Luke Maxwell

How Roof Structure Weaknesses Develop Over Time – a plain-English guide from Maxwells Roofing, an owner-led, local team serving Milton Keynes and nearby towns (Newport Pagnell, Stony Stratford, Bletchley, Bedford, Northampton, Great Linford, Bradwell). Roofs rarely fail overnight; small issues accumulate until a storm, freeze–thaw, or blocked gutter tips the balance. We explain causes, early warning signs, compliance, and the best long-term fixes. 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and consistent 5★ Google feedback. Call 07311091804.

What this guide covers
- How a roof works: The load path from covering to battens/decking to rafters/trusses, plus key junctions (ridges, hips, valleys), membranes, insulation/ventilation, flashings, and rainwater systems.
- Ageing timeline:
- 0–10 years: minor install or detailing defects, low falls on flat roofs, loft condensation.
- 10–20 years: UV and weathering, cracking mortar, early gutter issues, intermittent leaks.
- 20–30 years: nail fatigue, brittle underlay, opening laps; flat roof joints/ponding.
- 30+ years: batten/rafter end decay, spongy decking, widespread mortar/lead fatigue.
- Local note: MK’s wind exposure, leaf fall, and heavy downpours raise uplift and overflow risks.
- Main causes: water ingress, poor ventilation, workmanship/material errors, UV/thermal movement, mortar failure, gutter overload, storm uplift, moss/vegetation, roof traffic, chimney/penetration defects, and overloading.
- Early warning signs:
- Indoors: brown rings, musty loft smell, mould at ceiling edges, cracks near valleys/chimneys.
- Loft: dark/soft timber ends, wet insulation, corroded fixings, unwanted daylight.
- Outside: dips/sags, slipped/broken tiles, cracked ridge/hip mortar, moss/overflow, split lead, flat roof ponding.
- By roof type:
- Pitched: nail sickness, brittle underlay, decayed battens, valley corrosion, poor ventilation.
- Flat (EPDM/felt/GRP): edge adhesion, laps/blistering, GRP cracking; saturated decks and joist rot.
- Low-pitch: wind-driven rain/capillary action; hidden rot at laps.
- UK Building Regulations: Parts A, B, C, F, L. Notify Building Control when replacing >25% of a roof, altering structure, adding PV, or loft conversions. Some works can be self-certified via a Competent Person Scheme.
- Our diagnostic process: history, external and loft inspections, flat roof assessment (membrane, upstands, falls), imaging (drone/pole where helpful), compliance checks, and a clear photo report with options.
- Repair vs replace: repair isolated defects on otherwise sound structures; choose partial/full renewal for widespread failures, timber/deck decay, systemic flat roof issues, or when upgrades to insulation or fire ratings are needed.
- Preventative plan (MK homes): clean gutters/valleys twice yearly, check ridges/flashings, assess flat roofs for ponding/edges, keep vents clear, inspect after storms, and book professional checks every 12–24 months.
- Why Maxwells: local, family-owned, led by Luke Maxwell; fast call-outs; insured and qualified; transparent pricing; durable materials and best-practice installation.

FAQs addressed
- Sudden sagging causes and urgency.
- Ventilation vs leak: how to tell.
- Replacing just ridges/hips: when it works.
- When Building Control is required.
- Flat roof ponding risks and remedies.
- How often to inspect.
- Emergency leak response.

Request a free structural roof check
- Phone: 07311091804
- Email: sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk
If you see sagging lines, damp lofts, cracked ridges, or ponding, get in touch for a clear diagnosis and quote.

Summer is the best time to get your roof checked in Milton Keynes. Dry, bright, longer days make inspections safer, quicker, and more accurate—and repairs last longer. Maxwells Roofing is a trusted, owner‑led local team with 80+ 5‑star reviews on Checkatrade and a perfect 5‑star record on Google.

