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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. 

If you want to burnish your eco-credentials, you may want to source the most environmentally friendly roof tiles for your new build or extension.

A typical four-bed home has at least 100 square metres of roof surface, and carbon-guzzling roofing materials could burden the environment. So it makes sense to investigate the most sustainable tiles available.

What factors do I need to consider?

Deciding between popular roof tiles like clay, metal or slate will mean considering the environmental impact of your tiles throughout their lifetime.

There is a lot to think about.

Firstly, you must consider fabrication methods and the materials used to make the tiles.

Of course, the longer your tiles last, the more sustainable they are, so durability and recyclability are also essential considerations.

Tiles that do a good job of keeping the heat in your home and the cold out also tick the eco-friendly box, reducing your energy consumption and helping you control your heating bills.

A factor not always considered is the transport energy required to bring the tiles from their place of origin to your building site.

Maintaining the condition of your roof with our roof cleaning service is a great way to get the best out of whichever type of tile you choose.

Three environmentally friendly options

The following are among the most environmentally friendly options for roof tiles.

Clay tiles

Clay tiles are made from readily available materials such as clay and water. This ancient type of tile would originally have been handmade and dried in the sun, making its carbon print extremely small.

Although now produced at an industrial scale, clay tiles are still made of natural materials using a relatively simple manufacturing process.

Clay tiles are long-lasting and may last up to 50 years on your roof. They are also recyclable, adding to their status as a sustainable option. Homeowners also like their excellent thermal insulation properties, which saves on fuel costs.

Clay tiles are produced in the UK and are easy to source locally wherever you live.

Clay requires very little maintenance, just a wash to ensure that lichen and mosses do not develop. 

Metal tiles

Metal tiled roofs can last for decades, and the tiles are fully recyclable. In fact, many manufacturers make their tiles from recycled materials, to begin with.

Metal tiles can be installed over an existing roof, reducing the environmental impact of removing and disposing of used roofing materials.

The tiles are light, which reduces the need for heavy materials in their structural support and energy consumption during transportation and installation.

Slate tiles

The most sustainable of all is the slate tile. This natural stone requires minimal processing to achieve a usable product.

Supremely durable slate tiles often outlive the building where they are first used and are commonly recycled.

Slate tiles can be sourced from all over the world, including Spain, Brazil, China and the US. However, UK builders can use premium slate from Wales, ensuring that the transport of the slates is low on carbon emissions.

They are low maintenance, but cracked tiles must be replaced quickly to avoid water damage. Our inspection service will spot loose or cracked tiles before they become a problem.

How Improve a Roof can help

A well-maintained roof lasts longer. Our cleaning and inspection service will ensure your roof stays in tip-top condition, whichever type of sustainable tile you choose, by keeping it clean and free of moss and finding loose or cracked tiles.

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.

Unless you own one of the 60 000 plus homes in the UK that are thatched, your home will have a roof made of a tough weatherproof material like one of the UK’s four most popular types of roof tile. 

Clay has been used for roof tiles for thousands of years, and the first recorded use of slate for a roof was in Wales in the fourteenth century. But now, some newer kids are on the roofing block, which may be more suitable for your property than others.

Whatever the material used, Improve a Roof’s cleaning and inspection services will help prolong your roof’s life and keep it looking good.

Slate roof tiles

Slate roofs are aesthetically pleasing and often the first choice for prestigious properties. A good slate roof is expensive to install but can be a good investment as it will add value to your property.

Slate is highly durable and resists rain, snow, extreme heat and fire. A slate roof is a low-maintenance choice as the density of the slate doesn’t hold water, which makes it difficult for lichen and moss to grow. 

This naturally beautiful material can last hundreds of years and outlast many of the buildings it protects. It is environmentally friendly as it can be recycled and used on new buildings. 

Although very strong, slate tiles can crack under pressure and broken tiles should be replaced to avoid leaks. 

Our roof inspection service will keep your slate roof looking beautiful while keeping it clear of environmental debris and checking for cracked tiles. 

Clay Roof Tiles 

Concrete roof tiles are another environmentally friendly choice as they are simple to make from a natural raw material. Like slate, they are heavy and need a robust roof structure to support them. Clay tiles are durable, potentially lasting around 50 years, and highly temperature resistant. They are a popular choice as they can be created in many shades and patterns. 

Clay tiles are more prone to wind damage than other roofing tiles and need checking annually for loose or cracked tiles. The clay does not absorb water but can be prone to developing algae as water can be captured on its surface. Our roof-washing service will keep your roof clean, discouraging algal growth. 

Metal Roof tiles

Metal tiles are a recent innovation in the roofing industry. 

Valued for their durability, metal tiles give a modern aesthetic that can be appealing on new residential and commercial properties. They are light, easy to install, and resistant to cracking.  

If you prefer a more traditional look, coated versions are available that replicate the look of slate or clay.

