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Gales are notorious for causing damage to property, and with Storm Ciaran bringing gusts of 86 miles per hour to the British Isles in 2023 and high wind incidents predicted to increase, it is time to make your roof as windproof as possible.

If you are wondering how to prevent wind damage to your roof and the rest of your property, we have some top tips on how to minimise potential damage.

Routine maintenance

It is always essential to keep your roof in good condition by regular inspections and maintenance. Caring for your roof will extend its life and make it ready for adverse conditions. Check regularly for loose or cracked tiles and flashing and mend them speedily. High winds can send loose tiles flying, damaging your roof but also causing injury or further property damage at ground level. You may find Improve a Roof’s inspection service helpful to assess your roof’s condition.

Control the environment around your roof

Overhanging tree branches are a risk in high winds. The wind may throw them against your roof or, indeed, break the branches off, sending them crashing into your tiles. Trimming branches back is always good practice anyway, as falling leaves can easily block the gutter. 

Keep your chimney in good condition

Many UK houses retain chimney stacks and pots even though the chimney is no longer used. If you still have chimneys on your roof, it is essential that the brickwork and mortar are in good condition. Chimneys are extremely heavy structures, and if a high wind brings all or part of your chimney down, serious damage could be caused. 

Pay attention to any weak points

Soffits, fascia, and eaves can be weak points on your roof. High winds can loosen or break them. 

More dramatically, extremely high wind from the right direction could take advantage of weak connections and lift the roof from the supporting walls. Storm straps and hurricane straps can make a roof structure more secure. 

Install a wind-resistant roof

If you are not in the market for a new roof, this may be a step too far, but it is worth knowing that metal roofs are considered the most wind-resistant. They also survive flying debris better than tiled roofs, although they may suffer a few dents. 

Secure loose items

Your home and garden are probably full of everyday items that could cause damage or be broken if picked up by a speedy gust. 

Patio furniture, garden tools and plant pots can all break windows and doors if they become airborne, so it’s best to put them away or secure them if there is a severe wind warning. 

Make sure windows and doors are closed

A strong wind could wrench an open door or window off its hinges. Pay particular attention to large garage doors, which could cause considerable damage if blown off. 

In hurricane conditions, open windows and doors allow high winds into properties at an incredible velocity which could quite literally raise your roof. 

Contact Improve a Roof for help in making your roof windproof

Without the right equipment and experience, it can be dangerous for homeowners to get up on their roofs to check their condition. It is always best to leave hazardous jobs to the professionals. 

We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES HERE

Your roof is your home’s shield against the external environment, protecting everything beneath it. However, like every part of your house, roofs are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Identifying common roof problems early can prevent costly damage and ensure the longevity of your home. 

Improve a Roof are the experts in keeping roofs sparkling clean and alerting the homeowner to roof issues. We have made a list of the five most common roof problems we see and how to tackle them. 

 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IMPROVE A ROOF HERE

Leaks

Ruined wallpaper, mould on the ceiling and peeling paint are all telltale signs that you have a problem with your roof that is causing water to leak into your home. Addressing leaks promptly is crucial to prevent structural damage and unhealthy mould growth within your home. 

Leaks are a symptom of other roof issues and can occur for various reasons, including damaged lead flashing, cracked tiles, or improperly installed roofing membranes. Finding the source of the leak can be a challenge, as water may travel some way along rafters and beams before dripping into the interior of your home.

It is best to contact a professional roofing company to inspect your roof properly to pinpoint exactly where the water is coming in.  

Cracked or missing tiles

Roof tiles or slates are the armour plates of your roof structure, protecting your home from the elements. Damaged, loose or missing tiles compromise your roof’s integrity and leave it vulnerable to further damage from strong winds and rain. 

Loose or broken tiles may be torn off by the wind, and any gaps will leave the underlying roofing materials vulnerable to water infiltration, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. 

Regular inspection and maintenance will find issues and allow you to replace damaged or missing tiles and slates before significant problems develop.