Why summer is ideal
- Dry weather exposes real condition (membrane brittleness, UV damage, cracked mortar)
- Safer access and clearer visibility at edges, valleys, flashings, and penetrations
- Materials cure properly in warm temps (mortar, sealants, EPDM, GRP, liquids)
- Longer daylight speeds surveys and same‑day minor fixes
- Prevents autumn/winter leaks and frost damage

What we inspect
- Pitched roofs: tiles/slates, ridges/hips, verges/eaves, underlay, fixings
- Flat roofs: EPDM/felt/GRP/liquid—splits, blisters, edges, upstands, drainage
- Leadwork/flashings: step flashings, soakers, aprons, back gutters
- Gutters/fascias/soffits: blockages, sagging, joints, ventilation
- Chimneys/penetrations: pointing, flaunching, pots, vents, aerials, solar mounts
- Loft/structure: staining, daylight, timber condition, ventilation, insulation
- Skylights: seals, flashing kits, glazing; drone images where appropriate

When to book now
- Missing/cracked tiles, ceiling stains, musty loft, damp at chimneys/valleys
- Ponding/splits on flat roofs; overflowing or sagging gutters
- Crumbling mortar, UV cracking, heavy moss; buying/selling a property

Standards and compliance
- We align with Working at Height Regs, BS 5534, BS 5250, and manufacturer guidance
- Building Regulations: Parts A, B, C, F, L as applicable
- Building Control typically needed when refurbishing >25% of a roof or altering structure

Process, timing, costs
- Free booking; on‑site checks; same/next‑day photo summary and clear options
- Most inspections take 45–90 minutes; many minor repairs can be done same day
- Inspections and quotes are free and no‑obligation

Areas we cover
- Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and nearby villages

Call for a free summer roof inspection and quote: 07311091804 or sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk

Practical guide for Milton Keynes homeowners on keeping gutters clear when your property is surrounded by trees. Written by the Maxwells Roofing team and reviewed by owner Luke Maxwell (80+ 5★ reviews). Covers why gutters clog, how to spot problems early, safe DIY steps, and when to book a professional.

Key points covered:
- Why gutters clog near trees: Leaves, twigs, seeds, blossom, and moss (common from oak, sycamore, maple, willow, birch). Risks include damp, rotten fascias/soffits, foundation movement, winter icing, and leaks.
- Early warning signs: Overflow during rain, sagging runs, visible debris, algae streaks, damp patches, pooling at ground, birds/plants in gutters, musty loft smells.
- Local cleaning schedule: Autumn (late Oct–Nov) and spring (Apr–May), plus post‑storm checks. Quarterly plans for heavy leaf fall.
- Safe DIY steps: Choose a dry, calm day; use a stable ladder with stand‑off and a helper; wear gloves/eye protection; scoop debris, don’t force it into downpipes; flush towards downpipes; clear hoppers; check falls, joints, and brackets; rinse externals. Avoid pressure washing from a ladder.
- Tools: Ladder/stand‑off or gutter vac, gloves, eye protection, non‑slip footwear, scoop/trowel, bucket on lanyard, hose with trigger nozzle, mild detergent/biocide, spare seals/lubricant.
- Gutter guards under trees: Micro‑mesh (best filtration, higher cost), brush/hedgehog (quick, affordable), foam (simple, may degrade). All still need periodic maintenance; micro‑mesh often recommended locally.
- Downpipes and flow: Clear hoppers, consider inline leaf traps, check bottom bends/shoes, assess soakaways; test flow end‑to‑end.
- UK Building Regulations: Routine cleaning doesn’t need Building Control. Keeping gutters clear supports Approved Document C (moisture) and F (ventilation). Notify if works form part of larger roof refurb (>25% covering, structural/ventilation changes). CPS contractors can self‑certify certain works. See the Government Planning Portal.
- Professional maintenance by Maxwells: Scheduled cleans (biannual/quarterly), drone/visual inspections, on‑the‑spot minor repairs, downpipe/flow testing, fascia/soffit checks, before/after photos.
- Local case study (Newport Pagnell): Clearance, reset falls, new seals/union, micro‑mesh guards, seasonal plan—no further overflow and dryer walls.
- Pricing: Based on size, height, access, debris, and repairs. Clear, itemised quotes from photos or short visit. No hidden fees.
- Service area: Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, nearby villages, plus Northampton, Bedford, Luton.
- FAQs included: Cleaning frequency, guard effectiveness, pressure washing safety, Building Control needs, and risks of leaving blockages.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a fast, local quote. Owner‑led, fully insured, transparent pricing.

