Roof Maintenance

When was the last time you gave your roof a second thought? It’s easy to overlook that unassuming barrier perched atop your commercial property, but if you’re a building owner or landlord in the UK, your roof deserves far more attention than you might realise. Let’s chat about why caring for your roof isn’t just about keeping the rain out—it’s about protecting your entire business.

The Unsung Hero Above Your Head

Think of your roof as the unsung hero of your commercial property. It shields your assets, supports your operations, and even plays a part in your energy efficiency. A well-maintained roof can stave off weather-related woes, whether it’s the damp autumn drizzle or the occasional harsh winter storm. Conversely, a neglected roof can lead to leaks, water damage, and a host of other headaches that might cost you dearly down the line.

You know what? A roof isn’t just a cost centre—it’s a vital investment. When you’re paying those insurance premiums, wouldn’t it be comforting to know that you’re less likely to face an unexpected claim because of preventable issues? It’s all about keeping that overhead secure so that your business can operate smoothly, no matter what Mother Nature has in store.

The Hidden Costs of a Neglected Roof

At first glance, roof maintenance might seem like another line on your expense report. However, the true costs of neglect can be astronomical. Imagine a scenario where a minor leak goes unnoticed. Before long, that seemingly insignificant drip turns into a full-blown water damage nightmare. Structural elements could rot, electrical systems might short-circuit, and your tenants or clients could find themselves in quite an uncomfortable situation.

It’s not just about the immediate repair costs either. There’s also the risk of increased insurance premiums and the possibility of costly legal claims if a failing roof results in injury. When you factor in the potential loss of business during downtime and the damage to your reputation, it quickly becomes clear: ignoring your roof’s health is a gamble you can’t afford to take.

Maintenance: An Investment, Not an Expense

Here’s the thing—spending a bit on regular roof inspections and maintenance is a smart investment in the longevity of your building. Preventative measures, such as cleaning gutters, replacing damaged tiles, and fixing small leaks promptly, can save you a great deal of trouble (and money) in the long run. It’s akin to giving your property a regular health check-up; a stitch in time really does save nine.

Regular maintenance can also extend the life of your roof. Commercial properties, especially older ones, can benefit immensely from a planned maintenance schedule. Not only does this approach help in avoiding sudden repair costs, but it also boosts the overall value of your building. Tenants and potential buyers alike appreciate a well-looked-after property—after all, no one wants to move into a building with a shoddy roof overhead.

Spotting the Signs: What to Look Out For

Have you ever wondered what those subtle hints of roof trouble look like? Sometimes, you might notice a few water stains on the ceiling or a slight dampness that seems to appear out of nowhere. In some cases, you might even hear a persistent dripping sound during a rainstorm. These are the early warning signs that your roof might be calling for a bit of TLC.

Another tip? Pay attention to your building’s overall energy consumption. A sudden spike in heating or cooling costs could indicate that your roof’s insulation has been compromised. In the UK’s ever-changing climate, ensuring that your roof is in top condition isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a crucial factor in keeping your energy bills in check.

Bringing in the Experts

While a keen eye and regular checks are important, nothing beats the expertise of a professional. Roof specialists can offer a more comprehensive inspection, spotting issues that might elude even the most attentive building owner. These professionals use advanced tools and techniques to assess the health of your roof, ensuring that even the hidden problems are uncovered before they escalate.

It might be tempting to handle minor fixes on your own, but a professional can provide peace of mind. When you invest in expert maintenance, you’re not just fixing a leak or replacing a tile; you’re safeguarding your building’s future. After all, a well-maintained roof is the first line of defence against unforeseen disasters.

Thinking Beyond the Roof: The Bigger Picture

When you step back and view your roof as part of the overall health of your building, it’s clear that its condition affects much more than just the ceiling. It’s intertwined with your building’s energy efficiency, structural integrity, and even its market value. Commercial landlords know that keeping maintenance up-to-date isn’t merely a tick-box exercise—it’s an integral part of ensuring tenant satisfaction and protecting long-term revenue.

Plus, let’s not forget the environmental aspect. In a time when energy efficiency is more critical than ever, a well-insulated, well-maintained roof can reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a small step that not only cuts down on operational costs but also contributes positively to the broader community and environment.