Poor ventilation

Your roof protects you from the cold but must still allow for a healthy amount of air exchange between interior space and the outside environment.

Inadequate ventilation can lead to moisture buildup in the roof space, leading to rotting wood, mould growth and deterioration in the entire roof structure. 

In addition, poor ventilation can result in higher energy costs as hot air becomes trapped in the roof space, making it more difficult to regulate indoor temperatures. 

It is important to ensure that roof vents are not blocked when roof insulation is being installed and that pests such as squirrels haven’t caused a build-up of material at the side of the roof space that is preventing air exchange. 

If the problem is ongoing, it is possible to install ridge vents, soffit vents, or attic fans to improve airflow and prevent moisture-related issues.

Failed flashing

Malleable lead is typically used for flashing on UK roofs. It is installed around features such as chimneys, vents, and skylights to create a watertight seal and prevent water penetration between different parts of the roof structure. 

Over time, flashing can become loose, corroded, or damaged, compromising its effectiveness. When flashing fails, water can seep into the gaps between roofing materials, causing leaks and water damage. 

Inspecting flashing regularly is important; replacing damaged sections can help maintain a watertight seal and prevent costly repairs.

Standing water

Standing water collects on flat roofs or roofs with a gradient insufficient to allow water to run off. If organic debris collects, the water can become stagnant, encouraging mould and bacteria growth.

If left long enough, standing water will weaken roofing materials, potentially leading to structural damage. 

Flat roofs should always have a slight gradient to allow drainage. If this has been compromised by a build-up of leaves, for example, the problem of standing water can be easily solved by clearing and cleaning the roof. Blocked gutters and downpipes often contribute to the problem as they prevent rain from draining off the roof. 

Our cleaning service can help to keep any type of roof clean and clear of fallen leaves and other environmental debris. 

How Improve a Roof can help

Our cleaning service will keep your roof free of debris that could block ventilation vents or prevent roof drainage. 

While we are up there, we will survey your roof and spot any issues like broken tiles or slates, allowing you to sort out our problems before they cause costly damage to your home.

Contact Improve a Roof for help in protecting your roof

We are based in Macclesfield, and our team provides roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

The weather in the UK often changes after Christmas, with plummeting temperatures replacing the storms of Autumn. This doesn’t mean you can take your eye off your roof, though, as a big freeze can cause as much damage as any other kind of weather.   

A few simple precautions to protect your roof against snow and ice should get your home through January and February unscathed.

We are always ready to offer you advice and roof care, whatever the weather. 

 FIND OUT MORE ABOUT IMPROVE A ROOF HERE

How can ice and snow damage my roof?

Even in the mainly temperate climate, your roof could be damaged in several ways by a sudden blast of snow and ice:

Meltwater freezing into ice dams 

If snow falls into your gutters or eaves, it may freeze, creating an ice dam which prevents meltwater drainage. Water will always find a way, and meltwater can seep under slates and into your roof space. 

A frozen blockage in your gutters will prevent drainage and keep damaging meltwater on the roof for longer.

The expansion and contraction of the ice

Ice contracts and expands as the temperature changes, and this change in mass can cause tiles to loosen and crack, allowing water to penetrate the roof structure, causing all sorts of problems inside your property. 

The extra weight on the roof

Large quantities of ice and snow can be heavy. A total collapse is unlikely in the UK except in extreme circumstances, but the extra weight could put a strain on the load-bearing structures in your roof.

How can I protect my roof from ice damage?

Salt your roof 

If you have advance warning of severe conditions, it may be a good idea to put a little salt on accessible parts of your roof and around gutters. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water, and this precaution could prevent the formation of ice dams, ensuring that water can drain off your roof. 

Insulate your roof space

 A poorly insulated roof space will allow warmth to leak through the roof, rapidly melting large quantities of fallen snow. If conditions are still freezing, the meltwater will freeze again in the colder conditions of your gutters and downpipes, causing the above-mentioned problems. 

Repair roof damage promptly and clean out gutters

Cracked slates and blocked gutters and downpipes will worsen the problems caused by ice and snow. 

