Key roofing terms explained in plain English by Swindon roofers with 20+ years experience.
The corrosion and failure of roof tile fixings — typically plain steel nails installed on post-war UK housing between 1950 and 1985. As the nails rust and weaken, tiles loosen and eventually slip. Over 30,000 Swindon homes are estimated to have significant nail sickness due to the town's exposed plateau position accelerating corrosion.
A roofing underlay that allows water vapour to pass through from inside the roof space to outside, preventing condensation. Replaced traditional bituminous felt on new and re-roofed properties. Required by BS 5534:2014 on all new installations. Eliminates the condensation problems that damage insulation and cause timber rot.
Glass Reinforced Polyester — a seamless flat roofing system formed by laying glass fibre mat into liquid resin on the roof deck. Cures to a rigid, waterproof surface with no joints or seams. Expected lifespan 25–30+ years. The standard specification for flat roof replacement in Swindon.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer — a synthetic rubber membrane used for flat roofing. Supplied in large sheets that cover the roof with minimal joints. Flexible, UV-resistant and durable. Expected lifespan 20–30 years. Preferred for larger flat roof areas.
Milled lead sheet 1.80mm thick — the standard specification for roof flashings, valleys and flat areas in the UK. Heavy enough for durability, workable enough for clean dressing. Expected lifespan 30–50 years depending on exposure. Specified by BS EN 12588.
A weatherproof junction between a roof surface and a wall, chimney, vent pipe or other penetration. Usually formed from lead sheet dressed into a chase cut in the masonry and sealed with flexible sealant. The most common source of roof leaks when flashings crack or lift from thermal cycling.
The process of removing deteriorated mortar from masonry joints and replacing it with fresh mortar. On chimneys, repointing restores the weatherproof seal that prevents rain penetrating the brickwork. Lime mortar is specified for pre-1920 masonry; cement mortar for modern construction.
Airflow provision through the horizontal boards under the eaves, allowing fresh air into the roof space. Required by Building Regulations to prevent condensation. Typically provided by perforated soffit strips or disc vents. Minimum 10,000mm² per metre of eaves on each side of the roof.
Call 0179 329 7084 for free roofing advice.
0179 329 7084Twenty years of continuous service to Swindon homeowners means we have fixed roofs on every type of property in every neighbourhood. We have seen every roofing problem this town produces — from the nail sickness crisis on the post-war estates to the listed building conservation work in Old Town and the Railway Village. We know which materials last in Swindon's exposed conditions and which fail prematurely. We have a reputation built entirely on doing good work at fair prices — no advertising, no cold calling, just honest workmanship that speaks for itself. We are NFRC registered, carry five million pounds of public liability insurance, and provide a written 10-year workmanship guarantee on every job. We do not subcontract and we do not employ commission-based salespeople. Our own experienced team handles every project from the initial survey through to completion and sign-off. Call 0179 329 7084 for a free, no-obligation survey and quote.
We cover every postcode across Swindon and a 15-mile radius including Highworth, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wroughton, Cricklade, Purton, Wanborough, Chiseldon, Shrivenham, Faringdon, Blunsdon, South Marston, Marlborough and Lechlade. From the 1840s Railway Village to the 2020s Wichelstowe development, from hilltop Highworth to floodplain Cricklade. We carry the most common tile profiles on every van and maintain specialist supplier relationships for period materials. Whether you need a single tile replaced or a full re-roof, whether your property is a listed building in a conservation area or a modern new-build with snagging issues, we have the expertise, the materials and the local knowledge to do the job right first time. NFRC registered, five million pounds public liability insurance, 10-year workmanship guarantee. Call 0179 329 7084.
Local Swindon roofers. Call 0179 329 7084.
0179 329 7084