Lead flashing is the durable, shaped lead fitted where roofs meet walls, chimneys, skylights, valleys and parapets. This guide explains how it keeps Milton Keynes homes watertight, the most common reasons it fails, what to look for, and the best repair or replacement options. It also covers UK standards, Building Regulations, typical costs, and why local homeowners choose Maxwells Roofing.

Key points at a glance:
- What it does: Forms a watertight barrier at junctions, bridging different materials and shedding wind‑driven rain safely onto the roof surface.
- Where it’s used: Chimneys (apron, steps, back gutter with saddle), abutments (with soakers), valleys, skylights, flat roof upstands/parapets, and around pipes/flues.
- How it prevents leaks: Correct laps, drips and upstands; allowance for thermal movement; integration with soakers, back gutters, saddles, chase cuts and fixings.
- Common failures: Splits from over‑long lengths or thin lead (Code 3 used where Code 4/5 is needed), short laps, loose chases, missing soakers/saddles, incompatible fixings, debris blockages, low upstands at flat‑roof tie‑ins.
- Early signs: Damp on chimney breasts or near abutments, drips in wind‑driven rain, white carbonate streaks on brickwork, lifted/split lead, moss trails, daylight visible in the loft around junctions.
- Safe checks vs inspection: Look from ground level/loft only; a professional will assess code/lengths/laps/fixings, upstand heights, soakers and back gutters, and provide photos and clear recommendations.
- Repair or replace: Targeted fixes (re‑wedge/repoint, extend laps, add soakers, clear/raise back gutters) or full renewal. We use BS EN 12588 milled lead (typically Code 4 steps/soakers; Code 5 aprons/back gutters), controlled lengths with expansion joints, compatible fixings/clips, and patination oil. Alternatives (GRP/aluminium) considered where appropriate.
- Compliance: LSTA detailing principles; Approved Documents C (moisture), A (structure), B (fire clearances around flues), F (ventilation), L (energy if >25% of roof is refurbished). Like‑for‑like flashing work usually isn’t notifiable; Building Control is required if more than 25% of the roof is refurbished or structure is altered.
- Case study (Bletchley): Upgrading under‑spec chimney flashings (Code 3 to Code 4/5) and adding a proper saddle stopped repeat storm leaks.
- Typical costs (guide): Repoint/secure £120–£280 per junction; apron or step replacement £250–£450; full chimney set £650–£1,100; abutment renewal £140–£220 per metre; skylight re‑flash £280–£650. Price varies with access, size and condition.
- Why Maxwells: Local, owner‑led quality (Luke Maxwell), 80+ five‑star Checkatrade reviews, 5‑star Google rating, standards‑driven workmanship, fast callouts, clear pricing, full roofing service.
- Areas covered: Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, Wolverton, Shenley Brook End, Bedford, Northampton, Luton.

For a free flashing inspection and quote: 07311091804 • sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk • miltonkeynesroofing.uk

Regular chimney repointing is a small, preventative job that stops big, expensive problems later. Maxwells Roofing (owner-led by Luke Maxwell) provides neat, long‑lasting repointing and chimney repairs across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford and Luton. We’re highly reviewed with 80+ five‑star Checkatrade reviews and 5‑star Google ratings.