In Conclusion: Look Up for a Brighter Future

At the end of the day, your roof is far more than just an overhead covering—it’s a cornerstone of your business’s security and success. By maintaining it diligently, you’re investing in the resilience of your building and the well-being of your tenants. So next time you walk past that unassuming structure above your head, remember: a little care now can prevent a lot of headaches later.

You might not think about your roof every day, but that’s precisely why it deserves your attention. As a commercial building owner or landlord in the UK, ensuring that your roof is in tip-top shape is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s not just about avoiding damage—it’s about building a secure, efficient, and sustainable future for your business. After all, isn’t that something we can all get behind?

By giving your roof the care it needs, you’re ensuring that your property remains a safe haven for your business operations, regardless of what the weather throws at you. So, why wait? Look up, give it a thought, and let your roof help carry your business forward, one well-maintained tile at a time.

Roof Maintenance

At Keay Roofing Services, we provide a wide range of roofing services to meet your home or business needs. From repair & maintenance to installation & replacement, our experienced technicians are here to help you get the best roof for your budget. But what is a roofing service, exactly? Let’s take a look.

What Is Roofing Service?
Roofing service is any type of work that pertains to the construction & maintenance of roofs. This includes roof repairs, replacements, installations, inspections, & more. With such a wide variety of services available to meet all types of roofing needs, it’s important to choose the right company with experienced technicians who will provide high-quality workmanship.

At Keay Roofing Services, we specialize in all types of residential & commercial roofing services. We understand that the condition of your roof can greatly affect the value & safety of your property—that’s why we strive to provide top-notch services at competitive prices. Our team has years of experience working with all types of roofs—we can repair existing roofs or install new ones as needed. We also offer routine inspections & maintenance services so you can make sure that your roof is always in great shape.

How Can Roofers Help You?
A qualified roofer from Keay Roofing Services can help you determine which type of service would be best for your particular situation. Whether you need a simple repair or an entire replacement job done correctly, our experts are here for you every step of the way. We will make sure that your project is completed according to industry standards so that you don’t have any problems down the line. Plus, we offer warranties on all our workmanship so you can rest assured knowing that your investment is protected!

 

So there you have it—a quick overview of what a roofing service actually is! If you’re looking for an experienced team to help with all your residential or commercial roofing needs, look no further than Keay Roofing Services! Our experts will be able to assess your situation quickly & accurately in order to provide the best possible solutions for maintaining or replacing your existing roof. Contact us today for more information about our full range of services!

Roof Maintenance

Hello & welcome back to On The House, the official Keay Roofing blog!  

This week we are here to remind you why a regular roof inspection is so important.  

Repairs, maintenance, replacement, can all be costly jobs if left to the last minute. It’s funny how the roofs on our homes are essentially our main protectors of our livelihoods & belongings, yet many of us put these kinds of jobs at the bottom of our ‘to do’ lists!  

Not that funny now we come to think of it…  

If your home is modern, we suggest you still have your roof inspected once a year as this will allow you to nip any quick & affordable repairs in the bud.  

We are all about, if possible, reviving your roof so that you don’t have to fork out for an entire replacement!  

As we know, the last winter of 2022 was not short of storms & bitter weather. Rain, snow, wind, ice, hail, & broken trees can all contribute to roof damages. After the winter we had, we highly recommend you call out for a roofing inspection- if you think you are due one, you probably should call us!  

Don’t forget we can offer you  

  • Chimney repair & removal  
  • Roof moss removal  
  • Gutters, soffits, & fascias 
  • Velux windows 

On an even more important note, commercial roof repairs & check-ups are a must, to be able to ensure the safety of your clients & employees. Whether it is maintenance, servicing, or weather damage repairs, we can help. Similarly, heritage sites are highly valuable & often tourist hot spots, therefore it is essential you preserve the structure of these buildings for as long as possible.  

Please contact us on: Tel: 01753 367040 Email: office@keayroofingservices.com 

Roof Maintenance

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted just about every aspect of our lives. And while we may not be thinking about our roofs very often, it’s important to note that the roofing industry has also been affected. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at how roofing procedures have changed in light of COVID-19 & what homeowners need to know. Stay safe & informed!

Have you recently discovered an issue with your roof that requires a repair, or have you simply realised it’s that time of year to start thinking about maintaining the quality of your roof? Whatever situation you are in, it’s useful to stay updated with roofing trends & understand how you can get the most value for money.

Noticed rising prices? You aren’t wrong.

