home and provide more room. Generally speaking, a conservatory acts as a complement to a house that already has plenty of living space.
By contrast, an extension is a significant addition to a property and becomes an extra, serviceable room. It can significantly improve the way you use and enjoy your home and if you choose to move home, you can expect to see a greater return on your investment with an extension.
Are you considering extending your home?
What starts out as a simple idea can become complicated when you look into the different options of how to extend your property.
Building work could include single or two-storey rear, side or front extensions or a garage extension. If you’d like expert advice on what’s feasible, and what’s not, please give us a call on 01252 815719 and we can provide you with some options and a quotation on your home extension.
TM Roofing & Building specialises in all types of roofing and building works, and you can view some of our previous work at www.tmroofing.com
Both a conservatory and an extension will give you additional space, but which you choose depends on how this extra space will be used.
Read the full post