Key points at a glance
- What repointing is: Removing failed mortar and renewing joints to keep your chimney watertight, protect brick faces, and support sound flashing and flaunching.
- Signs you need it: Cracked or missing mortar, recessed joints, spalling bricks, damp patches, leaning stacks, loose flaunching, or flashing leaks.
- How it saves money:
1) Prevents leaks and damp (avoids plaster, redecorating, mould costs)
2) Protects bricks and flaunching (reduces replacement or pot reset)
3) Safeguards lead flashing and roof timbers (prevents rot and corrosion)
4) Avoids scaffold-heavy rebuilds
5) Improves comfort and reduces drafts/cold spots
6) Supports insurance claims by showing preventative maintenance
7) Preserves survey outcomes, kerb appeal, and property value
- When to act: Inspect every 2–3 years (or after storms). Repoint when joints are recessed 5–10 mm or visibly cracked. Match original mortar (often NHL lime on older builds) for durability and breathability.
- What to expect: Safe access; raking out to ~15–20 mm; joint prep; matched mortar; clean, correctly tooled finish; checks to flaunching, pots/cowls and lead flashing; tidy, photo-backed handover.
- Materials and finishes: Lime vs cement chosen to suit the property; weather‑struck, flush or bucket‑handle finishes; sound flaunching and correctly chased leadwork are essential.
- Safety and best practice: Structural checks for leaning/loose stacks; attention to moisture resistance, ventilation around flues, and compliance with UK guidance for related roofing works.
- Costs: Repointing is typically a modest, planned expense; rebuilds, interior damp repairs and scaffold can cost several times more. Clear, fixed quotes provided.
- DIY vs pro: Working at height, mortar mismatch, and poor raking/finishing commonly lead to short‑lived repairs and damaged bricks. Professional access, materials and methods deliver a durable result.

Why choose Maxwells Roofing
- Local, family‑owned and fully insured
- Owner oversight on every job
- Fast surveys with photos and fixed quotes
- Specialist skills: repointing, chimney repairs, lead flashing, flaunching, and rebuilds where required

Related services: roof repairs, chimney repairs, roof inspections, gutter maintenance, new roofs.

Spotted cracks, missing mortar, or damp? Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a free inspection and fixed, written quote.

A clear, practical guide from Maxwells Roofing (Milton Keynes) explaining what roof load‑bearing capacity is, why it matters, and how to assess, calculate, and improve it before adding weight (heavier tiles, solar PV, green roofs, rooflights, plant, or terraces). Written for local homeowners and based on UK standards, it covers design loads, typical material weights, warning signs, Building Regulations, and strengthening options—with an owner‑led service from survey to sign‑off.

Key points:
- What capacity means: It’s the safe weight the whole roof structure can carry (coverings, rafters/trusses, purlins, bracing, wall plates, and supporting walls), including resistance to wind uplift.
- Loads considered: Dead (permanent), live/imposed (snow, foot traffic), and wind actions. Referenced standards include Approved Document A, BS EN 1991 (snow/wind), and BS EN 1995/TRADA for timber.
- Typical weights: Concrete tiles ~40–55 kg/m²; clay plain ~55–70 kg/m²; slate ~25–40 kg/m²; PV on pitched rails ~12–18 kg/m²; ballasted PV ~25–30+ kg/m²; green roofs saturated: extensive ~60–150 kg/m², intensive 150–500+ kg/m².
- Popular add‑ons: PV, green roofs, AC/plant, decking/walkways—each needs checks for distributed and point loads, fixings, and waterproofing.
- Assessment process: Consultation; external/drone and internal surveys; calculations to UK standards; options (lighten or strengthen); installation overseen by Luke Maxwell; documentation and sign‑off.
- When Building Regulations apply: >25% re‑cover, heavier coverings, PV, rooflights/lanterns, green roofs, loft conversions; also consider Parts B, C, F, L. CPS/self‑cert routes where applicable.
- Warning signs of overload: Sagging or dipping ridge, new cracks, sticking doors, leaks around new fixings, persistent ponding on flats.
- Strengthening options: Sistered rafters, new purlins/props, flitch/steel, improved bracing/straps, added sarking/OSB, upgraded fixings, or lighter coverings.
- Local notes: MK estates commonly have lightweight trussed roofs; older village homes may use traditional purlins. Wet snow and gusts still matter; PV/rooflights affect aerodynamics.
- What to expect: Free inspection and quote; 1–3 days for typical strengthening per elevation; 3–7+ days for re‑roofs. Paperwork handled.
- Why Maxwells: Family‑owned, owner‑led quality, fully insured, fast response, transparent pricing, 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ on Google. Service area: Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, and nearby villages.

