Can bird droppings damage a roof?

Just like a clean car, it is impossible to prevent birds from pooing on a rooftop, and simply something we all need to expect. What might be surprising is that bird poo can be quite damaging to roofing materials if left untreated.

This blog aims to explore just how damaging bird poo can be to a roof, as well as ways to prevent and remove bird poo from a roof in the future.

How does bird poo damage a roof?

There are two ways bird poo can damage your roof, through direct contact as well as blocked gutters.

Direct material damage – Bird poo can damage a roof by attacking the surface of materials such as the tiles with direct contact through Ulric Acid. As all birds do not urinate, all bird droppings contain uric acid which is a biproduct as their bodies try and remove any nitrogenous waste from their body. This means their poo appears as am acidic white liquid, which if left alone can begin to erode most surfaces such as concrete, paint, and even roofing materials such as tiles, slates, and plastics.

Blocked gutters and drainage issues – Not only can bird poo directly damage materials, however secondary waste such as seeds which have passed through the bird into their poo can be left in gutters and begin to grow, causing gutters to become blocked with self-seeding vegetation. Bird waste can also build up and re-route roof drainage causing leaks.

How can bird droppings on a roof be prevented?

Trim overhanging trees – If there are any overhanging trees on over a rooftop, it is likely birds will be sitting in the branches and their dropping are landing on the roof. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to get a professional tree surgeon to cut back any overhanging branches to prevent birds sitting above a rooftop

Put up bird deterrents – Most birds will learn to avoid the area when they hear the sounds of other birds they want to avoid.

Put up bird houses – If you find that birds are nesting in a roof which is causing a build up of bird waste on a roof, the best thing to do is to put alternative homes around the outside of the property to encourage the birds to nest elsewhere next year.

How can bird waste be removed from a roof?

Wash with a hose – Bird waste can be removed from a roof using a powerful garden hose. Never use a pressure washer to remove the waste as these can damage the tiles more so than the bird droppings them self.

Send in the professionals! – Its important that anybody who has concerns about excess bird waste on their roof has a professional roofer survey the area to assess the damage caused, as well as clear any gutters that may be blocked and causing the drainage to re-route.

Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for all roofing materials and tools for an experienced roofer. Contact us today to see how we can help you, whether you are looking to do a simple gutter clean or a complete re-roof.

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

How to keep your cool in the summer – Roofing in the heat

With temperatures soaring these last few weeks, it can be difficult to undertake any work on a roof without extreme discomfort and risk to health. Excess sun exposure can lead to heat stroke and severe skin damage.

We have been asking experienced roofers their advice for staying safe and keeping cool under extreme heat when working. Here is just some of their top tips:

Always have sun lotion – We often only associate sun lotion with holidays, but sun lotion should be used whenever you are exposed to the sun, even at work. Try to keep a high factor lotion on, applying 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every 2 hours.

Regular breaks in a shaded area – When working on a roof, it may be tempting to work until the job is done, however in direct sunlight this could be damaging to you and your skin without taking regular breaks in a shaded area throughout the day. Try and stay aware of how long you have been working, setting regular alarms if necessary, to remind you to take a break from the sun to rest and hydrate.

Keep a bucket of water nearby – Provided the bucket is safe with no risk of falling and damaging property or people below, a good tip is keeping a bucket of water nearby for regularly splashing your face when you need to cool down. Make sure to reapply sun lotion once you have dried your face.

Wear loose fitted clothes – Wearing loose fitted clothes can help improve airflow and avoid the risk of overheating, particularly when moving around a lot of the job, however always ensure the clothes you are wearing are safe for the job and in line with PPE regulations.

Take ice packs – Keeping ice packs nearby is a great way to cool down while working, placing them on your neck or face regularly throughout the day.

Take plenty of cold water in a cool box – Staying hydrated while working in the heat is key. Keep plenty of bottles of cold water in a cool box and try to avoid alternatives such as fizzy pop drinks and energy drinks which could dehydrate you even more.

Work out of the direction of the sun – If possible, try work in the opposite direction of the sun, working in the shaded areas of the roof as the sun moves across the sky to avoid constant sun exposure.

Wear a hat – A hard hat not only protects you from potential falling objects but can also protect you from the sun. try to avoid the temptation to remove this as it is serving a vital purpose.

Avoid neglecting your PPE – It can be tempting to ditch the PPE for less layers, however PPE has a vital role in protecting yourself as well as others, and neglecting it can cause serious issues and even get you into trouble.

Make sure you have all the materials for the job

Avoid waiting around in the heat for materials you’ve forgotten for the job.

Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials and tools you need to get the job done, no matter the weather. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Tiles moving and becoming dislodged – What could be the cause?

Tiles moving is a very common issue customers will often call about, particularly when they have interlocking low pitch tiles such as Marley Anglia tiles. If tiles appear to be moving at the bottom of a client’s rooftop, it’s likely the issue can be resolved relatively quickly and easily.

What could be causing my client’s roof tiles to move?

If tiles are moving, its likely being caused by rotten battens under the tiles. This happens when the wind blows the rainwater under the roof tiles, causing the battens in the bottom metre of the roof to get damp and over time rot including the nails which fix them.

As the battens begin to rot away, any interlocking low pitch tiles such as Marley Anglia tiles can begin to move and dislodge from one another exposing gaps which if not repaired will in time cause substantial leaks.

You will know if this is the case, as the movement of the tiles will become very visible (example below)

What can be done to fix moving tiles?

If tiles are moving at the bottom of the roof, its likely the damp has only affected the bottom one metre of a roof and there should be no need for a re-roof, however the battens on the bottom one meter of your roof will need to be replaced, and the tiles re-fitted or replaced. A very quick and simple fix if you have the right materials.

How can we help?

If you have a client in worried about their tiles moving and dislodging, we can help! Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials and tools you need such as specially treated battens, replacement any interlocking low pitch tiles such as Marley Anglia tiles and much more. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Dry Ridge Kits vs Traditional Sand and Cement

Since the introduction of BS 5534, dry ridge systems are now a building control requirement on all new roofs, however they are not a control requirement for repairs to existing roofs which may have been previously attached with traditional mortar.

Which application you use whether it is dry ridge or sand and cement depends entirely on your preference or the preference of a client.

The blog aims to explore the pros and cons of both dry and wet (traditional mortar) ridge application, and how they may benefit your job.

Which application is the best for speed?

If you’re looking for a speedy application, a Dry Ridge kits are far less labour intensive and much quicker. This is because the application is simple and only involves screwing the kit into place, unlike traditional mortar application which can take much longer.

Which application is the best for aesthetics?

The best application for aesthetics depends entirely on the age and style of the property which requires the new ridge replacement or repair, as well as personal preference.

As a rule, dry ridges are generally more attractive on new build properties. As dry ridge systems come in a vast variety of shapes and colours, they give you and your customer a choice on a style that suites a property and the tastes of your client perfectly.

If you are working on a period property, it is recommended that you keep to traditional wet ridge application involving mortar to ensure the repair is in keeping with the style of the property.

Which application has the cheapest material cost?

When looking for an application with a low material cost, traditional mortar or “wet” application is far cheaper, however takes much longer to complete the job verses dry ridge, as it is far more labour intensive which could prove more costly in the long-run.

Which application requires the highest level of skill?

Traditional wet ridge, mortar application requires years of technic and skill to get perfect. A mistake in a wet ridge application can be easily spotted, so it is important that a roofer knows what they are doing to ensure a clean job, and a satisfied customer.

Dry Ridge application however requires far less skill and making it easier to do and harder to make a mistake. This is because dry ridge kits include step by step instructions which are easy to follow, requiring less years of experience or technique.

Which application requires the least amount of maintenance?

A maintenance free system always appeals to a homeowner. If you are looking to offer a maintenance free solution to your client, a dry ridge application is always the best solution. This is because a dry ridge system is mortar free and each tile is mechanically attached, making the whole system is much stronger and able to withstand extreme weather conditions, requiring minimal to no maintenance over the lifespan of the roof. The alternative traditional mortar application often requires maintenance every 5 years.

How Can we Help?

If you have a client in looking to update their ridges, we can help! Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials and tools you need whether it’s for a dry ridge or a wet ridge. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Causes of flat roof pooling or puddles and when it becomes a problem

The recent downpours may have caused a surge of concerned clients to call about their flat roof collecting pools or puddles of water, worried about the damage it may be causing.

Its a very common issue, particularly after an excessive amount of rain, but not all cases may require a repair and could be very easily explained without the requiring a closer look.

Here we aim to explore what causing water to pool on a flat roof, when it can become a problem and when it can be beneficial for the roof.

Why does water puddle or pool on a flat roof?

It is common for puddles to appear on a flat roof as unlike a pitched roof, a flat roof struggles to drain rain water as it doesn’t have the benefit of a pitched slope, which can often cause water to sit until it is eventually evaporated away when the weather dries up.

Small puddles are often nothing to worry about, however large pools of water could cause damage if left untreated.

