Three Questions To Ask When Planning Your Loft Conversion

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When it comes to permitted development and expanding the space in a home, space comes at an absolute premium.

Because of this, a surging number of people have asked about loft conversions. For some, it is about getting the extra space for a home office or bedroom, but for others, it is about increasing the value and desirability of a home.

Before you go ahead, however, it pays to be prepared, and with that in mind here are three questions to ask yourself first before you go ahead with your conversion.

Would Your Loft Support A Conversion?

Not every loft can be converted without significant modifications to the roof, particularly if you have a home with a shallow roof.

The best way to tell is to measure the height of the room from the floor joists to the highest point of the room. The target height you are looking for is at least 2.2 metres.

As well as this, you need to ensure you have space for a comfortable staircase to work its way up from the floor below.

A good rule of thumb to check is to look at similar houses near to you and see if they have loft conversions; if they do, there is a good chance you can have the same, and if they let you have a look around you can get an idea of what to expect.

Do You Need Planning Permission?

Loft conversions are typically covered under permitted development rights, but as with any construction project, it is worth checking with your local planning authority to ensure there are no special orders in place that may complicate your plans.

As well as this, if your conversion involves a wall you share with a neighbouring building you may need to get a party wall agreement. Architects, builders and loft converters you work with can help you with all of these issues.

How Much Light Can You Add?

The difference between a good loft conversion and a great loft conversion is how much natural light you allow into the space. Light makes a space inviting, helps with wellbeing and helps the uniquely shaped space look bigger.

For more advice and assistance from builders in Wolverhampton, get in touch today.

Important Facts To Know Before Investing In Solar Panels

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With people spending more time at home and the potential for energy bills to increase for many people, homeowners are considering the benefits and costs of installing solar panels on the roof of their homes.

Photovoltaic panels, better known simply as solar panels convert the light and heat of the sun into electricity. This electricity is then stored and either used in your home or exported to the national grid as a source of revenue.

Here are some facts you need to know before investing in solar panels.

What You Need To Start

A standard solar power system consists of between 10 and 15 photovoltaic panels, which generate an average of 275W each, and the more panels on the roof the more energy that can be generated at a time.

Typically, the average installation bill for a solar panel system is £6,000, although this cost is highly dependent on the availability of roofing experts and photovoltaic panels.

You will also need a solar battery, which stores the electricity generated.

The Best Way To Install Them

Solar panels should ideally face south, affixed to a roof with a 30-degree angle. This provides the most energy, with north-facing roofs being so inefficient as to be impractical in the UK.

For the most part, solar panels are considered to be under permitted development rights, which means that they do not need planning permission, although it is important to check with your local planning authority just in case.

You will also need to inform your Distribution Network Operator for your area that you have a solar system, and in some cases, larger systems will need to apply for permission from them.

One myth that should be debunked, however, is the idea that solar panels do not work at all on cloudy days. Whilst they only work at 25 per cent efficiency, they do still generate electricity.

For more information on roofing issues and roof repairs in Wolverhampton, get in touch today.

How To Handle Unusual Roofing Issues

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When it comes to roofing issues, some are to be expected, and others can come as more of a surprise.

Given that weather in the midlands can be somewhat changeable, especially during the winter and spring months, roof repairs in Telford are often precipitated by precipitation, with particularly harsh rainstorms revealing leaks and gaps in roofs that need to be fixed to avoid further property damage.

However, there are also somewhat more unusual roofing issues that you may not expect but can cause somewhat unexpected long term damage to your roof and by extension your home.

Here are some rather unusual issues and how to solve them.

Blowing In The Wind

Typically, the main concern when it comes to wind damage is the potential for winds to cause rocks and other hard debris to strike at your roof and cause damage to flashing and shingles during heavy storms.

However, there is another, relatively unusual issue that can happen with certain types of roof shapes known as wind uplifting, which can cause your roofing materials to lift and loosen.

It is often caused by a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of your home during warm weather. When a strong wind blows over your roof, it lowers the pressure on the outside causing the shingles to lift and fly off, with even moderate winds causing this.

The best way to avoid this is to ensure that roofing materials are secured with multiple different materials, including nails, adhesives and clips.

Roof Traffic

Whilst you are unlikely to have so many people travelling up and down your roof to cause an issue if you have a flat or relatively shallow roof the temptation is there to walk up and down it, which can cause far more damage than you might expect.

Most roofing materials are covered with granules that help to protect your roof, and these can be worn off by standing on the roof tiles and shingles. This can in turn cause leaks and further structural damage.

If you must work on the roof, try to wear as gentle a sole on your foot as you can that still gives you a safe secure grip, but as much as possible, use a ladder placed against your home instead.

Heat Splits

Typically, the weather in the midlands does not get hot enough to cause contract/expand cycles on your roof, but with certain materials and in particularly hot and cold weather, the roof can expand and contract to the point that it can quite literally split in half.

Generally, if you see warping roof shapes, buckling and a lot of loose shingles, it is time to contact a roofing expert to solve the issue as soon as possible.