Questions covered include solar suitability, tile swaps and approvals, green roof weights, PV‑related ponding, truss strengthening, insulation upgrades, and response times. For help or a free inspection, call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk.

Planning roofing work in Milton Keynes means working with the weather, not against it. This page explains how Maxwells Roofing delivers watertight results by timing projects to the forecast and protecting your home at every step.

What you’ll learn:
- Best times to book: March–June and July–September offer the most reliable windows; October is workable with care; winter is fine for repairs and phased re-roofs.
- How we schedule: 7–14 day lookahead with a 48–72 hour lock-in; daily go/no-go calls by 8am; pause for safety when gusts approach the mid‑20s mph; adhesives and resins only on dry, temperature-suitable decks; strict daily dry‑in policy.
- Roof-by-roof guidance: Pitched (tile/slate), flat (EPDM, GRP, torch‑on felt, liquid), leadwork, chimneys, skylights, and roofline—what each system needs in MK’s changeable weather.
- On-site protection: Temporary coverings, segmented working, scaffold sheeting when needed, secure/tidy sites, and rapid pause‑seal‑resume if showers hit.
- Compliance made easy: Built to Parts A, B, C, F, and L; Building Control involvement when 25%+ is replaced; self‑certification where eligible; certificates and warranties provided.
- Local logistics: Lead times, access/parking and skip planning, neighbour liaison, safe working zones, and when planning permission applies.
- Clear budgeting: Itemised quotes, realistic weather buffers (no surprise extras), staged payments, manufacturer-backed system warranties, and our workmanship guarantee.
- Real MK case studies: Newport Pagnell EPDM, Bletchley pitched re‑roof with ventilation, Stony Stratford chimney and leadwork—each planned to the forecast.
- Handy homeowner checklist: What to do before, during, and after roof works.
- Quick FAQs: Light rain, wind limits, winter re‑roofs, keeping your home dry, and Building Control.

Local, owner‑led, fully insured, and trusted: 80+ 5‑star reviews on Checkatrade and only 5‑star reviews on Google.

Call for free advice and a priority slot: 07311091804
Email: sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk
Serving Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, and nearby areas.

Maxwells Roofing explains how domestic and commercial roofing differ, and how we deliver both to the same owner-led standard across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and surrounding areas.

At a glance
- Roof type: Homes are mostly pitched tile/slate with smaller flat sections; commercial roofs are typically large flat/low-slope with plant and penetrations.
- Materials: Domestic uses tiles, slates, EPDM, GRP and felt. Commercial uses single-ply (TPO/PVC), reinforced bitumen, liquids, profiled metal, and green/PV-ready systems.
- Regulations: We manage Parts A, B, C, F and L. Flat roofs require appropriate fire performance (e.g., Broof(t4)). If over 25% is renewed or structure/insulation changes, Building Control is usually needed.
- Access and safety: Homes use scaffold/towers. Commercial projects require fuller temporary works, edge protection, MEWPs/cranes and RAMS under CDM.
- Warranties and lifespan: Domestic typically 10–20 years (20–60 years service life by material). Commercial systems can be 20–30+ years when installed to spec and maintained.
- Maintenance: Annual/biannual inspections, gutter/outlet checks and minor repairs extend life and protect warranties.

