Dry Verge Repair

Dry verge refers to a roofing system used in the construction industry to finish the edges of a roof where it meets a gable (the triangular part of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches). The purpose of dry verge systems is to provide a weatherproof and maintenance-free solution to protect the edges of the roof and prevent water, wind, and pests from entering.

Traditional verge systems often use mortar to fix the tiles or slates at the roof edge, but this can degrade over time and require maintenance. Dry verge systems eliminate the need for mortar and provide a more durable and long-lasting solution.

Unfortunately, these one piece verges can act like a sail when the faced with strong winds. This verge was affected by the recent winds. The wind catches the verge capping and pulls it out of the roof area.

It is a simple fix though – we just popped a scaffold tower up and refixed the verge.

New Build, New Verge

Quite a simple job this one.

We work for a large Social Housing provider who have adopted new properties for their tenants. However, within a short time of the property being adopted the verges started moving and loosing cement. We advised to replace the wet verges with a dry verge system and the problem was resolved.

Felt Roof Replacement

Felt Roof Repair

“Who Are They?”

Next up for the lads, a drive out to Luton. “Unite The Union” or more commonly known as “Unite”, is a British and Irish trade union formed in 01/05/07 by the merger of Amicus and the Transport and General Workers Union. It is the largest trade union in the UK and Ireland. The General secretary of “Unite” is Len McCluskey.

“The Problems”

Upon arrival, our guys went up, and did some inspection on the roof in question. It soon became apparent where the leaks were coming from. As you can see from the picture below, The felt had seen better days, and had reached it’s life expectancy. Felt roofs will usually last between 10 and 15 years, if done properly.

Damaged Flat Roof

Damaged Flat Roof

Damaged Flat Roof

Damaged Flat Roof

Damaged Flat Roof

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“What We Did”

The guys here at Synergy roofing were very quick to come up with a solution. First thing first, the previous damaged felt needed taking up. after they took the felt up, they had to replace the previous damaged boards underneath as well. Once the prep work had been carried out, the next step was to put some new boards down, followed by the new felt. The outcome? A water tight and secure roof as well as one very happy client! a fantastic job from all round. good work guys.

 

Finished Felt roof

Finished Felt Roof

Finished Felt Roof

Finished Felt Roof

High access storm damage repairs using a cherry picker

The Storm is Coming

In the wake of Storm Doris, we have received numerous calls regarding repairs. With wind speeds of up to 94mph around some parts of the Britain, the damage caused was reminiscent of the storm damage caused in the 80’s.

In this particular instance, the damage caused was less severe than some, when the wind blows at high speed above the tiles and over a ridge it can create a vacuum effect sucking the breathable membrane upwards and in turn dislodging the tiles, this was the situation for a block of privately leased flats in Hampton. Due to the height and particular style of roof, we deemed it vital that we brought in a cherry picker in to assist us with gaining safe and easy access to the roof. As our highly trained staff have already got MEWPS licenses, we had no issues obtaining a cherry picker. It is vital that each and everyone of our staff member has this license when operating the cherry picker, and it is vital the customer/client is aware of this, as should any accidents or incidents happen, liability could fall down to the customer/client. A serious fine could also be issued.

With Harnesses both on, they approached the roof to carry out replacing the tiles 

Having trained and competent staff here at Synergy Roofing is something we strive for on a daily basis, whether you’re a labourer or a senior roofer, we aim to encourage and help each individual grow, and this is something we pride ourselves on as ever growing company. This care that we take with the health and safety of our staff is reflected by Synergy Roofing winning NFRC’s prestigious Gold Excellence in Health and Safety for both 2015 and 2016.

Just using a cherry picker wasn’t safe enough. Each member of the team strapped on harnesses, carried out routine checks on all tools and equipment before ascending up in the cherry picker towards the roof. They could soon see the issues and damage caused by the storm. Several tiles missing and slight damage to some of the slate vent tiles.

The next step was getting replacement tiles and vent tiles from the local merchants. By using local merchants, we hope to boost the local economy, which in time will only ever have a positive effect on each and every one of us. But by also shopping locally, we reduce the use of the vehicle, and by reducing he use of the vehicle, we also encourage being environmentally friendly, Which falls in line with one of our core policies, which is to be environmentally friendly.

For more information on this, please have a look at the following link. http://www.british-assessment.co.uk/services/iso-certification/iso-14001-certification/?gclid=CLGB8rfT4tMCFeeV7Qodim8I-g

The Damaged tiles in question 

Relatively straight forward once on the roof, the replacement tiles were put in, as well as the vent tiles. Working with with tiles and vent tiles like these can be tricky at the best of times, but working at height as well as from a cherry picker is whole different challenge in itself. But with the skill and experience from our roofers, we were able to execute this task with ease.

With the job now finished, the freeholder was very happy with the quality of the job and how efficient we were. We caused no disruptions to his tenants parking, we left no mess or rubbish and were professional for the entirety of the job. And the results speak for themselves. Swift, but fantastic work from the lads.

