There can be many reasons why a roof leaks, but it’s vital for homeowners to address the issue as soon as possible. Leaving a roof leak unattended can cause a lot of damage to your home, including damp issues, mould and weakened structures. Roof leaks can sometimes be hard to detect (especially if you don’t have a usable loft or attic), but you don’t need to see water cascading from your ceiling for there to be a problem. With this in mind, if you notice any of the warning signs below, call a professional roof specialist as soon as possible. Algae or mould Algae, moss or mould growth on your exterior walls is often a telltale sign that there’s an issue with your downspouts or gutters. Cracked or clogged gutters and downspouts can lead to roof leaks, as the water doesn't have a clear path to run off your roof and into the drains. Instead, it can leak out and make your external walls damp, which is the perfect climate for algae or mould growth. Damaged flashing Flashing is the tape used around roof windows, chimneys and adjoining roofs to help seal your roof and decrease the chances of water seeping in around the joints and corners. Therefore, if your flashing is damaged, worn or cracked, you run the risk of a roof leak penetrating your home. Check your roof regularly (or get a professional to do it for you) for signs of cracked, bent or worn. Damp spots Water stains and damp spots can appear on your interior and exterior walls, so keep an eye out for large ‘puddle’ spots on your ceilings, discolouration on ceilings and walls, or water spots under the roof line outside. Small leaks can cause damp patches in corners that are harder to spot, so keep an eye out for these too. Buckling shingles Buckling shingles can be caused by improperly applied felt or movement in the deck of the roof. Either way, buckled shingles can lead to gaps in your roof and allow water to seep in if the roof is no longer watertight. Regular inspections from a professional roofing company can help you identify issues like these and they’ll be aware of the warning signs to look out for. If you suspect a roof leak or if your roof is in need of repair, get in touch with the professionals at Rafferty Roof Trusses Ltd. As one of the leading suppliers of roofing materials across Northern Ireland and the UK, we have years of experience in the trade and stock a wide range of products including rooflights, felt, underlay and roof tiles. We have all the high quality materials you need to fix any damage to your roof and ensure it stays watertight, so to find out more, give us a call today or visit our website .

Many builders and contractors are now turning towards timber as the material of choice over alternatives such as concrete which are more harmful to the environment.

If you’re in need of quality roofing repair solutions in Northern Ireland, Rafferty Roof Trusses is here to help.

A property may have nearly everything you could ever want, but does it quite fit the fantasy image that you had in mind?

The area actually has a lot of potential and could become the main attraction in your home.