You could consider using our experienced team to inspect your roof regularly to find damage before it becomes difficult and expensive to repair. A roof inspection will identify signs of deterioration in your slates, flashing and seals. 

Clear away heavy snowfalls before they melt

It is sensible to do this, but this suggestion comes with a warning. Professional companies like Improve a Roof have the tools, skills and experience to clear roofs safely. It is always best to leave roof height work to the professionals but even more so in snowy and icy conditions. 

Contact Improve a Roof for help in preparing your roof for snow and ice

We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Chimney stacks have been an integral feature of our roofs for centuries, but most are now redundant as central heating has become the norm. Some people choose to take their chimney stack down, simplifying their roofline and making maintenance easier. 

However, removing your stack, the bit of your chimney visible above the roof level can be a big and expensive job. Before you make a decision, it is worth considering the pros and cons of removing a chimney.

Three great reasons to  remove your chimney 

Save on maintenance costs

Chimney stacks need to be well maintained. Crumbling brickwork and mortar could cause leaks or worse. An unstable chimney stack could fall and cause damage to your property and potentially to life. Removing the stack means that the costs of inspections and repairs can be avoided in the future.

Simplify your roofline

Removing chimney stacks can make a building look more contemporary and give a cleaner, sleeker appearance to your roofline. 

You could make better use of your simplified roofline and the extra space up there by installing solar panels to reduce your energy costs.

Make better use of space

Many people choose to remove not just the chimney stack but the chimney breast that often runs up the whole height of a building. Doing this requires a specialist builder, but it could create valuable extra space on all the floors of your home, from the cellar to the attic. 

Three equally good reasons to keep your chimney 

Maintain the original appearance of your home

Chimney stacks are architectural features that are part of the historical character of buildings, and removing them may affect the overall aesthetic of your home. If you live in a protected period property or a conservation area, you may be prohibited from making such a dramatic change to the appearance of your home.

Preserve your property’s value

Potential buyers of your home may be chimney stack fans who prefer the original design of your house. A lack of stacks could decrease the value of your property.  

Any significant change to the structural integrity of a building, like removing a chimney stack or chimney breast, must be done by qualified experts. A bodge job will have an impact on your home’s resale value.

Retain the functionality of your fireplace

Open coal fires may be a thing of the past, but many homeowners love their wood-burning stoves. Removing the chimney deprives future owners of a flue for their stoves and of the opportunity for a cosy fire. Homes with working chimneys have an advantage during power strikes or outages, as homeowners can use their fire for warmth.

So the decision to take down the chimney stacks from your roof or even your entire chimney breast involves weighing various factors, including aesthetics, maintenance considerations, structural issues and the consequences of your design when you come to sell your property in the future.

With or without chimneys we can keep your roof in excellent condition when you use our roof refurbishment and cleaning service. 

Contact Improve a Roof for all your roof issues

Without the right equipment and experience, it can be dangerous for homeowners to get up on their roofs to check the condition of their chimney stack. It is always best to leave hazardous jobs to the professionals. 

We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Many of our delighted customers love the look of their roof after our wash and refurbish service, but the benefits of a professional roof clean are more than skin deep.

Your roof will look new after thoroughly cleaning all tiles and other surfaces. Regular cleaning may also improve the longevity of your roof structures.

 Why not try our Five-Step Roof Cleaning Process, an excellent way to care for your roof? 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES HERE

The five-step cleaning process

Our team are all experienced roofing professionals with broad experience in cleaning and refurbishing all types of roofs. 

Step One

A complete inspection and assessment of your roof. 

Our cleaning process is more than just a quick wash and brush. We can be your eyes on your roof, inspecting places that cannot be seen from the ground. If we find any leaves or branches, we will remove them.

Step Two

Turbo washing of your roof.

This thorough cleanse will remove all debris and organic matter from your roof. Damaging moss and lichen buildup will be washed away. Gutter clearing can also be part of this process. 

Step Three 

The team will identify and replace broken or slipped tiles. They will also check on the condition of the mortar in the roof’s ridges, valleys and hips and repair it where needed.