The truth is, if you have noticed prices have risen, it isn’t because your roofing contractor is trying to make a bit of extra cash, it’s because material prices have risen significantly in the last couple of years due to supply & demand issues, no thanks to Covid-19. Our priority will always be to provide a quality service with quality materials; however, it is certainly noticeable that what used to be the lower ranking materials are now nearing similar costs to the mid-high-ranking materials.

We advise you get in touch with us as soon as possible for an inspection so that we can examine your roof & provide you with an estimated cost.

What delays to expect?

If you are like most customers, you expect your order to arrive on time, every time. Unfortunately, there are some delays that are unavoidable. Please expect delays for the following:

  • If you are looking for more expensive materials, please prepare for delays as they can be more difficult to get hold of.
  • Colours or styles that aren’t in high demand

This is something Keay Roofing hopes we can navigate through with you on your projects, & assure you we are doing the best we can to provide you with a service that is as affordable as it can be.

What to do next ?

With that said & done, we recommend to all our clients if you have noticed a problem with your roof (as long as it is not an immediate threat to you or your families safety) to put money aside for the job immediately so that you are not left in a tricky situation when the issue urgently needs fixing. Furthermore, if you avoid issues for far too long, this will become more costly & problematic to fix. Pre-empting delays (such as sourcing materials) will allow you to be in complete control of the process.

And finally, if you are looking to start from scratch with a new roof or an entire roof replacement- PLAN, PLAN, PLAN. Research your costs, materials, labour, weather, & more. Seek professional advice if you are new to building projects. As we like to say… if you are going to do a job, make sure you do it properly!

Homeowners, please contact us if you have any questions or would like to book an inspection. Our team is more than happy to help with anything related to your roof. We also offer a wide range of services, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact details

At Keay Roofing, we pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service. Our contact details are listed below so that you can easily get in touch with us for all your needs. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Telephone: 01753 358267
Email: office@keayroofingservices.co.uk
Address: 11 Larksfield, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0RB

Roof Maintenance

Summer is a the ideal to pop outside & look up at your roof to check for any damage or wear & tear that could be in need of repair. You don’t need to be an expert to check for the basics & you don’t need to climb any ladders or put yourself in any danger whatsoever. A quick ground-based roof inspection should highlight any issues now before they become major headaches in the future.

Here are just a few common indicators that your roof would benefit from some summertime TLC to keep it in good condition for when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

1. Missing or misaligned tiles

Run your eye slowly across every roof tile. Take your time to do a thorough check. In this pass we are looking for cracked, misaligned or completely missing tiles. If you find any of these problems it is essential that you call in a professional for remedial work. If water can get through your roof you are in danger of having serious problems with damp in the loft or rotting roof supports, so there is no benefit in delaying.

broken roof tile

2. Sagging Roof Line

Our next check is to look at the ridge line. Is it straight or sagging?  All roofing sags over time, but is it sagging more than the neighbours or is it sagging too severely? You may want to take a photo & send that to a roofing specialist. They can quickly tell you if you are being over cautious or if the sag warrants further investigation.

3. Chimney Check

Check both the bricks & pointing of your chimney stack.  A pair of binoculars will allow you to get a good close-up view without ever leaving the safety of the ground floor. It is particularly important to check the chimney regularly if the chimney is actually in use, attached to an open fireplace or stove. Even if your chimney is not in use, an annual visual inspection is a very good idea as many of the problems of water ingress seem to start close to the chimney stack.

Victorian chimney stacks

4. Lumps & Bumps

Roofs should be uniform surfaces, so strange lumps & bumps should not be ignored. If they have been there for decades they may not be a problem, but if you notice new lumps & bumps you really should consider a specialist roofing survey. That might sound worrying but it really isn’t. It is just the name for getting a professional who knows about roofs to take a good look at your roof for you.

5. Check your Guttering

Most people imagine that checking guttering means climbing a ladder.  We would not advise anyone other than trained professionals to do this. However, from the ground, once again your binoculars can be of real assistance in checking gutters.  You can sometimes see large blockages of leaves sticking out over the lip of the gutter. It is also a good idea to look at each of the brackets that support the guttering. If any of these have come loose you will want to get them fixed before the whole thing comes crashing down.

broken guttering

6. Uneven Colour

An uneven colour is not necessarily a cause for alarm. However, if you do see discolouration in sections of your roof you should consider why that might be?

