Minehead and the west Somerset coast
Minehead sits on the coast at the edge of Exmoor, and it's firmly inside the area we cover from our yard near Taunton. We look after roofs in the town and along the coastline, for homeowners, landlords and businesses.
If you're not sure whether a problem is worth calling about, it usually is. Coastal weather has a way of turning a small fault into a large one over a single winter.
What sea air and wind do to a roof
Roofs near the sea age differently from those inland. Salt carried on the wind settles on everything and speeds up corrosion of nails, clips and other metal fixings. Once fixings weaken, tiles and slates are held less firmly and are easier for a gust to lift.
Wind is the other big factor. Ridges and verges take the most punishment, and the mortar holding them is often the first thing to crack and wash out. Lead flashings can be lifted at the edges, letting driven rain get behind them. Gutters and fascias get their share too: brackets loosen, joints open up and timber boards behind them can rot if water keeps finding its way in.
Storm damage and slipped tiles
After a big blow, it's common to find a few tiles in the garden or a section of ridge missing. Before anything else, stay off the roof and keep clear of the area below in case more falls. Then call us. We offer emergency leak call-outs; the roof is made safe fast, then put right properly.
Our roof repair page covers the kinds of repairs we carry out. If water is already coming through, read our advice on what to do when your roof is leaking.
When repairs keep failing
On exposed coastal roofs, there comes a point where fixing one slipped tile only moves the problem along to the next. If the fixings are corroded throughout or the underlay has broken down, a full re-roof is often the more sensible choice. That means stripping the old covering and starting again with new membrane, battens, tiles or slates and leadwork. Our page on re-roofs and new pitched roofs explains what's involved.
Guttering and fascias in exposed spots
A roofline facing the sea needs gutters that are securely fixed and fascias that are sound. We replace old guttering, fascias and soffits as one job, so nothing is left half-done. Find out more on our guttering, fascias and soffits page.
We also fit flat roofs on extensions and garages and carry out chimney repairs, whichever your property needs.
Keeping on top of a coastal roof
You can't stop the weather, but you can spot trouble early. After a storm, have a look from the ground for tiles out of line, gaps along the ridge or lead that has peeled back. Inside, check the loft with a torch for daylight or damp. Anything odd is worth a call before the next spell of bad weather arrives.
Quotes and booking
Call 07399 680142, Monday to Friday 8am to 5:30pm or Saturday 8am to 3pm, or send the details through our contact form. Jason will arrange to come over, inspect the roof and give you a free written quote. Inland, we also cover Wellington and, over the border, Honiton. Further along the coast? Our areas page lists the rest of the places we cover.