Step Four

Anti-microbial and anti-fungicidal treatment.

Many homeowners don’t realise how damaging moss and lichen can be to their roofs.

Not only do these growths look unsightly, but left unchecked, they can damage your roof.

Moss, in particular, acts like a sponge on your top, preventing rainwater from draining away. Water stays on your roof for longer, potentially causing the wooden structures of your root to rot. The sponge-like moss can also grow under tiles, forcing them upwards, loosening them and creating space for water to leak into your roof. 

Step Five 

The final stage is for the same thorough cleanse to be applied to your gutters, fascia & soffits. External window frames and panes can also be cleaned to a shine. 

Keeping your roof clean

More and more customers are choosing to have their roofs treated with a highly concentrated microbiological biocide treatment. This prevents the regrowth of moss, lichens and other fungi by killing their spores, preventing them from germinating. The treatment impregnates the tiles and is activated by rainfall.  It can be a stand-alone treatment, but we also offer it with our waterproof thermal roof coating. 

Thermal roof coating has energy-saving properties, but it also provides water-resistant protection to the surface of your roof. Rainwater drainage is speeded up, meaning that organic debris and pollution particles are removed from your roof quickly,  keeping your roof clean and clear. 

Why can’t I clean my own roof?

We strongly advise you to hire a professional roof cleaning service to clean your roof. 

Roofs are dangerous places for the inexperienced, and water application makes the situation even more hazardous. 

In addition, roof tiles are fragile and can easily be damaged with over-enthusiastic treatment. 

We have the correct cleaning equipment and know how to protect our colleagues, ourselves and your roof. 

How Improve a Roof can help

We are based near Stockport, and our team provides roof cleaning services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 or complete our online form here for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Winter is coming, bringing challenging conditions, so now is the time to tick off your winter preparation checklist. Putting a bit of effort in early will ensure that your roof makes it through the cold season in good shape.

Torrential rain, wind, and steep drops in temperature can all damage roof materials. The resulting loose tiles, blocked gutters, and cracked seals can all lead to problems that can be expensive to sort out if left untreated.

If you follow our checklist to prepare for winter, your roof should be ready to withstand the worst of the weather. 

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES HERE

Inspect your roof for damage

You may be able to check your roof yourself from a vantage point at the bottom of your garden or the other side of the road. However, if you have a complicated roofline or a tall house, you may find that some parts are impossible to examine from the ground. 

Improve a Roof’s roof inspection service is the answer as we have equipment that will allow us to access all areas of your roof. Resist the urge to get up there yourself: it can be risky if you aren’t used to working at a height. 

Our experienced and professional team will look for any existing signs of wear and tear, loose or cracked slates, damaged flashings or cracks in seals, giving you a chance to sort them out before winter weather makes them worse.

Clean out gutters and downpipes 

If you have trees around your property, some falling leaves will inevitably find their way into your gutters. 

It is essential to remove leaves and other organic debris from your gutters before they make their way into your downpipes, blocking them. Rainwater can collect and cause leaks in your roof space. Overflowing gutters can send water spilling onto paths below, causing slippery and dangerous ground-level conditions. 

Cut back overhanging branches

Trimming back nearby trees will help to protect your roof from the damage caused by fallen leaves.

Removing heavy branches will also prevent them from falling on your roof if they break during high winds. Don’t forget that the law requires you to return any cut branches to your neighbour if the tree isn’t on your land. 

Check flashing and seals

It is difficult to see all your lead flashing from ground level, and certainly, most seals are hidden high up on your roof line. We can check the condition of lead flashing around your chimneys and the seals around vents and skylights for signs of damage or deterioration. 

Check your attic insulation and ventilation

A quarter of a home’s heat can be lost through an uninsulated attic, so installing adequate roof insulation will keep your home cosy in the winter and help to keep those fuel bills under control.

You can find guidance about insulating your roof here.