What we install and repair
- Domestic: clay/concrete tiles, natural/fibre-cement slate, EPDM, GRP, RBM felt, roof windows/lanterns, fascias/soffits/gutters.
- Commercial: single-ply TPO/PVC, RBM warm roofs with tapered insulation, liquid-applied systems, profiled metal/standing seam, green/PV-ready roofs, internal/box/siphonic drainage.

Process and documentation
- Survey (visual/drone), clear options (repair/overlay/replacement), access and phasing plan, neat delivery, and handover with warranties, O&M and maintenance schedules.
- Proportionate RAMS for every job; owner Luke Maxwell oversees quality and safety.

Typical issues we resolve
- Domestic: storm-damaged tiles, failed flashings, flat roof ponding/blisters, blocked gutters, loft condensation.
- Commercial: ponding from poor falls, split seams, leaks at penetrations, wet insulation, loose edge trims/parapets.

Local case studies include a tiled re-roof in Newport Pagnell, a TPO overlay with tapered insulation in Wolverton (25-year warranty), and liquid detail repairs with a maintenance plan at a Bletchley school.

Why choose us
- Local expertise, owner-led quality, 80+ 5★ Checkatrade reviews and 5★ on Google, insured and qualified, transparent pricing, and fast response.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for clear advice and a free quote.

Local, expert guide to keeping tiled roofs in Milton Keynes safe during frost season. Learn how freeze–thaw cycles damage clay and concrete tiles, loosen ridge/hip mortar, stress underlay, and create ice dams that push water under tiles.

What you’ll find inside:
- Safe winter checks you can do from the ground and in the loft
- High-ROI prevention: clear gutters, remove moss (no pressure washing), replace damaged tiles early, consider dry ridge/verge, improve ventilation and insulation, trim back branches
- Snow and ice dos and don’ts (no chipping or rock salt; use a roof rake; prioritise insulation/ventilation)
- Repairs we complete during and after cold spells: leaks, ridges/hips, valleys/flashings, underlay/battens, flat roof tie-ins
- When Building Control applies: >25% rule and Parts A, B, C, F, L in plain English
- Common winter issues in MK and fixes: spalling tiles, delaminating concrete, loose ridges, valley leaks, frozen gutters, perished felt, chimney leaks
- Typical costs, response times, and areas covered: Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Stony Stratford, Bedford, Northampton, Luton

Why choose Maxwells Roofing: owner-led quality (Luke Maxwell), fast local response, fully insured, 5-star reviews, clear pricing.

Call Us Now For A Free Quote on 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk. Free winter roof checks with photos and fixed-price quotes.

Sunlight slowly ages most roof coverings. This guide from Maxwells Roofing explains how UV exposure leads to brittleness, cracking, colour fade and leaks on Milton Keynes homes—and what to do about it. It covers pitched and flat roofs, early warning signs, local risk factors, practical prevention, when to repair or replace, and the UK regulations that may apply.

What you’ll learn
- How UV causes damage: photodegradation, thermal cycling, plasticiser/oil loss, pigment fade, and premature sealant/flashing failure.
- Material-by-material advice: clay and concrete tiles, natural and fibre‑cement slate, RBM felt, EPDM, GRP, single‑ply (PVC/TPO), liquid‑applied systems, plus uPVC roofline and roof windows.
- Early warning signs: chalking, colour fade, hairline cracks at laps/penetrations, alligatoring on bitumen, blistering/wrinkling, exposed reinforcement, and perished trims or mastics.
- Milton Keynes risk factors: south/west‑facing slopes, low‑pitch roofs, urban heat and reflected sunlight, inadequate ventilation, and recent heat spikes.
- Protection strategies: choose UV‑stable coverings, use mineral/reflective topcoats on RBM, detail edges and upstands well, keep gutters clear, ensure ventilation, and plan annual inspections with proactive re‑topcoating where compatible.
- Seasonal checklist: spring (inspect, clean, renew sealants), summer (watch for blisters/soft spots, consider reflective coatings), autumn (clear gutters, check edges/ridges), winter (recheck after freezes).
- Repair vs replacement: repair localised defects on otherwise sound roofs; opt for recover/replacement when damage is widespread, leaks recur, insulation is wet, or you’re upgrading to Part L standards.
- Compliance essentials: Parts A, B, C, F and L; Building Control typically required when refurbishing more than 25% of the roof or altering insulation/structure.