Metal roofs can be costly, sometimes costing up to three times as much as slate or clay. They can be surprisingly noisy in heavy downpours, and a high level of soundproof insulation may be required to reduce this noise to an acceptable level.

It is crucial to present water accumulation on a metal roof. Nooks and crannies that gather water may be problematic on poorly fitted metal roofs. The water may cause rust and gradual deterioration of the metal and surrounding materials.

Our roof inspection service can keep an eye on your roof and spot any issues before they become an expensive problem.

Plastic Roof Tiles

Plastic roof tiles are relatively new and are becoming increasingly popular. Most are made of a composite of limestone powder and recycled plastic material. Plastic tiles can be produced to look like slate or to provide a range of colours and finishes. 

Plastic tiles are light, quick and easy to install and offer a cheap option for homeowners on a budget. Their low weight makes them suitable for shallow roof pitches that could not support heavy clay or slate tiles. Plastic tiles can be installed on roofs from pitches as low as 14.5°. 

Plastic tiles allow more heat to escape than many roofing materials and require more thermal insulation than other types. However, like metal tiles, plastic does a poor job of keeping out the sound of hailstones and heavy rain. In addition, the tiles can be brittle, and cracked tiles may cause leakages. 

An annual roof check will spot cracked tiles that are easy to replace. 

How Improve a Roof can help

Our regular cleaning and inspection service will help to protect any roof from algae, moss, lichen, and environmental debris. We can alert you to cracks or potential problems before they become too severe and expensive. 

Improve a Roof provides 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.

If your roof is damaged and starts leaking, the first thing you’ll do is dig out your policy to check that your buildings insurance will cover roof repairs, damage and redecoration. 

In most cases, it will, but insurance companies can be keen to avoid paying out if they can point the finger at the householder. 

How can a high wind be my fault?

It would seem like a cut-and-dried case that you are not at fault if a high wind brings off your tiles. However, insurance companies don’t always see things the way the householder does.

They may question whether the tiles were securely fastened before the storm arrived.

Problems with insurance claims

As an insured homeowner, the insurance company expects you to keep your property in good condition. 

Your insurer may even want proof that the damage to your roof and house contents couldn’t have been avoided even if you had maintained your property to a high standard. 

Unfortunately, householders sometimes have to get involved in lengthy debates with insurance companies before these situations are resolved.

A top tip is to keep hold of any receipts or other evidence of having maintenance work carried out on your roof by a professional roofer. This will show that you have been maintaining your property.

What can I do to ensure my insurance company will pay out in the event of roof damage?

The key is keeping your roof in tip-top condition and sorting out any minor problems as soon as they arise. Regular checking and maintaining of your roof are critical. 

Visual checks

Check your roof regularly for loose tiles, especially after storms or high winds. Go and stand at the other side of the road if you have to, but find a vantage point where you can view as much of your roof as possible. If you find any damaged or loose tiles, you should have them replaced immediately. Improve a Roof offers a roof repair and renovation service. 

Routine cleaning

Clear moss and lichen or plants off your roof. Keep guttering clear of leaves and other debris that could block downpipes and cause dampness to get into the house. All organic matter holds water and can damage tiles and wood structures. Our wash and refurbish process will clear lichen, moss and algae from your roof.  

Check your roof space

Enter your roof or loft space with a torch when it’s raining and check for drops. A few drops today could become a deluge in a few months. 

It could also be helpful to go up there on a sunny day, turn off your torch and look out for any chinks of sunlight coming through gaps or holes.

Check around the roof space for damp patches on the timbers. 

Check the environment

Trim back any branches that overhang your roof. It is not ideal to have a large tree near your house. If you planted it and its overhanging branches crash onto your roof, your insurance company may be less than sympathetic.

It may not be your roof

Check your skylights or Velux roof windows. Water will always find a way and even if your roof is sound,  water can still find another access point into your house. Faulty seals or latches could allow water into your property, ruining possessions and decorations. If your insurance company decides these are long-standing issues, they may be reluctant to pay.

How Improve a Roof can help

Our regular cleaning and inspection service will keep any type of roof free from algae, moss, lichen, and environmental debris. We can clean and assess your roof and spot any loose or cracked tiles before they become an issue. The service includes checking for cracks or crumbling membranes on flat roofs.

Trust Improve a Roof to keep your roof in good condition so that no significant problems develop. Hopefully, you will never have to use that insurance policy.

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.

Trees in your garden can look great but can also be a hazard, and every year £1000s of pounds are spent to repair domestic roofs after tree damage.

If you are lucky enough to be able to choose a home with a garden, don’t be charmed by that mature tree growing close to the house. Without proper care and management, it could cause expensive problems.
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It’s no secret that things are getting tighter this winter, which means we all need to be looking for ways to save those extra pennies. What better place to start than your own home, by making sure your roof is a prudent part of your energy-saving plan.

Our cleaning and inspection service can help identify any possible future problems before they become serious — and expensive.

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