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Our climate and weather conditions are unique
In the North West, our weather is not just a conversation starter; it is also a quiet attack on our roofs.
Understanding that our weather is much tougher on roofs is the first step in protecting your roof and keeping your house looking nice.
Across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, and Cumbria, we are used to long seasons of overcast skies and high humidity. Unlike the sunnier parts of our country, where roofs dry quickly, our roof tiles often stay wet for days.
Downpours themselves are not the only problem causing roof leaks. Our weather varies from wet and chilly to bright sunlight and blustery showers. The combination creates the perfect breeding ground for moss, algae, and lichen.
What are the unseen challenges?
What you see is not always what is happening underneath the moss and dirt.
Sometimes, your roof may look fine from the street, but under the organic growths lurk all sorts of problems. If they are not removed early, they act like sponges. They absorb moisture and keep the roof wet, letting water seep through the joints between tiles.
The problems get worse when that moisture freezes, lifting or cracking tiles. The acids they contain eat away at the roofing materials, weakening them and shortening the lifespan of your roof.
Our sudden gusts of wind get underneath loose or damaged tiles and act as a lever to wobble them. This loosens the nails and fixings, leaving spaces where water can seep in.
Which roofs are at risk the most?
Flat, or low-pitch roofs, gable ends, complex rooflines or older houses can leak more easily. It is best to clean them professionally at the end of each winter.
We love shaded housing estates and lots of trees, but trees overhanging the house can also be the reason our roofs leak more. In their shade, the roof stays wet for longer. Leaves, twigs, and bird droppings clog the gutters. They also stop the roof from drying quickly producing the perfect conditions for moss, algae and lichen to grow.
What other problems do moss, algae, and lichen cause?
The problem doesn’t just stay on your roof. As moss thickens, it sometimes breaks away and slides down, blocking gutters and downpipes. The water trapped in the gutters overflows, either causing damage inside the roof or damp patches on your outside walls. In severe cases, it can eventually even damage the foundations or seep in under the floor.
What are the risks of not cleaning your roof regularly?
Not cleaning your roof regularly is not just a harmless cosmetic choice, with the roof looking old and dirty. There are all sorts of problems hiding under the “dirt” that will cost you a lot of money to fix later.
The biggest harm is usually caused by water seeping into the roof. The beams and rafters can rot, the ceiling is stained, and mould grows inside your house.
Wet moss and algae hold the water against the roof. Combined with the acids they contain, the tiles and protective layers are eroded and become brittle.
In colder months, water trapped on the roof becomes even more risky when the cycle of freezing and thawing starts. The ice can lift the tiles, moving or even cracking them.
How does professional roof cleaning make the roof last longer?
Improve A Roof is the leading roof cleaning and refurbishment specialist in the North West.
By cleaning your roof professionally, your house looks better and newer, improving your property value. More importantly, though, it is essential maintenance that prevents expensive damage to the roof and the home’s structure.
You can catch and fix minor roof issues, like cracks, loose tiles, or clogged gutters, before they become major problems.
By keeping everything clear, rainwater can flow straight into the gutters without any problems. This helps the roof dry out faster and prevents those annoying overflows or leaks that can damage your walls and ceilings
What is the best and safest way to clean a roof in North West homes?
Before you start, a professional will check your roof to see what condition it’s in. This helps them figure out the safest and most effective way to clean and protect it.
Many people think cleaning a roof is as simple as blasting it with a high-pressure washer. Unfortunately, it may be too aggressive, especially in our climate in the North West.
For our climate, experts suggest soft washing or low-pressure steam. These methods use specialised solutions to kill moss and algae safely without damaging your roof.
Especially for older roofs, high pressure can strip away protective coatings, loosen tiles, or force water into your attic through tiny cracks.
Frequently asked questions
In our damp climate, a check-up every 3 to 5 years is usually best. More frequently for higher-risk roofs.
No, but it resets the clock, and special anti-fungal treatments can slow down new growth, giving you long-lasting protection.
Yes, provided you use the “soft wash” approach rather than high pressure.
Yes! By removing moss that holds water, your roof dries faster, protecting the rooms below
Improve A Roof experts are trained to spot potential problems early and prevent expensive repairs.
If you have the right cleaning and safety equipment and knowledge, you can. Just remember, you can cause harm, and it is dangerous work. We guarantee our work to give you complete peace of mind.
Nobody can match our level of service. Our expert team is fully trained in roof cleaning and repair, using only the best, specially formulated products to get the job done right.
Experts like Improve A Roof will carry out a full safety check and recommend the best way to clean your roof without any risk.
We use a comprehensive five-step process.We also offer full refurbishments, thermal roof coatings, UPVC spraying for windows and doors, and Firestone EPDM rubber sealing for flat roofs. Click here to find out more.
We do a full survey and give you a completely free quote for the best solutions, with no obligations.
Prices vary greatly according to the size and condition of the roof, and which additional services are required. We offer the best prices.
When should I act?
Don’t wait for a leak to appear in your ceiling.
If you live anywhere in the North West, protect your home and keep it looking great by booking a free roof check and survey today. There are no strings attached, and you are not obliged to accept it.
You can also contact us online, by Freefone: 08000469686, or email info@improvearoof.co.uk
We will even offer you a special 30% early bird discount if you book this month for a free quote.
