Dereham has a wide mix of housing, and that tends to shape the sort of roofing work we’re asked to look at locally. There are post-war estates, a large number of bungalows, older properties closer to the town centre, and plenty of homes that have been altered or extended over the years. From a roofing point of view, that variety matters.
Although based in Norwich, RG Leverett regularly carries out roofing work in Dereham and the surrounding area. Much of what we’re asked to deal with here isn’t unusual, but it does follow a few familiar patterns once you’ve spent time working on roofs across the town.
The Type of Properties We Commonly Work On
A lot of properties in Dereham were built at a time when flat roofs were commonly used on garages, porches, and extensions. Many of those roofs have now been in place for decades. Some are still holding up reasonably well, while others are starting to show their age, particularly where felt systems were originally used.
Pitched roofs vary quite a bit. Some properties have had very little done to them over the years, while others have seen multiple repairs or alterations. It’s not unusual to come across roofs where different materials or construction methods meet, which can create weak points if detailing hasn’t been handled carefully.
Common Factors Behind Roofing Issues in Dereham
Most roofing problems we see in Dereham haven’t been caused by one sudden event. More often, they develop gradually.
Materials reach the end of their working life. Flat roofs stop draining as they should. Small weaknesses around junctions or roof edges allow water to find its way in during heavy rain. In some cases, previous repairs have kept things going for a while without really addressing the underlying issue.
Wind-driven rain can also play a part, particularly on roofs that already have minor defects. Over time, those small issues tend to become more noticeable.
What We’re Most Often Called Out to Fix
Most enquiries from property owners in Dereham start the same way. Something has changed. A leak that wasn’t there before. Marks appearing after heavy rain. Tiles that don’t look quite right following a spell of bad weather.
The reasons we’re asked to take a closer look are usually practical rather than dramatic. Day to day, that tends to involve things like:
- Tracking down leaks that only show themselves from time to time
- Checking flat roofs that have started to struggle after years of use
- Repairing tiles that have slipped or broken, often following wind of storms
- Renewing ridge or verge mortar that’s no longer holding as it should
- Sorting flashing around chimneys and extensions where water is finding a way in
- Inspecting storm damage to make sure small issues haven’t been missed
Not every visit results in replacement work. In plenty of cases, repairs carried out at the right stage are enough to steady the roof and stop problems from developing further.
How We Approach Roofing Work in Dereham
No two roofs are ever quite the same, even when properties look similar from the street. That’s why the starting point is always the roof itself, not assumptions based on age or appearance.
When we’re working on properties in Dereham, a lot of time is spent understanding how the roof was originally put together, what’s been changed over the years, and whether earlier repairs have actually dealt with the causes of the problem or simply kept things going for a while.
Some flat roofs reach a point where further repairs no longer make sense. In those cases, GRP systems are often used to provide a durable, long-term solution, particularly where drainage and finish need to be improved at the same time. On pitched roofs, the focus is usually more selective, strengthening the areas that are starting to fail before they create wider issues.
The goal is always to leave the roof in a condition that works for the property long term, rather than relying on fixes that only buy it a bit of time.
Roofing Service Available in Dereham
The work we carry out in Dereham covers a wide range of roofing needs, depending on the age of the property and the condition of the roof when it’s inspected. Rather than working from a fixed checklist, the services we’re most often asked to provide locally include:
- Taking a closer look at flat roofs, carrying out repairs where possible or replacing them when they’ve reached the end of their working life
- Installing GRP flat roofing systems where a more durable, long-term solution is needed
- Repairing pitched roofs, including dealing with slipped or damaged tiles
- Addressing lead flashing and junction that have started to let water in
- Sorting roofline and drainage issues that affect how water is carried away from the building
- Checking for storm-related damage and carrying out any necessary remedial work
Every job is treated on its own merits with recommendations based on what’s actually found on the roof rather than standard template or assumption.
Working in Dereham
Dereham falls within our normal working area, and we regularly carry out roofing work throughout the town and nearby villages. Properties are assessed individually, and work is planned around the condition of the roof and the needs of the building.
If you’ve noticed signs of deterioration, recurring leaks, or damage following bad weather, having the roof inspected sooner rather than later usually makes the situation easier to resolve.
If you’d like a professional opinion, our team can inspect the roof and explain what we’re seeing in plain terms. You can call us on 01603 418818 or email enquiries@roofsuk.co.uk to arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