7. Overhanging Trees

If you have mature trees very close to your property do check that branches or falling leaves are not damaging the roofing or guttering. A tree surgeon can safely cut back any potential problems to ensure both the tree & house enjoy a long healthy lifespan.

8. Damp smells coming from the attic

Our eighth test is to go back indoors to do a quick interior check to see whether there are any strange noises or smells coming from the attic or loft space. Strange smells are a sign that something may be amiss. If pigeons get into the loft, you do need to get a professional to check whether they are doing any damage to your property. Damp is harder to spot than wildlife, but can do just as much harm to the fabric of your home.

When to seek specialist help

Taking the time each summer to give your roof the once over with these eight checks is a great habit to get in to. By checking the state of your roof in the summer months you can ensure you keep your home watertight, safe & snug, ready for when the punishing winter weather eventually returns.

If you do find that your roof is in need of repair, then calling in a specialist roofing contractor is your next step. Keay Roofing Services carry out local roof repairs & inspections for homes across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, North & North West London, West London, South & South West London, South Hertfordshire, South Oxfordshire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire & North Surrey.

Please give us a call to discuss any issues you may have found on 01753 358267.

Roof Maintenance

As a homeowner, you have a lot of responsibility when it comes to taking care of your home. One of the most important tasks is making sure your roof is in good condition and keeping it safe. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t take roof safety seriously enough and end up with an injury. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the dos and don’t of roof safety. We hope you find this information helpful and please share it with other homeowners to help keep them safe as well! Thank you for reading!

When most people think of the dangers of home ownership, they typically think of things like fires and burglaries. But one often-overlooked hazard is the roof. A faulty roof can lead to water damage, which can cause all sorts of problems in your home. That’s why it’s important to take roof safety seriously and to have your roof inspected regularly. Perhaps the most dangerous, even life threatening, mistake made by homeowners is to not adequately assess the risks attached to working on a roof.

Any work on a roof will require working at a height. And working at a height is dangerous (it accounts for a high number of fatalities and major injuries every year). This is especially so when a roof is fragile because it is need of repair, or because the material it is made from cannot safely support the weight of a person.

Before attempting any roof repair or maintenance work, we urge you to first assess the risks involved and consider whether you have the adequate equipment and skill to tackle the job at hand. If in any doubt, then it’s wise to call in the professionals!

The HSE provides some very helpful advice on working at height for employers, which is just as relevant to homeowners working on their own roofs.

The Dos and Don’ts of Working At Height

Working at height can be dangerous. To keep you safe, here are some dos and don’ts that will help prevent accidents:

DO

  • Take into account weather conditions that might compromise your safety
  • Work from the ground as much as possible
  • Ensure you can get safely to and from where you need to work at height
  • Ensure equipment is suitable, stable and strong enough for the job, and that it is well maintained and checked regularly
  • Take precautions when working on or near fragile surfaces
  • Provide protection from falling objects to those passing underneath
  • Consider emergency evacuation and rescue procedures

DON’T

  • Work on roofs in icy, rainy or windy conditions
  • Overload ladders – consider not only the weight of the person using the ladder, but also the weight of the equipment or material you’re carrying up and down. Check the pictogram or label on the ladder for more information
  • Overreach on ladders or stepladders
  • Rest a ladder against a weak upper surface e.g. glazing or plastic gutters.
  • Use ladders or stepladders for strenuous or heavy tasks. Use them only for light work of a short duration (max. 30 minutes at a time)
  • Let anyone work at height, including yourself, who does not have the skills, knowledge or experience to do the job

So, if you are in any doubt about the condition of your roof then please give us a call. We have the specialist equipment and skills needed to safely carry out roofing work and we can provide you with a competitive quote for our services. Remember, it might be slightly more expensive in the short-term but could save you from a nasty injury or more expensive roofing repairs further down the line. Get in touch today to find out more.

Keay Roofing are local roofing contractors who work across Berkshire and Buckinghamshire on both commercial and domestic roofing projects. We can be contacted on 01753 358267 or office@keayroofingservices.com.

Roof Maintenance

If you are considering an extension or even an outbuilding for your home, you will have quite a few decisions to make. One such decision is the type of roof you’ll choose.  Gable, hip, Dutch, butterfly. There are many roofing options on offer.

Of course, the choice you make will depend on broad criteria including planning permission and the overall design you are looking to achieve.