Make sure that rodents and pests can’t get into your roof space

Your pre-winter check is also an excellent time to check for holes under the eaves of your roof. Any small space may provide entrance to pests like squirrels and rats looking for shelter from cold weather. Gaps in the fascia or loose slates should be repaired to prevent access to unwanted house guests.

Check for water leaks inside your property

Have a quick look at the internal ceilings and walls on the top storey of your property. Damp stains or dark patches could indicate that you have a leaky roof. 

If you attend to this situation immediately, you will prevent matters from getting worse. If the internal damage is minor, you may get away with a decorating touch-up using a stain blocker or oil-based paint. If you leave it too long, winter rain will make the staining worse and may affect the plaster, leaving you with a significant redecoration job to do.

Inspect Roof Windows

Roof windows are a great way to ventilate your home and bring in natural light, but they can be tricky to maintain. We can check that their seals are watertight during our roof survey so that you can repair any damage before the window leaks.

By following this checklist, you can help ensure that your roof is in good condition and ready to withstand the challenges of winter weather.

Contact Improve a Roof for help in preparing your roof for winter. 

Without the right equipment and experience, it can be dangerous for homeowners to get up on their roofs to check their condition. It is always best to leave hazardous jobs to the professionals. 

We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular on domestic homes. Knowing how to maintain your metal roof can keep it in excellent condition for many years, saving you money on extensive repairs or even a new roof.

Why are metal roofs so popular?

Metal roofs have been used on industrial and design-led buildings for many years, but more householders are starting to see their appeal. If you inspect your metal roof regularly and keep on top of any issues, you can confidently expect your metal roof to last for at least 30 years with minimal maintenance.  

So, what else is so great about metal roofs?

Metal roofs have long lives 

The main reason for their longevity is that metal roofs are super strong. They can tolerate wind speeds up to 140 miles per hour without splitting. They can also cope with extremes of heat and cold without beginning to degrade. 

Metal roofs are green

Metal may be the ultimate green material with an infinite life cycle. Unlike plastics, metal will not lose its physical properties and can be reclaimed and reused indefinitely. Many metal roofs are made from recycled metal, which can be used again at the end of the roof’s life. 

Metal also scores green points for energy efficiency. In our warming world, a metal roof will keep your home cooler as metal reflects the sun’s heat rather than absorbing it into the property.

Myths about metal roofs 

Many people believe that metal roofs are noisy during heavy rain. A professionally installed roof on a substantial substrate with appropriate loft insulation will be no noisier than any other type of roof.

Stories of metal roofs being susceptible to lightning strikes are equally inaccurate. The electrical charge of a lightning strike is attracted to the ground and objects like trees that provide a speedy route to the earth. A metal roof is no more attractive than any other type in this context. 

Caring for your metal roof

Like all parts of your house, a metal roof requires cleaning and inspecting regularly.  

Regular Inspections

You should check for any signs of damage or wear, loose or missing screws, dents or spots of rust. It is also essential to inspect the sealant and caulking around the seams, joints, and flashing of your metal roof to prevent water from seeping into the roof space. 

These checks can be part of our roof inspection and cleaning service.

Cleaning

You should remove organic debris like leaves, branches and soil as soon as possible as they can hold water, encouraging the development of rust. As with all roofs, it is a good idea to cut back overhanging trees that cause this problem.

Even if you have a head for heights, it is better to leave the cleaning of a metal roof to an experienced professional with the correct equipment for the job. Metal can be slippery, and applying water during the cleaning process could make your roof a water slide.

Improve a Roof cleaning professionals can clean your metal roof using soft-bristle brushes or a low-pressure power washer to clean the roof surface. 

You can find out more about our cleaning service here.

Treating Rust 

Although your metal roof is tough, rust is still an enemy that must be dealt with. You should keep an eye on scratches and dents for signs of rust. If you find rust, remove it with a wire brush and treat the area with rust-inhibiting primer and paint to prevent further corrosion. 

Improve a Roof can help you to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and other debris, ensuring that water doesn’t pool on your roof and creating an excellent environment for rust to develop.  