What causes a pool of water to appear on a flat roof is a process called “ponding”. Ponding occurs when excess waters that is left on a rooftop after a downpour is unable to drain away and remains for 24-48 hours.

What can cause ponding?

Insufficient drainage – A flat roof can pond if there is insufficient drainage, such as a blocked outlet or downpipe.
Weight damage to the flat roof – A flat roof is not designed to withstand a large amount of weight. If a heavy object is left on a flat roof, or if someone was to regularly walk on a flat roof (i.e. to use as a balcony) not designed for this purpose, the roof can begin to concave inward, trapping water and causing the roof to pond.
A roof fixture – New roof fixtures placed into a flat roof such as a lantern or skylight can create gaps causing water to get trapped on a flat roof.
Moss and waste – Moss and other waste such as dead leaves can hold water causing the rood to pond. It is always important to remove waste and any excess moss. Read our blog on removing moss from roof top tiles and slates.
A change in materials – Originally a flat roof would be lay with a material called limestone grit which gave a gravel appearance on the top of the flat roof. As water would pool, the pool would lay invisible as the water would sit inside the gravel and remain undetected. Since then this material is no longer used and more modern materials such as EPDM rubber and GRP are becoming more popular. These modern coverings tend to be smooth faced meaning pooling water that would previously be hidden by grit becomes much more obvious.
Structural fatigue and settlement – Over time, roof joists and timber can settle and fatigue. As this happens, the substrate sinks, creating a concave in the roof covering for water to collect and pool. As time goes on, the pooling and settlement go hand in hand and becomes a never ending cycle which often results in full roof replacement.

What is the risk of puddles on a roof?

There is no actual risk of puddles on a roof top, these are very normal, however an extreme amount of water causing ponding on a roof top could be a risk.

Extreme ponding will only ever get worse until its too late. Ongoing ponding will eventually damage the structure of a flat roof, eventually causing it to leak, by which point any repair would be too late, and a complete re-roof is required.

When can puddles on a flat roof be beneficial?

Excess water on a flat roof can be risky, however it can be beneficial to have a little extra water as a form of protection against extreme heat in the summer months. This is because certain materials such as bitumen based felts used on a flat roof can crack when exposed to direct sunlight, damaging the roof. In these cases, it is actually better to have some excess water on the roof top to help keep the roof cool on hot days.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

If you have a client in need of gutter repair or cleaning, we can help! Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials and tools you need. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Clearing gutters and why it is important

Full or blocked gutters can go undetected by homeowners, and if not cleared correctly, can cause a lot of damage to a home.

Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, after over 30 years’ experience in roofing, we have identified a number of reasons why it is important to keep gutters clear in preventing irreversible damage to a home.

What causes a gutter to become blocked?

A gutter or downpipe can become blocked for a number of reasons, including:

Falling leaves – Falling leaves from nearby trees can blow into gutters, where they begin to decompose and become blocked in a gutter or downpipe.
Moss build up– Moss build up on tiles or slates can slip down from the rooftop into the gutter where I can continue to grow and block the gutter or downpipe.
Animal waste – Animal waste such as bird excrement or even deceased birds, rodents or insects can often be the cause of a blockage in a gutter or downpipe.
Nesting birds – A common reason a gutters can block may be the result of nesting birds, however care must be taken to ensure nests are unoccupied before attempts are made to remove the nest as all bird nest are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

What are the risks of a blocked gutter?

A blocked gutter increases risks of leaks and water damage – When a gutter and downpipe becomes blocked the rainwater can no longer drain properly from the rooftop, causing water to overflow and even re-route, which may cause interior as well as exterior damage to a home.

Damage to the foundations – If water is unable to drain from the rooftop correctly and forced to re-route, it may find its way into the foundations of a home and become trapped. Overtime this trapped water can expand and freeze during cold weather causing cracks to appear in the foundations of the building which can cause a lot of structural issues to the home.

Risk of rot – Wherever there is a risk of water damage to a roof, there is a risk to the structural timbers to the roof which if they become damp, risk rotting. Timbers damaged by rot cannot be repaired, and may result in a full replacement which will cost a homeowner a lot of money.

Unwanted guests -Blocked gutters make an ideal home for many animals such as a variety of birds, rodents or insects which can cause an unpleasant infestation on a home if not rectified early.

The gutter twisting and losing it’s shape – When a gutter becomes full, water can become trapped in the pipe. During cold weather this trapped water can freeze ans expand causing the gutter to change its shape becoming twisted. Once the gutter has been twisted, the damage is impossible to rectify and water draining from the rooftop will become re-routed and will likely cause water damage to the property. In this case, the gutter would need to be replaced.