However, one main consideration is the price.

Just how far will your budget stretch to get the roof you want?

Reasons for fitting a flat roof

Home and property owners who are sticking to a budget often opt for a flat roof finish on their extension or outbuilding as an affordable ‘no frills’ option.

However, there are other reasons for choosing a flat roof style.

You may want to keep your options open to adding a further storey to your new build at a later date. You also might like the idea of creating a balcony off a first story room that opens onto the roof. Or, you may want to create a storage area on top of your new outbuilding, where you can keep bulky items – like ladders, garden furniture or even bikes.

These are all very good reasons for finishing off your building project with a flat roof finish and with your mind made up you may be ready to go ahead with your plans.

But before you forge ahead, let’s look at some of the common challenges faced by home and property owners when it comes to a flat roof and what you can do to overcome them.

Taking the right corrective action can save you on disappointment and unnecessary expense further down the line and will mean your roof is fit for purpose no matter what you have in store for it.

Our guide to common flat roof problems and how to avoid them

1. Pooling water

Despite appearances, flat roofs aren’t completely flat. A slight incline is necessary to ensure water and snow is able to drain effectively. If water can’t drain away or evaporate within 72 hours it can damage the roofing material and cause leaks.

Small patches of pooling water can easily be patched up to prevent further accumulation.

Simply dry the roof area and patch over with a layer of rolled asphalt before sealing with a thick layer of rubber. Large pools of water are often a sign of severe damage and may require the whole roof membrane to be replaced.

2. Obstructions

Many things can obstruct the gutters and drainage points of flat roofs, including leaves, twigs, snow and household objects such as balls and toys. Over time this can lead to severe blockages and pooling water which can lead to leaks and unnecessary stress on the roof.

Regularly inspect the roof to remove any obstructions and check for damage. This is particularly important during the autumn and winter months as wet leaves and twigs can quickly cause significant blockages. Gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year to prevent build-up.

3. Blistering

Moisture can get trapped between the membrane of the roof. On a particularly hot or sunny day this water expands, causing the roof membrane to lift away in small bubbles. Over time these bubbles can burst, leaving the inner layers of the roof exposed. Once it has popped, you can repair or replace the affected section of your roof membrane.

Make sure the new membrane extends a minimum of 6 centimetres beyond the edge of the bubble so it remains waterproof. You should regularly clean your flat roof, as a build-up of moss and algae can trap moisture and accelerate blistering.

4. Cracking

The weather plays a significant role in the health and longevity of your flat roof. Intense periods of sunlight, wind and rain causes the surface to expand and contract over time. This can cause the roof surface to crack.

This phenomenon is also known as ‘alligatoring’ as the pattern it causes is similar to an alligator’s hide!

To fix the issue and prevent the cracks from expanding, apply a primer followed by a new layer of coating to the surface the roof. If the cracks are severe or extensive you should seek professional help as the integrity of the roof may have been compromised.

5. Damaged flashings

Flashings are essential for preventing water seeping into the structure. If they become damaged or are improperly installed they can create gaps, leaving the roof vulnerable to leaks. Damage can also be caused when moisture builds up and allows fungus to grow, pushing the flashing out of position.

To prevent this, regularly inspect and maintain all flashings. If they begin to come away from the roof, replace them immediately. This will help to maintain the integrity and waterproofing of the roof. If flashings aren’t regularly maintained and a leak does occur, the roof will need replacing.

DIY or call in the experts?

Fitting a flat roof is something that you can do yourself, although it’s always best to bring in the experts to complete the job if you want a roof that will stay in tip-top condition for the long-term future.

Call Keay Roofing services on 01753 358267 or email office@keayroofingservices.com to give your latest building project a finish you can rely on.

Roof Maintenance

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home but how often do you think about maintaining your roof? Roof maintenance is a topic that most domestic home owners ignore.

It is very easy to forget about your roof because you cannot see it, but your roof is exposed to so many harsh weather conditions every day, especially in the winter. A combination of strong winds, continuous rain, hail, frost and sometimes even snow, can really take its toll and lead to serious damage and deterioration.

The number one cause of roof problems is in fact poor maintenance so you really should be getting your roof inspected on a regular basis. We understand that this is an expense you probably do not want, but regular visits from a Roofing Company are actually far more cost-effective in the long-run. Not only can they identify issues before they become a problem, if neglected, the lifespan of a roof can be dramatically shortened.

