Roofing services in Hitchin including flat roofing, tiled roofing, slate roofing - Hitchin Roofer T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd

Roofer in Hitchin

If you live in the Hitchin area and need a reliable and professional roofer, T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd are always on hand to take on any roofing project. But what does a roofer really do?

Well, it shouldn't come as any surprise that roofers are building workers who specialise in everything to do with roofs. Our Hitchin roofers use their skills to build, clad and waterproof any roof structures and install rainwater goods and lead flashings.

We are the chaps that will get up onto your house or block of flats in Hitchin to fix your leaking roof and keep your family warm and dry.

Our Hitchin roofers usually work on four main types of roofs. Some roofers only specialise in one particular type of roofing, but ours cover the lot, we have:

• Shinglers: These primarily install shingles, shakes, tiles, and other nailed on products on roofs with 5:12 pitches or above.
• Metal roofers: These focus on metal roofing panels.
• Single ply or flat roofers: These focus on roofs such as single ply or foam roofs.
• Hot roofers: These roofers work using heated tar based roofing products.

We also specialise in some of the more unusual roofing techniques such as thatching or leadwork. In short, no matter what type of roof you have in Hitchin, our roofers will be able to help.

A large part of a roofers work will be repairing roofs, by removing and replacing broken tiles measuring, cutting and fitting roofing materials, and finishing off joints to make them watertight. Roofers also check to make sure that roofs are structurally sound.

Roof cleaning in Hitchin

T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd really is a one stop shop for roofing in Hitchin. We not only have a team of professional roofers but we can follow up with a roof cleaning service that is second to none. Because we fit roofs, we know what we are doing. All too often clients have their roofs damaged by companies who clean their roofs but know nothing about the strength or integrity of the roof.

Why our roofers also clean roofs

When you've had your roof repared or replaced, you'll want to keep it looking good. The professional roofer will follow a stringent roof cleaning process to remove algae mould, mildew, lichen and moss from roofs. Removing the above is vital as it can substantially extend the time a roof can do what a roof is supposed to do, in other words, keeping the elements outside your home.

Algae and other types of build up often form on the north and west parts of roofs that are shaded or receive less sun, and can reduce the life of a roof. The presence of soot, dirt, or biomass can affect how much sunlight is absorbed by a roof and thus the amount of heat a building absorbs. Our Hitchin roofers may even suggest fitting zinc strips near the peak of the roof, as this may reduce the regrowth of algae and moss.

Cleaning apparatus used by our Hitchin roofers

Because we are roofers first, we avoid using cleaning devices that use high pressure water sprays. A high pressure cleaning system should never be used on asphalt shingles as it can damage the shingles and possibly void your manufacturers warranty. Our roofers get up on the roof and manually remove the unwanted build up of moss and other contaminents. This also gives us the opportunity to inspect the integrity of the roof and suggest any action that needs taking to avoid costly repairs in the future.

Roof maintenance advice from a Roofer in Hitchin

Whenever we need a particular service, we have historically picked up the Yellow Pages or the Hitchin Parish Magazine to see if there is a local tradesman that will specialise in that particular discipline.

The problem is, how do we know if they are any good? After all, we will not be 100% confident that they will be reliable, professional, insured or even competent. Well, we often go by recommendations from friends if we are lucky, but this option is not always open to us.

These days we are fortunate enough to have the internet, which makes searching for Hitchin tradesmen much easier. So we search Google and find a roofer in our local area and call to make an appointment, but again, how do we know if he will be up to standard and know what he is talking about?

A good starting point is to research online, starting with the DIY advice posts from professional builders or roofers in the Hitchin area, so you can get to grips with at least the basics of the work that may need doing. You don't have to know every detail about the job in hand, but a sound basic knowledge maybe all you need to stop you being taken for an expensive ride by a potential rogue trader.

Getting to correct advice from a professional Hitchin roofer

T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd have been in the roofing trade for many years and pride themselves on offering a quality, professional service at a reasonable price. We are also happy to offer free advice relating to roofing maintenance or repairs in Hitchin. Below are a few tips to help you make an informed decision should you require a roofer to conduct a repair or maintenance to your roof.