Have you ever walked into an old building, looked up and marvelled at the large array of beams and wondered “what are they and what do they do?” Known as roofing trusses, these structures are specifically designed to support the roof of a building and are becoming an increasingly popular choice for many domestic and commercial property owners. As conventional rafters and joists have become less and less common in the construction industry, prefabricated trusses have filled the space, with around 80% of housing being built using this method. Being advantageous both for new construction and for clients looking to extend their property, roofing trusses can be a great investment. However, with a range of different roof truss designs utilising different materials and techniques, how can you be sure that making such an investment is right for you? As roof rafter and truss experts, we at Rafferty Roof Trusses Ltd know a thing or two about the industry. With this in mind, we decided to put together this handy guide on roof trusses in order to give you the lowdown on what’s right for you. What exactly does a roof truss do? In layman’s terms, a truss is an assembly of beams that creates a rigid structure; this construct is rigid thanks to two-force members acting as a single object. Using a triangular design, trusses have been used for bridge designs, flooring and, of course, roofing. While similar to rafters, a roofing truss is more complex, having a series of triangles within its main frame known as webs in order to supply a superior level of support to a structure. Although roof trusses are extremely popular today, you may be surprised to know that they’ve been used in some form of construction for as far back as even the Egyptians on their ships. Since then, this structural design has been used throughout the ages, from primitive lake dwellings in the early bronze age to the vast bridges found around the world thanks to the use of wrought iron and, in turn, cast steel. These days, truss designs can be found nearly anywhere you look due to the fact that they can offer a host of benefits. The benefits of quality roof truss design When it comes to the various benefits of roof trusses, the one that stands out the most is the amount of time saved. In comparison to conventional roof building techniques which can take precious time out of the construction process and are usually constructed on site, a quality truss made by an engineer can typically be installed in a day as everything is assembled in their workshop. By installing the truss this way, builders can significantly slash the amount of time spent working on the roof. Having the truss designed and assembled in house also offers the advantage of superior preservation. By minimising the amount of time your truss is exposed to the elements, the materials will be less likely to run into problems later down the line from excess moisture. Finally, it should be noted that a roofing truss is extremely versatile. Fitting nearly any custom roof design you can think of, a quality roof truss engineer will be able to construct a final product that perfectly fits your needs. Understanding the types of roof truss While all trusses offer a great range of benefits to a building, not all of them are the same, coming in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on the construction project. Because of this, it can be good to know what factors dictate the type of truss you will need for your build. Of course, your roof’s design and shape will be the main caveat determining the type of truss you’re going to need. From here, truss design for home building is split between two main subgroups known as flat and pitched. These can then be broken down into more specific truss types that can suit a variety of construction projects. King and Queen post trusses One of the most common types of pitched truss used in UK households is known as the king post truss. With the principle rafters and tie beam making a triangle, a king post is then fitted in the centre of the tie beam and connected to the roof ridge. As one of the most simple truss designs available, king post trusses are usually found in old barns, however, they can still be useful for new roofs with small spans. A queen post truss is somewhat similar to a king, however, with two vertical posts instead of one and a set of straining beams, they can offer a superior level of stability to a roof structure. This means that queen post trusses can be effective for roofs with a larger span than a king post truss. Attic Truss Also known as ‘room in a roof’ trusses, this design is becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners looking to maximise living space in the attic without changing the footprint of the room, making it an extremely cost-effective option for buyers. An attic truss works by incorporating a floorspace into the design, meaning that the open space in the middle can be used as a great living space. This extra room can be used in a variety of ways, from extra bedrooms to a new lounge. Fink truss The most commonly used truss design here in the UK, especially for homes and other domestic buildings, a fink truss has an internal web in the shape of a W. This shape allows for a superior level of strength and stability, in particular for spans stretching from 5-9 metres, which covers the footprint of most domestic buildings. However, some fink trusses have been known to stretch to 14 metre spans, making it more versatile than you may think. Because of this, it’s always best to chat to a professional to ensure you get the right design for you. Scissor and raised tie truss For property owners looking to maximise the headroom of their attic space, a raised tie truss may be the answer. By raising the tie beam, it's possible to install a raised tie truss a whole metre above the wallplates, meaning maximum head height. Scissor trusses are similar to raised tie designs in that they increase headroom and works in roofing projects where a raised tie option may not be attainable. Steel roof truss or timber roof truss? Aside from the truss design you decide to go for, there will also be the issue of picking the right material. The two most commonly used are timber and steel, each boasting their own pros and cons. For example, a steel truss will last much longer than their wooden counterparts as they won’t succumb to rot. Steel trusses are also stronger and more easily moldable, however, will likely be more expensive overall. Also, if you’re looking for a certain aesthetic, a steel truss may look out of place in your living space, unlike a timber truss which can even enhance your attic’s look. Looking Quality roof truss design specialists? Get in touch with Rafferty Roof Trusses today While the above are some of the most common truss designs on the market today, this is by no means an exhaustive list. By working with a quality builder, you can take advantage of a range of truss designs that can perfectly fit your needs. Here at Rafferty Roof Trusses, we’ve helped countless customers with their roofing needs, designing and manufacturing bespoke products for nearly 20 years. Also supplying a range of roofing products, from slates and tiles to glulam beams, you can be sure that you’re working with the best. If you would like to learn more about how Rafferty Roof Trusses can help you, why not give us a call on 01422 377 551 or visit our website .

Investing in solar panels can be a long term way to help reduce your carbon footprint and save money on energy bills.

If you think that your home may be slightly too small for you and your growing family, or you’d simply like to add some extra value to the price of your home, there are a number of ways you can do so. One of the best and most cost-effective strategies is to convert your attic into a new room. Here we describe just some of the benefits of choosing this course of action. Increase The Living Space in Your Home First and foremost, the primary reason that most people decide to convert their attic is to increase the amount of liveable space within the home. By adding a new living area, child play area or bedroom, you’ll instantly create a far more functional, attractive and spacious home for the whole family to enjoy. Add Value If you’re a homeowner and you’re looking to sell your property, it may well be worth considering having your attic converted before you move home to increase the value of your property. Doing so can increase your home’s value by thousands of pounds and will speed up the selling process. If you’re a landlord, you will be able to extract a greater rent yield from converting the attic of your property by providing an additional room for another tenant to inhabit. Versatility You don’t need to be limited to just having a bedroom in your newly converted attic, there are a whole range of ideas you could go with to make the best use of the space. You could even opt for a new shower room or a home studio. Attic Trusses From Rafferty Roof Trusses If you’d like to make the most out of the space available to you in your roof, you’ll need to first start with an attic style roof truss from Rafferty Roof Trusses! We have a wide range available for our customers across the UK and Ireland. To find out more, please feel free to contact us today. You can find us at 169a Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine, BT51 4AB and Unit 2, The Old Station Yard, Exley Lane, Elland, West Yorkshire, HX5 0SW, call us on 028 7044 1061 and 01422 377 551 or email us at info@raffertyrooftrusses.co.uk.

Different types of roof trusses are better-suited to different types of properties and projects. Read on to find out more.