The construction and repair of pitched roofing requires skill and experience working with traditional materials; this is why many more recently founded roofing companies avoid this area and solely focus on flat roofing. But at JRH Roofing, our roofers construct attractive, long-lasting pitched roofs which add curb appeal and protect properties in our principal service areas of Hassocks, Brighton, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes and Uckfield from even the most extreme weather conditions. We also repair existing roofs, should they be experiencing an issue.
Pitched roofing can feature all sorts of coverings, including slates and tiles (which we specialise in). For more about these roof coverings, navigate to their respective dedicated pages, or give us a call on (01825) 722717. There are also two key methods of construction: cut and truss. The former is conducted in-situ, or on site; timber is cut as we go, and the roof gradually built up with rafters, joists, purlins and ridge boards. The latter involves using prefabricated trusses which are delivered to the site and then erected.
Our team have built the following types of pitched roofing for clients in the Hassocks, Brighton, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes and Uckfield areas (check out examples on our gallery page):
Mono Pitched Roofing – As the name suggests, this features one slope that runs from one side of a property to another. They were popular in Victorian times, and consist of a number of rafters fixed to walls at each end of the roof. These are supported by battens, which are topped by the roof covering itself.
Couple Pitched Roofing – Common and iconic, these simply feature two rafters which lean against each other, and are joined at the top.
Closed Couple Pitched Roofing – The same as the aforementioned type of roof, except ceiling joists are added into the mix, and timber runs horizontally between the rafter feet and couple roof form. This adds a lot of strength and security to the roof. It also allows for the inclusion of a flat ceiling.
Collar Pitched Roofing – Through increasing the height of the ceiling joists above the lowest point of the rafters, the collar roof lets upper rooms be constructed (partially) in the roof space. This is a very economical solution due to less brickwork and wall construction being involved in the process.
Purlin Pitched Roofing – Purlins can be installed to further support rafters, allowing them to slim down. The result is an increased roof span, without the extra costs involved.
Trussed Rafter Pitched Roofing – Many modern properties around Hassocks, Brighton, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes and Uckfield feature trussed rafters called fink or “w” trusses. These rafters use tension/compression members to provide considerable support. They can span up to 12m, and are flexible in how they accommodate varying pitch angles.
While pitched roofing, when properly constructed, is typically very sturdy and durable – there are issues it can suffer for one reason or another. For example, following an extended period of inclement weather, you might find that a tile that was not properly fixed in place has dropped off your roof and broken into pieces. This opens up an area that moisture can penetrate, which can lead to follow-on problems such as damp and mould in the roof space and wider property.
Our roofers can find the exact tile to match a Hassocks, Brighton, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Lewes or Uckfield property, to ensure that pitched roofing repairs don’t compromise the style and unified aesthetic of the property. We can also replace cracked or otherwise damage lead flashing, to ensure your roof stays 100% watertight.
Some problems can be significant enough to warrant a full roof replacement. These include the following:
Nail Sickness – Where copper or steal nail heads rot due to exposure to high PH levels in rain, over an extended period of time. This leads to slate slippages and leaks.
Rotten Timber – Many older properties do not feature treated timber battens/laths. This makes them highly susceptible to rot; roofs over 70 years old are especially vulnerable. Leaks can be the result, or even a total structural failure (potentially very dangerous for inhabitants).
Frost Damage – Older roofs, especially when poorly maintained, can also suffer from frost damage that would prove more expensive to repair than to simply carry out a full roof replacement.
But whatever the problem you’re suffering, give us a call right away! Leaving minor issues unattended can mean they worsen, costing you more down the line to put it right.