Sheffield roofing specialists, Martin-Brooks, have seen enquiries from local homeowners more than double in October, compared to the same month last year.
In the last four weeks alone, the firm has fielded 150 calls from residents in and around the city requiring repairs to their properties.
This surge in enquiries has been attributed largely to the heavy rainfall the region is experiencing, along with the usual requests from people wanting to prepare their homes for winter. Demand was building during the previous two months, with 103 new jobs received in September.
Martin-Brooks’ estimator, Andrew Wheadon, said: “We have seen domestic enquiries far exceed expected levels, as the region continues to be battered by heavy rain. Water ingress is an obvious indicator that a roof is failing and can cause major damage to the rooms below, so it is vital to take action at the first signs of damp. Thanks to the size of our team, we can address urgent repairs quickly, limiting potential disruption.”
Some of the most common issues Martin-Brooks is dealing with currently include slipped slates and tiles, blocked gutters, leaks around chimneys and loose ridge tiles.
Andrew added: “Many of the small, but necessary repairs required on domestic properties are relatively inexpensive to fix and can be completed in a matter of hours. We would urge homeowners to keep a close eye on their roof during this prolonged wet weather. Nail fixings and mortar deteriorates over time, giving water an opportunity to work under the roof covering. The sooner it is caught, the less chance there is that a major problem will occur.”
Martin-Brooks handles domestic projects of all sizes, from small repairs to complete reroofs. It was one of the first South Yorkshire firms to join the Competent Roofer scheme and can self-certify work that would normally require Building Regulations approval. For more information, telephone (0114) 244 7720 or visit www.martin-brooks.co.uk