Before you start, please remember to stay safe and not go up a ladder unless you have help or are used to working at height. Be aware that ladders, attic spaces and roofs present certain hazards and if you are in any doubt, please consult a reputable roofer.

• You can conduct an inspection through the loft hatch yourself. You may see daylight in the roof void that would suggest missing roofing felt or damaged roof tiles.
• Wet walls or ceilings may indicate that there is a leak in your roof.
• Moss and other organic waste can block gutters and retain a lot of moisture. This can damage the roof covering in frosty weather so removal is important.
• Debris on the ground could be from broken slates or tiles and this indicates that there may be a problem.
• Inspect your roof twice a year from ground level. You may be able to use a neighbouring property to get a better view of your roofs condition.
• Leaning chimneys or pots may need attention. Also check for any smoke escaping through the brickwork if you have an open fire.
• Roofing materials can become detached in windy weather if the pointing is not in a satisfactory condition. Check in your in gutters on low roofs or on the ground near to the property for signs of mortar droppings.
• Remember that a quick bodge up with inferior materials will lead to more expensive repairs down the line. Always consult an experienced roofer in Hitchin if in any doubt. This is particularly important if you have a thatched roof or other specialist roofing material.

Roof maintenance in Hitchin

Repairing or replacing your roof can be an expensive project to undertake. This is why just spending a few minutes a couple of times a year looking closely at your roof can help you to identify any roof maintenance requirements that will help prevent costly repairs at a later date.

When should you check the roof on your Hitchin property?

As long as you inspect your roof twice a year, usually in spring and again in the autumn, you should notice any obvious problems before they are able to become major headaches! Often we are called after a home owner has been cleaning their gutters and have noticed a slipped or missing tile. Another time we get a call is following a particularly bad storm.

This twice yearly check will identify any obvious wear and tear to the roof, or any missing or damaged tiles, slates or other roof coverings. The old saying of a stitch in time saves nine really does apply to making an early diagnosis of roofing issues.

A big problem for many is the accumulation of moss or algae on the roof. If your roof is starting to collect moss or algae, we can install zinc or lead control strips to help keep the problem at bay.

If you see any signs of leaking, such as dark spots on the ceiling, or mould or dampness in your loft area, it would be wise to contact a professional roofer as soon as possible. Leaks in roofs will only get worse, and it will be better to spend a small amount on roof maintenance now, rather than a lot on a big repair later on.

Some other roof maintenance issues you may encounter

Although most roofs are pitched, snow will eventually thaw and run off. However, with the modern and efficient insulation available today, snow may accumulate on flat roofs over a period of cold weather and could potentially cause a roof to collapse. On a low flat roof, sweeping excess snow off is a good idea and if you are unable to get at it, call in a roofing specialist who could advise you on ways or roofing materials that would prevent snow from collecting in the future.

A little Hitchin history

Hitchin is first noted as the central place of the Hicce people mentioned in a 7th century document, the Tribal Hidage. The tribal name is Brittonic rather than Old English and derives from sicca, meaning dry, which is perhaps a reference to the local stream, the Hiz.

By 1086 Hitchin is described as a Royal Manor in Domesday Book: the feudal services of Avera and Inward, usually found in the eastern counties, especially Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, were due from the sokemen, but the manor of Hitchin was unique in levying Inward. Evidence has been found to suggest that Hitchin was once provided with an earthen bank and ditch fortification, probably in the early tenth century but this did not last. The modern spelling of Hitchin first appeared in 1618 in the Hertfordshire Feet of Fines.

The name of Hitchin is associated with the small river that runs through the town, most picturesquely in front of the east end of St. Marys Church, the towns parish church. The river is noted on maps as the River Hiz, although most refer to it now as the river Hitch.

So if you live in the Hitchin area and need a roofing specialist, why not contact T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd for a free, no obligation quote.