Finished job

The end product, Good work from the guys

Replacement lead valley and lead flashing

Lead step flashing

Lead step flashing

Replacement Chimney Flashing

This job was a grade 2 listed building and the local Conservation Office had managed to allocate some budget towards the roof repairs of this privately owned property.

A relatively straight forward job. The customer had called regarding several leaks around the valley and step flashing. On the picture to the right, you can see the lead chimney flashing in question. We first stripped out the old lead and then accurately replaced it with some sparkling new lead!

For further protection to the new lead, we applied an oil known as “Patination oil” to it. This would not only provide a finished look to the lead, but also, help the water glide off the surface of the lead.

 

Replacement Lead Gulley

Similar process as step flashing, we stripped out the previous lead gulley and replaced it with some newer

Finished Vally

Finished Valley

lead and then pointed it up. We finished it off by applying the “patination oil”. As you can see, the job was a success!

Rebedding Ridge Line

Reinstalling Previous Ridge

The ridge is arguably one of the most important parts of the roof, therefore it is essential that it is installed properly.

Prior to 2014 BS5534 allowed ridges to be installed using only a cement mortar mix. Unfortunately on most larger developments this meant that cement designed for bricks was used to installed ridge tiles, however, this mix is too weak for the exposed areas on the roof and often the cement would wash away over a fairly short period of time.

That is what we discovered in this case.

We reinstalled this ridgeline using a dry ridge system, this isn’t the only option available to us and we could have used a mortar mix again provided we used 2 mechanical fixings on each ridge tile. To install the dry ridge system we first placed a new batten across the ridgeline for support and then relayed the previous ridge tiles.

Another job well done to our guys as customer was extremely pleased!

Reinstalling Previous Ridge

Reinstalling Previous Ridge

New ridge line installation completed

New ridge line installation completed

Dry Ridge Installed

Dry Ridge

Felt Roof Repair work

Replacing A Damaged Felt Roof

With the recent bad weather, in which we encountered storm Doris, we received a call from an IT company based in March, they had informed us that that Doris has ripped up a portion of their roof!

Damaged Roof

Damaged Roof

 

With MILLIONS of pounds worth of servers and technology, it was vital that we fixed the roof quickly, safely and  competently. Our first step was to strip the roof of the damaged section as well as the warm roof system that had also been removed by the high winds.. We then fitted new warm roof insulation and OSB tongue and grove boards for further stability and prepared to lay down 3 ply torch on felt.

OSB tongue and grove boards

OSB tongue and grove boards

 

 

 

Once the prep work had been completed, it was time to torch the felt safely on. It took a while to complete, but the roof repairs were finally complete. Doesn’t it look fantastic!

The IT clients were thrilled with the roof, and favourably for them, their insurance company agreed to help!

Another fantastic job from our guys!

Finished Felt Roof

Finished Felt Roof

Maidwell hall felt and lead replacement

Maidwell hall is a beautiful private boarding school, located in the beautiful countryside of Northamptonshire. Due to the buildings age (and beauty) we would normally have to speak to a Conservation Officer about any repairs but as the works being carried out on the roof were ‘like for like’, we were not required to do so this time around.

Maidwell hall felt and led replacement

Maidwell hall felt and led replacement

With leaks happening around the base of the atrium, We thought it best to replace the lead as well the felt, to completely eliminate the possibility of an any further leaks. Having stripped up the felt and led, we immediately found the source of the leak. Where as the previously laid felt was laid in one one long stretch, we have laid in it downward staggered fashion, this way it well completely enable the rain to slide off it, instead of going against the felt joins.

We replaced the lead and then torched on the new felt, the results of this are below.

Maidwell hall felt and led replacement

Maidwell hall felt and led replacement

Replacement Lead Gulley

 

Replacement Lead Gulley

As the building we going to work on was Grade 2 listed bulding, we had to liaise with the the local conservation officer.

Standard procedure for our guys. Once on the roof we had to strip the previous lead gulley and we soon realised where the leaks had been taking place.

Once everything had been stripped, the team proceeded to replace the lead gulley. Once it was all in place they began shaping the lead using lead beaters to mould the lead into it’s correct place with the appropriate tools. Lead Beaters, Lead snips, years of skills and plenty of elbow grease is what is required here.

A combination of a highly skilled roofer and a some Patination oil, this is the end product!

Replacement Led Gulley

Replacement Led Gulley

Replacement Led Gulley

Replacement Led Gulley

Replacement Roof Hip

Replacement Hip

Fairly straight forward project. Although it certainly takes a keen eye to maintain the straight line the way Synergy Roofing like our hip (and ridgelines) to be laid. With the previous ridges being replaced with new ridges, the team had to make sure they were laid perfectly, and perfectly is exactly how they were laid. With yet again, another happy customer, its fair to say the team are on a roll at the moment. absolutely fantastic work from the lads.

Newly Laid Ridge

Newly Laid Ridge

Newly Laid Ridge

Newly Laid Ridge