Summer is the best time of year to get crossing things off your roofing maintenance checklist.
The bright, dry conditions make it easy to deal with any DIY or cleaning work; leaves and debris can be brushed away easily and repair jobs are more easy to perform.
But crucially, it's a much safer time to be up on your roof.
Whatever the previous autumn leaf covering, winter snowfall or spring storm has thrown at your home, we’ve put together our top 10 maintenance tips and tricks to keep your roof in the best condition possible.
#1. Get rid of any leaves, twigs, branches and other debris that has accumulated on your roof from the previous months.
#2. Replace any broken tiles, damaged or missing shingles. Clay roof tiles, concrete tiles, man made slates and natural slate tiles can all be bought online.
#3. If you haven't done so for a while, make sure you inspect and clean your gutter as summer season approaches.
You can look to install either a CMS gutter guard or gutter brush to cut down your maintenance jobs now and in preparation for the fall of leaves in autumn.
#4. Eliminate moss and algae from your roof either by hand for moss or with a detergent or solution to scrub into your roof for removing algae.
#5. If chimney or vent flashing is damaged, uneven or lifting away from your roof, it’s time to replace it. Caulking and mortar should also be tended when it becomes loose and any cracks should be dealt with as and when you notice them.
#6. Cut back, saw off and trim away any overhanging branches. This will prevent leaves and debris from cluttering and covering your roof all year round. It will also prevent squirrels and other animals from finding an easy route onto your roof.
#7. Deal with any attic dwelling animals. If birds and squirrels have managed to find their way into your attic, they may cause damage to the interior of your roof as well as wires and structural components within it. First, look for evidence of damage in your attic and secondly, ascertain the areas where animals are getting into your roof. If you've heard any scurrying, scratching or chirping noises in your attic over the previous months, make sure you deal with it when the Summer arrives as wildlife will become even more abundant and persistent as the season progresses.
#8. Improve your attic ventilation. If your attic becomes too hot in the summer it can deteriorate items in storage, exacerbate damp and moisture and make your home far less efficient.
#9. Invest in an unobtrusive fascia vent or similar airflow improvement option to keep your attic at a healthy temperature - if you were wondering, your attic should be no more than 10 or 20 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
#10. Play it safe! Although summer is usually the safest time to check your roof, make sure your ladder is secured to a level and stable area of ground. If your maintenance or cleaning job seems too ambitious, don't hesitate to call out the help of a professional roofing contractor.
