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!

Reclaimed Roof Tiles

Reclaimed roof tiles or slates, and can have a multitude of benefits both to a homeowner as well as the environment and worth considering for a roofing project, particularly when dealing with older properties.

This blog aims to explore the benefits of using reclaimed roof tiles or slates, and the things that should be considered when using reclaimed tiles or slates for a roofing project.

The benefits of reclaimed roof tiles and slates

There are many advantages in opting for reclaimed roof tiles or slates for a roofing project, including:

Benefits to the environment: When opting for reclaimed roof tiles, this prevents tiles from going to landfill, and instead, they are recycled.

In keeping with older style architecture: Many opt for reclaimed roof tiles to match the style of a period property. Heritage building projects in sensitive planning locations often require a roof to blend with surrounding properties, which can usually mean reclaimed tiles are the only option.

Long lasting: Even though a tile may be 50 years old or more, they may have another 50 years of life, provided they are in good condition. Clay roof tiles and natural slates in particular are incredibly durable and long lasting.

Price: Depending on where the reclaimed tiles or slates are purchased from and how rare they may be, reclaimed tiles can often work out cheaper overall to new tiles.

Things to consider

When deciding to use reclaimed tiles or slates for a roof project, there are some important to consider the following:

How many tiles or slates are required to complete a project? It’s all well and good using reclaimed tiles or slates, provided there is enough of the same style to complete a project. As may reclaimed tiles are discontinued by their brands, this can limit how many of the same style are available and matching these from different suppliers can be tricky.

Do they meet current building standards? As tiles were traditionally laid onto tile battens without fixings, some tiles such as the old traditional clay pantiles were made without fixing holes. These would not be accepted under todays roofing standards as building standards require tiles to be fixed securely to resist the wind.

How watertight are they? As traditional, old clay pantiles were made by hand, the consistency of the dimensions were not accurate. This means in fitting the tiles, inaccuracy of size and dimensions could risk the tiles not fitting together accurately causing gaps, meaning the roof may not be completely watertight.

How old are they? As it is impossible to guess a tiles age just by looking at it, unless a supplier knows the age of the tiles or slates, nobody will ever know how old they are, and how long they could last.

Make time to check the condition Many reclaimed material suppliers will not offer refunds or returns on reclaimed goods. As the reclaimed market can be very bespoke and unique to each customer’s requirements, many suppliers will insist on the customer checking off all quantities and condition. Make sure you visit reclamation yards equipped with samples so you can ensure a good match in colour and size.

How can we help?

If you need reclaimed materials for a upcoming roof project, then 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 reclaimed materials 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!

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!