Blog | Paul Charles Roofing

When a ‘Roof Leak’ Isn’t a Roof Leak

Details: Last Updated: Saturday, 04 March 2023 19:32

paul charles roofing gutters birmingham When you look at a ‘roof leak’, then be ready to look at all kinds of possibilities as to what has caused it; as local roofers, we see this all the time. For example, water may be pouring down and out, and although you might continually assume that there must be a hole in the roof, then watch out, it may be different.

Here’s a classic example we came across, with one look outside revealing something very different; a tree growing from the roof area.

Therefore, here are a few lessons to learn from something like this to get to the bottom of things:

1. Spot Where Something is Growing From

When you loocloselyer at something like this, you see it growing from the downpipe rather than the roof itself. Very unusual but potentially easier to resolve with no actual roof work being required.

Also, check out where other vegetation and growth may be cropping up, for example,e the gutters above, in this case, the window sill below.

2. See Where Water’s Going

In this example, water penetrated through the wall in places, and you can see signs of green growth on the wall as well. With such vegetation blocking the natural water flow, it still needs to go somewhere.

Remember that water can travel in all directions, not just downwards – including movement through walls and masonry.

3. Suss Out How to Gain Access

Although it sounds simple to pull out weed growth, gaining access high enough is often the tricky part, as with most roof jobs.

Something like this will take strength and room to renounce, too, then remove the vegetation afterwards, and certainly more like full-on scaffolding than quick-ladder access.

4. Sense What Else to Look Out For

And finally, look around and see what other issues need dealing with, in this instance,e pigeon netting all around the outside area.

Not only will this be difficult to move and deal with, but you will also have problems considering that it was put first to stop – pigeons roosting in there.

The Right Roofing Solutions

Therefore, whatever roof repair or replacement you’re looking at, always remember to delve deeper into what is causing this and what issues are involved in resolving this.

At this point it’s worth bringing in the experts for a full inspection, ideally on a no-obligation basis, to genuinely try and come to a practical and affordable solution; as local Sandwell roofers covering the wider Birmingham area, contact us today to let us help.

Getting Your Roof Cleaned Up

Details: Last Updated: Saturday, 04 March 2023 19:27

cleaning roofs easy cleaners It’s not the sort of thing you usually think of getting clean - that’s the roof of your property.

After all, it’s there to handle whatever mess the weather brings to it, and people don’t expect you to have it looking sparkling new. There are far more important areas like pathways or garages to focus on.

However, problems can emerge if you let these things build up. It can only be a matter of time before it starts costing money to remedy, even looking horrible as you glance up.

Therefore, here are three quick areas of your rooftop. Think about when it comes to giving them an excellent ol’ scrub-up. These count no matter what type of building you have, whether your own home, business premises or even a community building.

1. Gutters and Drains

They often stick out like a sore thumb - those popular black-coloured strips along the roof's edge and then ‘pipes’ down the outside of the property to take the water away from the top into the ground-level drains.

They will quickly get blocked with leaves and general dirt; therefore, it is essential to keep clear every six months or so and watch out for any faults, such as damaged joints causing water to drip down.

Also, even though you can’t always see them, they’re more than likely still there hidden within the roof structure, with maybe drains going through the middle of the property, and still just as important, in fact, perhaps even more if they have been quickly forgotten in the past.

2. Fascias & Soffits

They’re the technical names for the side and bottom strips at the roof's edge, which overhang the property, often made from wood or plastic.

They can soon become a real mess with things splattered on them, including remains from the gutters above - if they’re bright white coloured, they will stick out like a sore thumb.

Even though they may be due for a proper re-decoration, it’s incredible how a good scrub-down and wipe can soon get these looking better and stop any further deterioration.

3. Roof Surface

And finally, the actual roof surface, whether your traditional pitched roof with tiles or a flat roof over an extension.

In reality, they collect all kinds of nasty things, mainly moss and other vegetation, not to mention other things like masonry falling away from ridge tiles.

Well, these things need to go to ensure no longer-term damage and that it looks much better afterwards.

This requires specialist help, even for a basic jet wash of things. And taking great care with, say, flat roofs and not any damage to the surface.

Cleaning Things Up

Therefore, considering the roof covering on your building, these three areas are essential to look at and begin seeing what’s needed now and in the future.

Even if you’re not directly responsible for this, as maybe you’re renting the property, then it’s something you can still highlight to your landlord, and even watch out for any costs back to yourself through a service charge.

Also, these are probably not going to be cleaning works that you do yourself - unless you’re DIY-minded and it’s an easy clean of guttering a ground floor flat-roof extension.

But even as you instruct a roofer or someone to do this, you’re now clued up to what sort of things they should be looking into.

Easy Cleaners have helped provide this post on general cleaning tips for roof areas.