Roofing maintenance tips

Rubber roofing 

When conducting routine rubber roofing cleans and check-ups, sweep away any excess leaves, sticks or material resting upon the rooftop. For this process, take the following steps:

• Use a soft-bristle broom for sweeping.
• Begin at a roof’s “peak”, sweeping debris down from the centre.
• Brush in a side-to-side-motion.
• Remove harmful materials from household gutters.
• Once such materials are removed, fill a large bucket with warm water and dishwashing soap. Stir the mixture to create soap suds, and gently scrub away any collected filth, mildew or scuffs.

Tiled Roofs

Carry out regular visual inspections of the roof, usually twice a year in the spring and autumn:

• Look for signs of any cracked or broken tiles caused by possible impact or wind damage
•  Clear all eaves / back gutters of leaves and other debris and check free flow of water to outlets.
• Cut back overhanging trees or foliage which may impair roof drainage.

 Facia, Soffit and Guttering 

Clean your gutters - At least twice a year, clear the gutters of dirt and debris. A buildup of debris leaves your gutters clogged, which can cause water to leak into your home and encourage mould growth. 

Check for loose gutters - During your routine gutter cleaning, make sure your gutters are still securely fastened to the eaves of your roof. Loose gutters can fall and cause damage to your home or friends and family that may be entering your home. 

Check for fascia damage - Fascia boards can sustain damage over time. If you see rot, mould, mildew or other damage, it is time to replace the boards before the damage leads to additional problems with your home.

Inspect your attic / loft - One way to spot potential fascia damage is to inspect the edges of your attic. If you see evidence of water damage or pest infestation where the roof meets the far walls of your attic, it is time for fascia repairs 

Repaint chipped or peeling areas - A quality coat of paint helps protect the boards from rot and water damage

Check for soft boards - The fascia might “look” like it’s in excellent condition but be sure to check for soft boards. Water can weaken fascia boards into a sponge-like consistency. Soft boards lead to a buildup of mould and mildew.