Document and Maintain Records

Your roof is a considerable investment, and keeping a log of roof inspections and repairs is worthwhile to track its condition over time. 

How Improve a Roof can help

Our regular cleaning and inspection service will help keep your metal roof clean and looking great. 

We can be your eyes on your roof, warning you of any potential issues before they become costly problems.  

We provide roof cleaning services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on: 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Giving your roof kerb appeal can greatly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your home and of course, improve your chances of attracting buyers when you want to sell. 

But even if you are not interested in selling your home, a few simple tweaks could keep yours looking great.

Follow our six tips for the best-looking roof in town.

Clean and maintain your roof regularly

A clean and well-maintained roof is the baseline for a stunning home. 

Regularly remove leaves or twigs from your roof and clear out gutters. Our roof cleaning service will sweep away any debris build-up, preventing the development of moss or lichen, which looks unkempt and is bad for the longevity of your roof.

Replacing broken tiles or slates is also important aesthetically and to avoid leaks. Improve a Roof offers a roof inspection service that will spot broken or loose tiles for you before they become a problem.

Choose the best roofing material

Even if you are building your own home or re-roofing your property, you could take the long view and look at your home through the eyes of a potential future buyer. 

The roofing material you choose should be of high quality and complementary to the architectural style of your home. There are better choices than plastic tiles on an ancient cottage for visual appeal. 

Durability is essential for both you and your home’s future owners. Welsh slate has been used on roofs for centuries. It often outlasts the house upon which it is first used, so you’ll get some sustainability points and a beautiful roof. 

Emphasise your roof’s best features

Draw attention to attractive architectural features like dormer windows, roof lights or gables with accent colours or contrasting shapes or sizes of tiles. Emphasising the lines and angles of your roof could add interest and extra appeal to your home.   

Add some new  features of your own

Used in a considered fashion, decorative elements like cupolas, finials, or weather vanes could add to the visual appeal of your roofline.

Stay on the right side of kooky and these additions could add character and charm to your home. 

Install high-quality gutters and fascia

Ditch dingy plastic gutters, downspouts, and fascia and replace them with roof furniture in high-quality materials that match the overall aesthetic of your home. Coordinate their colours with the roof and exterior for a coherent style makeover. Keep your fascias and roof drainage systems looking sparkling with our roof cleaning service.

Make sure you can see the roof for the trees

As trees grow around your home, the landscaping you have chosen or inherited at ground level may start to impact the appearance of your roof. 

Older trees and shrubs should be cut back so that they don’t overhang your home. If leaves and branches obscure your roof, your styling efforts will all be in vain. 

In addition, the shade cast by vegetation can cause moss and lichen to grow which may detract from your home’s visual appeal. If you start to experience moss or lichen problems, a good cleaning from the Improve a Roof team will freshen things up.

Contact Improve a Roof for help in keeping your roof beautiful

We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on: 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

The energy efficiency of your home can be crucial when you are trying to control your fuel bills. With up to a quarter of a house’s heat being lost through an uninsulated roof, the top of the house is definitely a good place to start in the fight to reduce your energy outgoings.

Carefully considered design and materials play their role in keeping your house warm in the winter,  cool in the summer and reducing your energy usage. 

Here are a few strategies you could use to create a more energy-efficient home.

Roof Insulation

An easy win is to install insulation in your roof cavity to prevent heat exchange between your home and the outside world. You can do this yourself or employ a professional. 

The government recommends that roof insulation should be between 250mm and 270mm, but developers are now commonly including loft insulation up to 300mm in depth.

Popular roof insulation materials include sheep’s wool, glass wool and rigid boards. The size of your roof cavity and your budget will affect your choice but any insulation will have a positive impact on the warmth of your house and your heating bills. 

Cool Roofing Materials

As even some parts of the UK begin to break heat records, it may be time to reconsider the colour of your roof and think about using cool roofing materials.

In the future, we may start to rate roofing materials according to their SRI, that is, their score on the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). 

Lighter-coloured or reflective roof coverings have a higher SRI as they reflect heat away from the roof keeping the home cooler. 

