The days are getting longer and lighter and winter is finally starting to release its icy grip. This can only mean one thing…Spring is nearly here! While many of us will take the opportunity to get our flats and apartments in order inside, we tend to neglect the important stuff outside.
This is especially important for landlords or owners of apartments and flats who have an obligation to tenants and other residents for maintenance. Your roof is vital all year round and it’s taken a battering from the storms, ice and snow that winter has brought – so it might need some TLC!
Roof Maker, a UK leading supplier of roof lights, offer five top tips for giving your roof the spring clean it deserves…
1. Decluttering your guttering
Excessive wind and rain will have taken their toll on your guttering and downpipes this winter. Clogged up guttering can cause blockages which can lead to poor drainage, overflowing water and even problems with damp inside flats and apartments in the building. Remove leaves, moss and other debris that have found their way into your drainage system.
Don’t neglect downpipes either. Downpipes may have become loose or completely detached from your building from storms and strong winds. Again, this can lead to overflowing water and long-term damage further down the line.
2. Roof protection
Moss and dirt won’t cause huge problems, right? Wrong! Moss, mould and dirt will eat away at your roof defences and weaken them. Moss also contains a lot of moisture which can lead to damp problems in your apartment too. Give tiles or other roof defences a good clean with household products like sink cleaners but avoid using power washers which can cause further damage.
Additionally, roof top defences may have been damaged, broken or blown off completely which can cause damp problems and leaks inside. Be sure to replace gaps in your roof while the weather is calmer.
3. Chimney and vent hot spots
The immediate area around chimneys and vents is prone to damage. Bad weather can have adverse effects on the seals around the chimney and other fixings like roof lights and windows. Check for signs of damage in your attic or in the top floor flat of the building if any light or drafts are coming through cracks there could be a problem that needs attention. Shop around for an appropriate sealant or retile damaged areas if the crack or gap is significant.
4. Potential tree damage
The bad weather will have damaged the grounds and natural surroundings of your building. Although trees collapsing onto your property are unlikely and will be looked at by the local council if reported, long branches scrapping across your roof or the windows of your apartment can be a nuisance and will cause problems too. Overhanging trees can also blow leaves and dirt onto your roof too and clog up your guttering.
Now is the ideal time to trim back tress, long branches and out of control bushes in case the volatile weather returns. Remember, if you’re a landlord of flats or apartments, you have an obligation to maintain the communal grounds too.
5. Safety first
It comes with the territory but looking after your roof can be dangerous, especially true in high-rise flats and apartments. Use appropriate scaffolding for large or long jobs, ensure ladders are placed correctly and that someone else is there to hold on them too. Finally, use appropriate PPE clothing for the job such as footwear and a hard hat. If you’re in doubt at all, call in the professionals.
Overall, spring cleaning your roof is vitally important maintenance that shouldn’t be neglected. Use the lighter, brighter and hopefully drier months to give your roof the care it deserves. You’ll find you’re better prepared for the winter months – they come around quick!
