Latest News
Viewing entries posted in April 2017
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
Where to begin with moss removal and roof maintenance?
Where to begin with moss removal and roof maintenance?
If you’ve looked at your roof recently and realised that it is in need of some attention, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
Prevention is better than cure, and if you ignore issues now, they can turn into expensive problems further down the line. Whether it’s a simple case or moss removal or a complete roof renovation, always call in the experts.
The right way to handle moss removal
You may not consider moss to be much of a problem, but it can end up blocking gutters, outlets and other drainage points on your roof.
There are many ways to remove moss, but some methods can damage tiles. For instance, some companies use abrasive substances, which can strip the outer seal from tiles and make them porous. Power-washing, especially when combined with unnecessary foot traffic, can result in cracked or broken roof tiles.
The best and most effective technique is to use a trowel and brush, which removes moss without causing damage to your tiles. Gently scraping and sweeping your roof will leave it looking as good as new.
This method can be used on sloping or flat roofs and will stop moss from becoming a problem.
Why flat roofs need more attention
While sloping roofs allow rainwater and debris to slide away, flat roofs capture and hold falling matter.
Hence, flat roofs do require a little more attention as leaves, water and other materials can accumulate over time. Eventually, this will cause damage to the membrane and could lead to leaks.
Plus, some flat roofs have been built with inadequate structural materials and begin to sag in the middle. This allows rainwater to form a pool, which can then find its way through any minute holes in the membrane.
Why you need regular roof checks
Proactive roof maintenance can save you a considerable amount of cash in the long-term as it prevents serious problems such as tile damage and leaks. From birds’ nests to insect infestations, all sorts of activity can be going on that you’re not aware of.
Things to look out for include:
• Exterior and interior appearance of the roof, is there any surface deterioration or physical damage?
• Damaged or missing tiles
• Evidence of ceiling cracks and leaks
• Condition of fascia and guttering
• Puddles where water has collected
• Damaged or missing flashing points
Types of roof maintenance
The most common kinds of roof maintenance undertaken include cement and lead works, strip and re-tile, new tiles, slate roofs, storm damage, felt roof repairs, chimney pointing, and installing new UPVC fascias and guttering.
In all cases, work should be carried out by a roofing expert, otherwise you run the risk of causing further deterioration to your roof.
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 or visit www.tmroofing.com
If you’ve looked at your roof recently and realised that it is in need of some attention, it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.
Prevention is better than cure, and if you ignore issues now, they can turn into expensive problems further down the line. Whether it’s a simple case or moss removal or a complete roof renovation, always call in the experts.
Read the full post