Darker materials absorb heat,  making your home hotter in the summer. If stifling temperatures make you reach for an electric fan or an air conditioning unit, your energy costs will be heading in the wrong direction.

Glazed or painted tiles and some reflective metal tiles can keep your roof cooler.

Roof Ventilation

Adequate roof ventilation improves airflow and prevents heat build-up in your roof space which then raises the temperature of your house. It also plays an important role in keeping condensation under control. 

Vents in the soffits and fascia are ideal but must be kept clean and free from debris build-up to function correctly. 

We offer a roof checking and cleaning service that includes cleaning ventilation points and ensuring air circulation.

Green roofs

A green roof is covered with low-maintenance vegetation like sedum, planted in a growing medium. A waterproof membrane protects the roof beneath. 

Green roofs act as insulation, reducing heat loss and energy consumption during the cooler months. 

In warm conditions, the process of evapotranspiration, controlled water loss through small leaf pores on the plants, consumes heat without warming up surrounding surfaces.

Skylights and Natural Lighting

Another way of thinking about your roof is as a potential light source, reducing the need for supplementary artificial light during the darker months.  

Including skylights or light tubes in your roof design can introduce more light into your house saving energy. 

Solar Panels

Your roof itself could be a source of clean energy if you install solar panels.

The panels harness energy from sunlight which can be used to supplement your conventional energy supply. 

How Improve a Roof can help

Our cleaning and inspection service will ensure your roof stays in tip-top condition by keeping it clean and free of moss and finding loose or cracked tiles before they affect the energy efficiency of your roof.

We provide roof cleaning services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.

Call us NOW on: 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Your flat roof may not be prone to cracked or loose tiles but the design does have its own set of potential problems and will need regular checking and maintenance to ensure that it remains structurally sound, energy-efficient, and importantly – watertight. 

Contact Improve A Roof today to find out more about our roof cleaning or EPDM Flat Roofing services. 

The three most common problems experienced by the owners of flat-roof buildings are the following:

Standing water

Proper drainage is the number one requirement for a long-lasting flat roof. Pitched roofs don’t have this problem as the steep slope quickly carries rainwater away.

In fact, flat roofs are rarely completely flat and should slope to some degree to allow drainage. However, a badly constructed roof may have a gradient that is insufficient for effective drainage and you will soon see the result of this as pools of standing water develop after rain showers. 

It is still important to check the drainage outlets on the best-installed flat roofs, ensuring that they are unblocked and that rainwater can quickly drain away. Our roof cleaning service will keep your roof clean of dead leaves and other debris that could clog up your gutters and downpipes

Over time standing water could damage the material of your flat roof leading to leaks and shortening the life span of the roof.

Extreme weather conditions

Fluctuating temperatures which cause expansion and contraction of your flat roof material can be a challenge for the best roof. 

Extremes of heat and cold are equally damaging and both can lead to cracking or splitting of the flat roof which will then need to be replaced if further damage is to be avoided.

Once your roof membrane begins to break down the insulating effect of the roof may be reduced, allowing air loss and increasing your energy bills. 

 At Improve a Roof we install roofs using  EPDM membrane. This innovative material is made of single-ply rubber and can cope with even the harshest weather conditions and temperatures.

Ultraviolet damage

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet or  UV light can break down the chemical bonds in roofing materials, such as asphalt, causing the fabric of the roof to become brittle and cracked. UV can also fade and discolour your roof affecting its kerb appeal.

The key to the prevention of UV light damage is the use of roofing materials during construction that are treated to reflect rather than absorb UV light or an EPDM flat roof that is designed to withstand ultraviolet radiation. 

How Improve a Roof can help

We are specialists in flat roof installation and care. You can expect our  EPDM rubber roofing to last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance.

We have delighted clients in both the domestic and commercial sectors across the North West and Midlands, including in Macclesfield, Stockport, Stoke, Derby, Warrington, Wigan and Huddersfield.

Contact Improve A Roof today to find out more about our roof cleaning or EPDM Flat Roofing services.