Risk of falling – An overloaded gutter can become heavy, and in some cases detach itself from the roof if can no longer handle the weight. A falling gutter could cause a significant amount of damage to property in its path, but could also risk hitting a bystander. A falling gutter can also become costly to a home owner as it will require re-fitting, or if the gutter becomes damaged in the fall, require a new gutter to be fitted.

Send in the professionals

A homeowner should always ensure their gutters are checked and cleared every spring and autumn to reduce the risk of blockages which left untreated can cause significant damage to their home.

Not only should a home owner ensure the interior of the gutter is cleared, however it is also important to make sure the exterior of the gutter is cleaned regularly to prevent moss from breaking down the gutter’s protective coating causing a discoloration to the gutter.

How can we help?

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

The dangers of a slipped roof tile

A professional roofer will notice a slipped tile straight away, where as a homeowner probably wouldn’t notice there was an issue at all, or wouldn’t think it was significant until it was too late.

Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we’ve seen after over 30 years of experience in roofing what damage can be cause when a slipped roof tiles are ignored by homeowners.

Here are just some of the reasons a slipped roof tile would need to be rectified straight away:

Risk of a falling roof tile – What goes up must come down, and when a roof tile slips the only direction it will go is down, which could damage property, or in worse case scenarios seriously injure passers-by. It might not seem too risky at first, however just a bit of wind can be enough to blow a tile off a rooftop. If a roof tile should land on a public footpath, the homeowner will be liable for any personal injury claims, so it would be in their interest to ensure any loose tiles are repaired.

Leaks and water damage – Once a tile slips, a weak spot is unearthed and a bit of bad weather can make one small problem into a massive one. Once you client notices a damp patch in their home, unfortunately the damage may have already been done, and what could have been a small repair on a slipped tile will probably be much bigger job, with major leaks often destroying insulation as well as other structural materials.

Unexpected visitors – A slipped tile doesn’t just mean access to water, but the potential for new house mates, such as nesting birds and even rodents or insects. Once a bird nests, it is illegal to remove the nest until the young flown the nest under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

Mold – Mold grows anywhere that is damp and warm, making leaky rooftops the ideal place to thrive. Mold can spreading across damp walls inside the home where a leak from a slipped roof tile has dripped down into the walls and even the brickwork. The mold caused by leaks not only look unsightly, however can also cause risks to health such as asthma, allergies, sinus issues and headaches, with children and the elderly particularly at risk.

Wood rot – A slipped tile means the timber structures to a home become exposed to the elements. Just a bit of rain, and these timber structures become damp and in time can rot. Timbers that begin to rot are irreparable and can end up costing a homeowner a lot of money to replace.

Risk of losing market value – If a homeowner is looking to sell, it would be in their best interest to have any slipped tiles repaired. The first thing any potential new buyer will look at when buying a new home is the roof. A slipped tile may be the difference between a successful sale or a substantial loss.

When not to repair a slipped tile

It is always advised to have a slipped tile repaired if it is easily accessible, however if the slipped tile is difficult to access, such as a slipped tile on the very top of the roof, it may cause more damage to repair than to simply leave alone. For instance, a slipped tile in a difficult to access area of a roof may require stepping on other tiles to access which in turn may damage or move the other tiles. Any slipped tile repair must be assessed with great care to judge if it could cause more damage to fix the issue or to leave it alone.

Send in the professionals!

It is always advised that any homeowner has a professional roofer review and assess their roof regularly to ensure small repairs can be rectified safely and affordably before they risk turning into big repairs.

How can we help?

If you have a client in need of a slipped tile repair, we can help! Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials you need. Contact us today to see how we can help you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Bird Nests In Roof Eaves

A regular question we are asked this time of year at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, is how to stop birds nesting in roof eaves on a house.

Customers often have clients who will complain about noisy birds in their roof eaves and ask if they can remove the nests.

The answer is that it is illegal to remove nesting birds once they have settled. There are however ways to prevent birds nesting in roof eaves the following year, provided the correct work is done during the winter months when birds are no longer nesting.

We will explore the different reasons why birds decide to nest in roof eaves, and how they can be prevented from nesting in rooftops in the future.

Why do birds nest in roof eaves

According to the RSPB rooftops are vital sanctuaries for a lot of birds due to the loss of a lot of natural nest sites.

Birds that commonly nest on rooftops include:

House Sparrows.
Starlings.
Swifts.
Swallows.
Blue tits/Great Tits.
Jackdaws.

Why nests cannot be disturbed or removed

It is illegal to disturb or remove nesting birds from roof eaves once they have settled under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. This includes removing or blocking the bird’s access to their nest. Nests must be left with access until the young have had chance to develop and leave the nest on their own and the nest is no longer in use.

