Roofing in Stalham

Stalham is Broads country, close to Barton and Hickling, and damp is a constant background condition rather than an occasional event. Loft ventilation matters more here than most people realise, and blocking a soffit vent when you replace it causes condensation that gets mistaken for a leak.

Across NR12 we fit ventilated soffit as standard and we check the roof space breathes before we call a job finished.

Pantile country, not slate

The conservation area appraisal for Stalham Staithe says most of the buildings by the water date from the early 19th century and are built in red brick with red or black glazed pantiles, some of it probably made locally. It also points out something unusual: there is no slate at the staithe at all, most likely because local materials were cheaper than slate brought from elsewhere. Flint trimmed with brick turns up on outbuildings and garden walls.

The staithe grew up around the wherry trade. The Old Granary on Staithe Road, built so wherries could load and unload grain beneath it, is the only listed building in the Stalham Staithe conservation area, and Burton's Mill nearby is a later granary. Larger buildings like these tend to have their gables to the road, which gives long roof slopes and high verges that take the weather.

Pantile is a good covering but it is not airtight, and on older roofs without a modern membrane underneath, damp air moves freely through the roof space. Change that without thinking about ventilation and the problems move inside.

Moss, gutters and timber

In a damp, low lying area like this, roofs grow moss quickly, especially on north facing slopes and under trees. Moss holds water against the tiles and washes into gutters, which then overflow onto fascias. Painted timber fascias and soffits in this area need looking at more often than they would on higher, drier ground.

Two conservation areas

Stalham has two. The town's own conservation area is managed by North Norfolk District Council. Stalham Staithe, by the river, is mostly within the Broads Authority area, which handles planning there, with the district council responsible for two small parts near Mill Road. We check which applies at survey and tell you if consent is likely to be needed.

Where to go next

See roof cleaning and moss removal, and fascias, soffits and guttering for ventilated soffit. Before hiring anyone with a pressure washer, read should I pressure wash moss off my roof, and if you are weighing up capping fascias or replacing them, that note sets out the difference.