Special Report
Outdoor Adventures SPRING CLEANING YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR In your home, you’ll realise when maintenance jobs need doing and rooms need cleaning. But particularly during the winter months, any deterioration to the outside of your property is likely to go unnoticed until the brighter spring days. THE ROOF If any part of your roof is north facing, near trees or both, you are very likely to see a build-up of moss. Not only is this unsightly, but moss absorbs water meaning your roof is constantly wet. If this moisture travels underneath the tiles, it could rot the wooden components of the roof. What to do? If your roof is at a low level or can be accessed from an upper window, gently brush the surface to loosen the build-up. Of course, this is likely to brush the moss into the gutters, which is another job to be dealt with. Generally though, unless you happen to own the specialist equipment to ensure you are safe on a roof, this really is a job for the professionals. THE GUTTERS Even if you don’t live particularly close to trees, somehow leaves and twigs will get blown into your gutters and as mentioned above, some moss is likely
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to accumulate too. Some debris will get washed away and will mulch down, but more often it’ll just build up. If your gutters are overflowing every time it rains, it’s time to address the problem. Having a quick look into your gutter to locate the blockage is going to need a really long ladder and a pair of thick rubber gloves to clear the slimy mess. A professional will have a camera on a pole to see where the worst spots are and to help them clear out all the winter debris. Ask about having gutter guards fitted too, to help prevent future build-ups. FACIAS AND SOFFITS If you still have original facias and soffits on your house it’s likely they are made of wood. There are two choices if yours look tatty and the paint is peeling. Repainting is the lower-cost option but it won’t last that long and is fiddly to do. Replacement facias and soffits are made of uPVC and will last for years. It’s well worth considering replacing the guttering at the same time. PATHWAYS Clearing paths is one outside job that doesn’t involve you risking life and limb by climbing a ladder. The inexpensive method is a bucket of water and a stiff brush, although it won’t give you the best results.
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