The reason for this is conservation. The RSPB have identified many of these rooftop nesting birds are in decline. Swifts have declined with Starlings and House Sparrows now red listed, and House Martins and Swallows now amber listed.

When will I be able to carry out work on a client’s roof?

If a client requires work on their roof that risk’s disturbing a occupied nest, try to recommend leaving the work until the winter months when the birds are no longer nesting, ideally between October and February.

This may be frustrating for both yourself and the client, however legally an morally it is the correct thing to do.

What if you don’t have a choice?

You should always avoid roofing project if you are aware of birds nesting in a roof, however often, bird nests go undetected until major roofing projects or renovation projects begin.

If this happens and the roof cannot go untouched until the young have left the nest, one option recommended by the RSPB is to make an artificial nest box for Starlings or Sparrows by cutting a four-litre ice cream tub.

See the RSPB website for advice on building an artificial nest box

Ways to discourage birds nesting in roof eaves

There are many recommendations you can make to your clients to help prevent birds nesting in their roof eaves in the future, such as:

Keeping on top of roof maintenance, ensuring they have their roof checked each winter by a professional roofer (between October and February), ensuring to clean out and seal any holes or gaps as appropriate, to reduce the risk of birds nesting or becoming trapped.
Putting out bird houses, providing alternative safe nesting spaces for birds.

How can we help?

Need the right tools for the job? Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for any roofing materials you need. Contact us today to see how we can help with you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!

Removing moss from rooftop tiles and slates

A common question many of our customers at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd are asked by their clients is if they can remove the moss from their roof tiles or slates.

To the inexperienced, removing moss from a roof may seem a very simple job, however reality is that moss removal can often more damage if done wrong.

What causes moss to grow on tiles and slates and what problems can it cause?

To deal with moss on a roof, first we need to understand what caused moss of a roof and the issues it may cause.

Moss and algae likes to grow anywhere which is damp and shaded, making rooftops and gutters the ideal place to thrive. The moss that grows on rooftops can then cause damage to the tiles or slates by both retaining water, causing roofing materials to rot, or even causing trapped water to freeze in cold weather and expand, resulting in damage to the tiles or slates, making them move, slip or even break. Moss can even grow into the tiles or slates themselves, making them damaged and weak.

With excessive damage to tiles or slates as a result of constant moss damage, removing moss from a rooftop can dangerous job, which should only be handled by a professional.

How not to remove moss

We often are asked at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd how to approach removing moss from a rooftop, and there are many misconceptions about the best approach this particular job. Here are some of the questions we are asked below:

Question: Can I use a pressure washer to remove the moss?

Answer: No. A pressure washer will only further damage the rooftop and tiles or slates as it is too abrasive.

Question: Can I use cleaners or chemicals to remove the moss?

Answer: We wouldn’t recommend it. There are many products on the market that claim to remove moss from tiles and slates, however in our experience, moss will often grow into the tiles or slates, and using harsh chemicals and cleaners on a tile or slate surface will only aim to remove the protective coating from the roof tiles or slates, making them weaker and more susceptible to further moss damage. Moss removing chemicals can also be damaging to the environment, potentially harming both plants and animals.

Solutions and options

Although moss may now appear to be a never-ending issue, there are some solutions and options we here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd can suggest removing or reduce a rooftop moss issue.

Brush or scrape the moss from the tiles or slates – Using a scrubbing brush, you can gently brush moss from roof tiles or slates to reduce damage to them. You can even use a shovel to scrape the moss from the tiles or slates. This option would require regular treatments to ensure the moss does not mount up, which may seem inconvenient to a client, however will save money in the long run.

Re-roof – If a roof is too far gone with moss to simply be brushed away, and the damage has already been done to the tiles or slates, a re-roof may be the only option to remove all the moss from the rooftop.

Leave the moss alone – It may seem an unusual option, however if a roof is too far gone to simply brush the moss away, yet your client cannot afford a complete re-roof at this particular time, the best option would be to leave the moss alone. Although it may be tempting to pressure wash the tiles or slates or put a treatment on it, it may cause far more damage to the overall roof than to simply leave it alone, resulting further issues such as leaks.

Tools for the job

To attempt to remove moss from a rooftop, you need the correct tools and equipment to do the job safely and effectively. Here at Bromsgrove Roofing Supplies ltd, we stock everything you need to do the job right. Contact us today to see how we can help with you!

Tel: 01527 864944

Email: bromsgrove@kidderminsterroofing.com

Or drop us a message on Facebook!