There is never a bad time to have your roof checked but why is this particularly important in winter?

It can prevent leaks from occurring  

 Leaks can be expensive to fix. Not only do you have to repair the roof, but also any damage caused to the inside of your house. They say prevention is better than cure and, in this case, nothing could be truer.

It is especially important to have maintenance checks in winter because the regular process of ice freezing and melting onto your roof can cause leaks in weakened areas. A roofing company will be able to check for any existing leaks or if there are any areas of concern which could potentially cause problems in the near future.

Your gutters may be blocked

 As the leaves begin to fall off the trees, they often settle in gutters which can easily lead to them getting blocked. If you have not checked your gutters since the beginning of winter, it is highly advisable to do this now because leaves may have been sitting in there for months or even years. A blockage means that your gutters will not be able to drain water away from your home which could cause damage.

roof, maintenance, gutter, blocked

If you do not have a safe way of gaining access to your gutters, please call a Roofing Company who will be able to help you.

Your vents may be blocked

Vents need to be kept clear at all times. If they are blocked or clogged, this can lead to poor drainage and bad smells lingering. It is highly unlikely that you would know if your vents are blocked so it is very important to get a professional to come in and take a look.

It can prevent pests making their way into your home

It is not just the winter chill that you are trying to keep out of your homes at this time of year, pests can be a big problem too. Freezing cold temperatures and scarce food supplies make winter a very difficult time for any wild animal so it is not uncommon for rodents to try and make their way into buildings.

Never underestimate how determined a hungry rodent can be. If they spot a potential entry point into your home, they will find a way in and believe it or not, not even your roof is safe. If you have trees surrounding your property, they will climb up them and onto your roof. Even if you do not have trees nearby, you are still at risk because rats can even climb up bricks.

Once on your roof, if there are any loose tiles or holes, rodents can make their way into the attic where you can guarantee they will make themselves right at home. You may think you would know about it if you had rats or mice but they will do everything they can to avoid human contact and if they are hiding in your loft, chances are you will not know about it. Typically, most people do not realise they have an infestation until significant damage has been caused.

Regular roof maintenance will ensure that there are no possible entry points on your roof which dramatically reduces the likelihood of sharing your home with unwanted guests.

For more information about roof maintenance or to request a free quotation, please contact Keay Roofing Services Ltd and we will be more than happy to help.

Keay Roofing Services Ltd

TEL: 01753-358267

E-MAIL: office@keayroofingservices.com

 

 

Roof Maintenance

This time of the year you most likely would have done an Autumn clear up in your garden, put your garden furniture in storage for the winter and cleared all the leaves and mowed your lawn for the last time until the Spring. How about your gutters? Have they been cleared from the leaves and moss ? If not, now is the best time to check your gutters before the winter weather kicks in.

You often don’t think about your guttering as they are “out of sight and out of mind”, but they have an important job to do to ensure the structural integrity of your house. If they are broken or clogged, the rainwater off your roof could cause serious issues, such as damp and even structural damage to your property. Because of this it’s a good idea to clean your gutters annually to keep them performing properly.

How to spot blocked or faulty guttering

To inspect your guttering, you could pop outside while it is raining. If you see any water running down the side of your house, then you may have an issue and your guttering could be blocked. The main cause of blocked guttering is debris such as fallen leaves or moss.

When your gutters become weighed down by debris and standing water this can cause water to spill over the edge when it is raining.  The additional load this excess water creates can also impact on the integrity of your guttering system by placing extra load on brackets which, if lose or damaged, could come away altogether. If any part of your guttering system looks old, worn or lose now is also a good time to replace it.

Another problem with guttering is leaking joints, which is the most common cause of isolated damp in homes across the UK. Leaks can be caused by bits of debris, general wear and tear or poor installation.

As well as looking up, you can also examine how sturdy your gutters are by examining the downpipe on the ground. If anything feels lose you should be checking the condition of the gutters.

How to do it yourself

We recommend that you clear your gutters at least once a year.  This is a job you can tackle yourself, but we do recommend approaching this with caution as working at heights is a common cause of accidents.  Always make sure you have the correct equipment for the job and use a sturdy, stable ladder.

