Last Updated on September, 2024
Did you know that more than 90% of homes in the UK have a pitched roof one way or the other?
That’s a staggering number, and it also means that most people have to deal with common problems with pitched roofs. If you’re here, then you might have decided to go for a pitched roof or just want to know what can come down the road, right?
Before we start detailing the topic, keep in mind to only hire professional services to deal with your roofing problems. It’ll save you more time, money, and effort in the long run, so get in touch with us for a free assessment today.
Right, let’s further our discussion on the common problems with pitched roofs so you can stay proactive with the maintenance of your pitched roof. So carry on reading till the end.
Quick Summary
- The majority of homes in the UK have pitched roofs, accounting for over 90%, and it is crucial to ensure proper upkeep and professional installation to ensure the longevity and durability of these roofs.
- Pitched roofs have different types such as modern truss roofs, mono-pitch/lean-to roofs, mansard roofs, couple roofs, king post truss roofs, collar roofs, and purlin roofs, each with their own unique features and considerations.
- Some common problems with pitched roofs include leaks, algae and moss growth, cracked tiles/slates, flashing wear and tear, and inadequate installation. Hiring a professional and staying proactive with maintenance can prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the roof.
Pitched Roofs – Understanding Their Importance
Roofs are vital when it comes to protecting the integrity of any building and protecting its residents from various elements. Therefore, these roofs need special attention, especially if they are pitched roofs.
Pitched roofs are the ones that are steeply sloped pointing downwards. In most cases, this slope has an angle from the central ridge. Their regular maintenance is critical because you need to clean those gutters and also inspect your roof for any damage to the shingles or tiles.
Pitched roofs can be slightly complicated and more expensive to construct upfront as compared to their flatter counterparts. So these are some points that you need to keep in mind before you decide to install a pitched roof on your home.
But their benefits far outweigh these issues when we talk about their overall demand in the market and the protection they provide to your home.
Types of Pitched Roofs
The best-quality roof construction in the UK was before WW2 which deteriorated with the catastrophic events of the dispute.
After that, truss roofs became more popular in the 70s and are the only type of common roof construction in the UK. But there are some other types of pitched roofs as well.
1. Modern Truss Roofs
The modern truss roofs have web-like bracing that is prefabricated within a factory. These pitched roofs are simple and efficient when it comes to installation and that’s why they have become the new norm of UK roof construction.
2. Mono-Pitch/Lean-To Roofs
These roofs are the simplest type, normally used for small extensions, and can only span a shorter distance.
3. Mansard Roofs
Mansard roofs come with a king or queen post, which means it’s a pitched roof with an additional roof pitch that comes in handy when you need some space in the roof.
4. Couple Roofs
These roofs feature the ridge beam with rafters but are not common these days due to their lack of lateral support. Without lateral support, a roof can spread and become more prone to other roofing problems.
5. King Post Truss Roofs
These roofs come with additional support and are commonly used where a more extensive span is required.
6. Collar Roofs
These are conventional roofs that feature a collar to prevent roof spread. These roofs perform better than couple roofs, with an expanded 4.5-meter span but are not very common nowadays.
7. Purlin Roofs
When couple or collar roofs feature purlins, they become Purlin roofs.
5 Common Problems With Pitched Roofs
Bristol Roofers has been around for quite some time and we have dealt with a fair number of roofing problems compared to flat roofs over the years.
Therefore, if you have a pitched roof, you must be aware of the five most common pitched roof problems and can avoid them altogether to save yourself from any stress in this regard. So here are the five most common pitched roof problems and their solutions.
1. Leaks & Drainage Issues
Leaking roofs are common, and this can occur with any type of roof. A pitched roof is more prone to water damage caused by leaks or drainage issues because there might be certain weak points on the roof.
It’s important to keep the drainage pathways clear of debris buildup, which can cause blockages and leaks. Heavy rain can also damage shingles and make them more prone to water leaks.
Securing Roof Leaks
To avoid this issue, you need to remain proactive in clearing out any blockages or debris buildups. Developing this habit will significantly reduce the risk of drainage problems and leaks.
2. Algae & Moss Growth
UK’s weather conditions are highly suitable for algae and moss development anywhere including a pitched or a flat roof.
This can become a serious issue, as moss has a spongy texture that can absorb water and retain it. Any prolonged moisture exposure can result in the degradation of your roof with time.
As algae or moss spreads over your roof it can grow in your shingles and tiles resulting in damaging and loosening them and consequently water leakages.
Preventing Algae & Moss Growth
This problem is much easier to treat if you use copper or zinc strips. You just need to place a couple of 2-inch thick strips across the ridge as near the pitch as it can be. It will prevent any algae or moss growth on your roof.
3. Cracked Tiles or Slates
Cracked or broken roof tiles can cause serious problems for your roof and your property. Even the slightest crack can allow rainwater to enter your property and initiate the damage.
Keeping Tiles/Slates Safe
In most cases, roof tiles and slates, including most other roofing materials, are pretty durable. But if you have a broken or cracked one, contact your professional roofer. They will advise accordingly after inspecting the roof.
4. Flashing Wear & Tear
Flashing comes in handy to prevent water from entering your home. It’s mostly prominent in areas of your roof that are more exposed to water leakage, such as windows, skylights, filtration systems, chimneys, etc.
With time, flashing can wear out. Changing weather conditions also speed up the wear and tear in flashing.
Avoiding Flashing Breakage
To avoid flashing breakage, make sure that you keep an eye on your roof. This is especially the case after a major storm or some spell of bad weather. It’s always better to hire a professional roofing service to reduce any further damage risk to your roof and your entire home.
5. Inadequate Installation
The quality of a roof, whether it’s a flat roof or a pitched one, entirely depends upon how it was installed. A roof installed incorrectly is prone to multiple issues.
Therefore, you need experienced professionals for this job who understand the nitty-gritty of roof installation and don’t rush the process, or it can cause some serious issues down the road.
Ensuring Proper Inadequate Installation
To avoid incorrect installation, you just need to rely on a quality team of professionals with years of experience.
Choose a highly reputable service provider and for that, you can reach out to us for your free quote. Our team of experts will ensure quality services and 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
Useful guides:
Pitched Roof Professional Solutions & Future Considerations
You might consider installing your roof on your own, but hiring a professional service is a better choice, even if it seems like an additional cost at first.
Experts in this field have the knowledge and skills to tackle a wide range of issues associated with installing and maintaining these roofs. They ensure your roof stays in excellent condition no matter what.
Hiring professionals in the field can ensure longevity and save money and stress with a properly installed roof. Also, consider choosing sustainable roofing materials that are not only durable but environmentally friendly as well.
Moreover, ensure regular assessments with detailed reports to identify any issues and prevent them from escalating into major problems. That’s why hiring a local roofing company is a must if you don’t want to deal with any roofing problems down the line.
Final Thoughts – Why Choose Us?
To keep your pitched roof in top-notch condition and avoid costly repairs, it’s best to implement preventive maintenance. An early detection of any issue is critical in quality roof maintenance.
Bristol Roofers are here to sort things out, from roof covering to roof drainage and installation to maintenance. Our expertise is just a phone call away and will be at your doorstep even on short notice. We have a certified team of professionals with years of experience.
Whether you need roof installation, maintenance, or inspection, Bristol Roofers is at your service. We’ll make your roof resilient to extreme weather conditions so you don’t have to deal with frequent roof repairs.
We can also repair a leaking pitched roof caused by poor installation or any other reason. So give us a rung for your free quote today.
