Preparing Your Roof For Summer
We all look forward to summer, but it doesn’t always bring the balmy, warm weather we hope for and preparing your roof for summer is essential.
Summer in the UK can be cool and wet, with extreme heat waves often bringing high humidity. All these are challenging conditions for your roof.
So, how can you prepare your roof for summer?
Keep an eye on your tiles
In 2022, the UK experienced temperatures of over 40 degrees centigrade for the first time. High temperatures are often followed by torrential rain, and these extreme weather events seem set to become more common. This is bad news for homeowners, as heat stress and water damage are common causes of roof problems.
The rapid expansion of tiles and other roof structures, followed by contraction as temperatures drop at night, can cause tiles to crack. Damaged tiles should be replaced immediately, as they can allow leaks into your roof space when the next summer deluge comes along.
Regular roof inspections can keep you up-to-date on the state of your roof and alert you to any tiles that need replacing.
Watch out for mould, moss and algae growth
Lichen and moss can damage your roof
These roof invaders thrive in the humid conditions often created during our warm, wet summers. Algae, lichen and moss frequently colonise roofs together, especially in areas shaded by trees.
Not only do these colonies look unsightly, but the layers of organic growth trap water like a sponge. The collected moisture can seep into the roof, causing mould to grow and rotting the wooden structures.
Moss tends to spread under the tiles. As the moss grows and expands with retained water, the tiles are pushed up and loosened, allowing water to penetrate. Algae produce potent chemicals that can damage your tiles.
If moss, algae and lichen are allowed to grow unchecked on your roof, they could prevent the roof from cooling, creating mildew problems in your attic and upper storey.
Large colonies also provide an ideal environment for germinating plant and tree seeds.
Our cleaning service will keep your roof sparkling clean and free from damaging organic growth.
Keep gutters and downpipes clear
The heavy rains in Spring and Summer may be challenging for your gutters and downpipes, particularly if you haven’t had time to clean them thoroughly after Autumn’s falling leaves.
Nesting birds may even have found a family home in your gutters in the Spring, and it is essential to clear this debris as soon as the birds have abandoned their nest.
Any organic matter in your gutters may be packed with seeds that will spring into life as soon as the longer, warmer days of the growing season arrive.
We advise clearing gutters and downpipes regularly throughout the year to ensure water can quickly exit your roof.
Cut back tree branches
You should never allow tree branches to overhang your roof at any time of year, but Summer can be particularly hazardous.
A branch in full leaf is heavier than the dry twigs of winter, and intense Summer storms can cause branches to break and fall onto your roof, often resulting in significant damage.
Leaves are also a threat to clean gutters, and their shade encourages moss, lichen, and algae growth.
Contact Improve a Roof for help in protecting your roof
Roofs are dangerous places at any time of year so why not bring in the professionals for all your roof cleaning and refurbishment needs?
Improve a Roof is 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.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE SERVICES OFFERED BY IMPROVE A ROOF HERE