  • Wear suitable clothing.  A top with long sleeves and rubber gloves.
  • Use a sturdy extendable ladder. Attaching ladder “horns” is also a good idea to keep the ladder from damaging the gutter.
  • Use a plastic tarpaulin spread out underneath where you’re working onto which you can dump leaves, moss and gunk.
  • Use your hands and/or a small plastic scoop to remove blockages.
  • Flush out your gutter and drainpipes with a garden hose once you’ve finished – this will also highlights any leaks.

How can we help?

If you feel uncomfortable doing this job yourself then a professional roofing company such as Keay Roofing can help.

We can help you look after your guttering by providing yearly clean ups, one off repairs or a full replacement service using cast iron, aluminum or UPVC in a variety of colourways to suit your home.

We undertake:

  • Regular gutter clear outs and unblocking
  • Replacing leaky or damaged gutter joints and parts
  • Gutter re-alignment
  • Damage repair including insurance work
  • In addition to gutter repairs we can also check and repair fascias (which gutters are attached to) and soffits, to ensure wood is not water damaged and vulnerable.

When replacing gutters, the installation can either be part of a new roofline system, with replacement UPVC or fascia and soffit boards, or simply new guttering fixed to the existing roofline.

For more information on our guttering services or to book a guttering clear out, please call 0800 1577424.

Roof Maintenance

Ventilation moves air through your home helping to reduce moisture levels and the build up of condensation and damp. If your roof is poorly ventilated, excess moisture will soon start to build up and start to cause problems such as rot and mould.  This can affect not only the structure of your roof, but also insulation material and personal items stored in your loft.

So if you start to notice any of the following signs of ventilation problems, now is the time to start taking some remedial action.

  • Wet or damp rafters
  • Musty smell
  • Mould build up
  • Swollen rafters
  • Rust to metal roofing components

To help set you along the right path of adequately ventilating your roof, here are just a few of the myths (and facts) you may face when tackling this task.

1. Ventilation Removes Warm Air During Winter

For some, the idea of ventilating the roof space can ring alarm bells as they believe they’ll lose  precious warm air which should be warming their home during winter. However, this should not be a worry if your roof is properly insulated.

If your roof is under-insulated and under-ventilated, excess moisture can build up in your attic without being able to easily escape. The result is a roof that is steadily reducing in efficiency.

2. The More Ventilation, The Better

Ventilation vents are an essential part of every roof, but like most things, you need to have the right amount for your home. Having too many vents in your roof can increase the chances of water leaking into your loft space and causing damage. Not enough and moisture won’t be able to escape, leading to problems associated with condensation build up. The amount of ventilation required is dependent on your roof size, shape and material. To help make an informed decision on what’s right for you, speak to one of our experts here at Keay Roofing on 01753 358267.

3. Roof Vents are Only Suitable for Warmer Climates

This myth stems from the same idea as the one that says ventilation allows warm air to escape during winter. Whilst ventilation is important to help keep a house cool in the summer, other factors such as tiles, insulation, colour and sun exposure are equally important.

But it’s actually colder climates that benefit the most from an effective roofing ventilation system. As we heat our homes, more hot air is trapped under the roof space thanks to improved loft insulation.  This means our roof spaces (above the insulating layer) are cooler than the rest of our homes, creating an environment that’s perfect for moisture and condensation to build up.   Adequate ventilation will move this moisture laden air away from your roof.

4. Vents Are the Same as Ventilation

Despite being called vent-ilation, simply having vents does not mean you are ventilated! Ventilation is a carefully designed system that allows air and moisture to move away from your roof. If the system is simply a combination of vents with no thought or design, you could actually do more harm than good.

The most common form of roof ventilation in the UK are eaves vents and running vents.

Running vents – these run the full length of the soffit boards and are typically installed at the time the house was built.

Circular soffit vents – are little plastic vents cut into the soft boards. These are usually retrofitted to properties as part of remedial work such as installing additional loft insulation or fitting PVC eaves cladding.

Ventilation tiles/slates – are another means of providing extra ventilation to a property which had restricted ventilation at the time of construction.

Whatever type of ventilation your loft has, or type of vent you intend to add, it’s important to ensure your roof has adequate cross ventilation to ensure the wind draught has a separate entrance and exit point.  This is usually achieved by fitting vents to opposite sides of your roof space.

For help with getting to grips with your ventilation system why not contact a member of our team? Please feel free to contact us on 01753 358267 or send us an enquiry.