A: Cambridge Roofing works with home and business owners to determine the best re-roofing process. The type of tile or slate to use is not a one-style-fits-all answer. If you are on a budget and just need to cover your roof, there are some basic tiles that will do the job. However, your home is a huge investment and important to you and your family. The roof is a large part of its visual appeal and value. Natural slate will bring out the beauty of your home while adding historical value.

A: Whilst we at Cambridge Roofing aim to please at all times, we cannot afford to dedicate limited surveying resources to price for works on properties where we are not being instructed by the home owner. In this instance, Cambridge Roofing can provide a comprehensive assessment of the roof, a costing for the surveyors recommendations and any other recommendations we may have. We can do this for 75 GBP plus VAT.

A: Purl-ins are the horizontal bars that hold up the rafters on the roof. Roofing Cambridge suggests that anyone worried about the strength of beams or rafters have a structural survey done. If you have minimal purl-ins, you might be able to use lighter weight tiles, like fibre cement slates, so you don’t have to have additional work done.

A: You have the right idea in working to minimize the amount of moisture that leaks into the loft from the rest of the house. Installing a breathable underlay works well if you are in the building stage. Some other techniques you can use are to make sure your loft hatches have seals and ridge ventilation. Roofing Cambridge can help you determine exactly what will work best for you and your home.

A: Like all products and materials, the differences in how slate tiles are manufactured or obtained is reflected in the end product. While natural slate must pass British standards, there is a wide range of outcomes allowed. The cheaper slate last less than 30 years and there may be as much of 15% wastage, or tiles that break in the installation process. The better slate products can last up to 100 years with very little wastage. While the better slate costs more per tile, labour cost is less and the added value to your home is immeasurable. Roofing Cambridge can show you examples of different tiles and detail their benefits so you can make the best choice for your home.

A: There has been a lot of discussion on pyrites in natural slate tiles. Natural slate comes in a variety of colours, but can change colour or show rust in some cases. Rather than the gold flecked pyrites being an issue, the real problem is the invisible pyrites that can only be seen through an X-ray diffraction and microscopic examination. Roofing Cambridge suggests that customers always obtain a ‘declaration of conformity’ detailing the results of the British standards test. T3 rated tiles should not be used for roofing as they will rust through. T1 rated tiles will not develop running rust, while T2 rated tiles may develop rust spots. Roofing Cambridge helps you understand the British ratings so you know which tiles will provide the results you want.

A: Roofing Cambridge have several options available to Welsh tiles. The beautiful heather blue colour of Welsh Penrhyn slates can be matched to the blue-grey of Cwt-y-Bugail and Ffestiniog slates. The colours are slightly different, but placement of the tiles helps to create a match when sections are being replaced.

A: Warranties come from the manufacturer of the slate product. When it comes to concrete or clay roofing tiles, some manufacturers offer 10 to 15 year warranties while others do not. This often depends on the type of clay or concrete and whether the manufacturer’s accessories are used. When it comes to slate, the better products, like Welsh slate, can have up to 100 year warranties, while imported slate products vary between 30 to 75 years. Roofing Cambridge provide warranties of up to 25 years on new roof installations.