Plain-English definitions of the roofing terms Reading homeowners encounter most — from nail sickness to dry-fix ridges. Free survey on any of these: call 0118 327 2383.
The corrosion of the iron or steel nails that fix roof tiles to the battens. Over 40-60 years the nails weaken and snap, allowing tiles to slip even though the tiles themselves are sound. It is the single most common roofing problem on Reading's 1960s-70s concrete tile estates such as Whitley, Southcote and Lower Earley.
Strips of lead sheet that seal the junction between a roof and a chimney, wall or valley. On Reading's Victorian and Edwardian properties, lead flashings are often 100+ years old. When patched with mortar rather than replaced, they crack and leak — the most common cause of recurring chimney damp in Newtown and Caversham.
A method of fixing ridge and hip tiles using stainless steel mechanical clips and screws instead of mortar. Dry-fix systems do not crack, cannot lift in high wind, and require no maintenance for the life of the roof — making them ideal for exposed Reading positions like the Tilehurst ridge and Emmer Green plateau.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer — a synthetic rubber membrane used for flat roofs. Laid as a single bonded sheet, EPDM has no joints to fail, needs no maintenance, and lasts 30-50 years against 10-20 for felt. It is the standard replacement for the ageing felt garage roofs across Reading's post-war estates.
Glass Reinforced Polyester — a flat roofing system laid wet and cured into a seamless rigid shell. Because it has no joints or laps, GRP handles complex flat roofs with penetrations and upstands better than any sheeted system. It carries guarantees up to 25 years and suits Reading kitchen extensions and bay roofs.
The bedding mortar that holds ridge and hip tiles in place on traditionally-built roofs. Ridge mortar has a life of 15-25 years before it cracks and shrinks. On Reading's 1930s stock — Tilehurst, Emmer Green, Caversham Heights — exposed ridge positions accelerate this weathering, making repointing or dry-fix conversion a common requirement.
The internal angle where two roof slopes meet, channelling rainwater to the gutter. Valleys are lined with lead or GRP and are a common leak point when blocked or when the lining fails. In Reading, mature tree canopy in areas like Caversham and Woodley causes seasonal valley blockage and overflow every autumn.
The British Standard Code of Practice for slating and tiling, which sets the minimum fixing, underlay and batten specifications for pitched roofs in the UK. A re-roof must comply with current BS 5534 to qualify for a full manufacturer tile guarantee — one reason reusing old battens and felt on a re-roof is poor practice.
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