A new tiled roof is one of the biggest investments you will make in your home, and one of the few you will make only once or twice in a lifetime. Knowing what a proper installation involves helps you ask the right questions, compare quotes fairly, and spot corners being cut before they turn into […]
Author Archives: Tony HIBBS
15
Sep
Sep
A pitched roof installation is any roof built with a slope of 10 degrees or more, tiled or slated, and fitted with felt, battens and ridge tiles to shed rain and snow. In Ashford, a full pitched roof replacement typically runs from around £5,000 for a small terraced house up to £15,000 or more for […]
14
Sep
Sep
The main types of roofs in the UK are gable, hip, mansard, mono-pitch, flat, and M-shaped. The gable is the most common by a wide margin, and almost every other roof you see is a variation on one of these six. Your roof shape matters more than most people realise. It decides what a re-roof […]
11
Sep
Sep
Damp usually announces itself in one of three ways. A patch on the wall that will not dry out. A musty smell in one room. Black mould creeping along a skirting board or around a window. What happens next is fairly predictable. Someone comes out, runs a meter along the bottom of the wall, and […]
Roof Repair, Roofing Tips and Guides
How To Make Your Roof More Energy-Efficient In 2026: An Ashford Homeowner’s Guide
09
Sep
Sep
Energy bills are going up again this winter. From 1 October 2026, Ofgem’s price cap rises 4% to £1,723 a year for a typical dual-fuel home, and gas alone is up 8%. Your roof is the cheapest place to fight back. About a quarter of the heat in an uninsulated home escapes straight through it. […]
01
Sep
Sep
Lead flashing is installed by chasing a 25mm groove into a mortar joint, dressing the lead into the chase, securing it with lead wedges at 450mm centres, pointing the joint, and finishing with patination oil. Individual pieces should never exceed 1.5 metres in length, laps should be at least 100mm, and Code 4 lead suits […]
17
Aug
Aug
Quick Answer The best repointing mix depends entirely on your property’s age. Using the wrong one can trap moisture and damage the brick, so getting this right matters more than most homeowners realise. Pre-1920s Lime mortar Stays breathable and flexible Inter-war Gauged mix A blend of lime and cement Post-1950s Cement mortar Suits cavity-wall construction […]
12
Aug
Aug
Quick Answer Repointing replaces worn-out mortar between bricks with fresh mortar, restoring a wall’s strength and weatherproofing. It matters because failing mortar lets water in, which leads to damp, structural weakening, and higher repair costs the longer it’s left. It helps with penetrating damp specifically, not rising damp or condensation, and when done properly, lime […]
10
Aug
Aug
Quick answer Damp proofing costs in Ashford typically range from £150 for a basic condensation fix to £4,500 or more for a full rising damp treatment with replastering. Damp proofing costs depend heavily on the damp type, the size of the affected wall area, and your property’s age and construction. Getting a proper survey first […]
29
Jul
Jul
Quick Answer Repointing typically costs £25–£90 per m² for standard cement mortar, rising to £60–£100 per m² for lime mortar on period properties. A full property repointing usually costs £2,000 to £9,000, depending on the property’s size, mortar type, and access. If you’ve spotted crumbling, cracked, or missing mortar between your bricks, you’re probably wondering […]