Why Maxwells Roofing
- Local, owner‑led team overseen by Luke Maxwell
- 80+ 5★ Checkatrade and 5★ Google reviews
- Fast call‑outs, clear pricing, and long‑lasting, UV‑stable solutions across Milton Keynes, Northampton, Bedford, Luton and nearby towns

Noticed fading, chalking or cracks? Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a free roof check and quote.

Hearing bangs, creaks, rattles, or dripping from your roof at night? This guide explains what’s normal, what’s urgent, and how Maxwells Roofing finds and fixes the cause across Milton Keynes and nearby areas.

What’s normal vs urgent
- Normal: Occasional clicks/creaks from temperature changes.
- Urgent: Persistent banging in wind, loud thuds, ongoing rattles, or drip sounds—often loose tiles, flat roof issues, water ingress, or wildlife.

Common causes
- Thermal movement of timbers, metal fixings, dry ridge, and plastic gutters
- Wind uplift on loose tiles, ridges, verges, or lifted lead flashings
- Flat roof membranes (EPDM/felt/GRP) drumming or popping
- Gutters/downpipes, soffits, fascias clicking, tapping, or clattering
- Condensation dripping from underlay due to poor ventilation
- Structural movement (loose bracing, nail/screw pops)
- Wildlife (birds, squirrels; seasonal wasps/bees)
- Services in loft (flues/ducts/pipework) vibrating or tapping

Safe checks you can do
- Ground-level look with binoculars for slipped tiles or lifted flashings
- Check gutters/downpipes for sagging, debris, or tapping at bends
- In the loft (only if boarded): look for daylight, damp, loose bracing, unsupported ducts
- Note patterns: wind, after rain, temperature drops

How we help
- Owner-led inspections by Luke Maxwell: listen to symptoms, external survey, safe access/drone, loft checks, moisture/thermal readings, photos, and a clear, written quote
- Fixes: secure/replace tiles, upgrade ridges/verges, re-dress lead, re-bond/replace flat roofs, realign and re-bracket gutters, improve ventilation (Part F), address structural fixings, humane wildlife sealing, re-support services

Regulations
- Minor repairs usually don’t need Building Control. Larger works follow Parts A, B, C, F, and L; >25% replacement typically needs notification.

Local insight and coverage
- MK new-builds often creak initially; open exposures and tree contact are common triggers. Serving Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Luton, Northampton.

Call Us Now For A Free Quote on 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk. Owner-led, fully insured, and 80+ 5-star Checkatrade reviews with consistent 5-star Google feedback.

Worried your roof wasn’t installed correctly? This Milton Keynes homeowner guide from Maxwells Roofing shows you how to spot good workmanship, catch faults early, and understand when Building Regulations apply.

What you’ll learn:
- What good looks like: straight tile/slate lines, secure fixings to BS 5534, correct underlay and eaves trays, neat lead/proprietary flashings, proper ventilation, tidy valleys/hips, well‑set gutters. Flat roofs: correct falls (aim 1:40, achieve 1:80), 150mm upstands, sealed terminations, no ponding.
- 15 warning signs: wavy ridges, exposed nails, slipped/misaligned tiles, mortar‑only verges/ridges, silicone bodges at abutments, missing/blocked vents, underlay sagging at eaves, poor valleys, nail pops/cracked tiles, fascia staining, chimney flashing defects, ponding after 48 hours, blisters/ridges in membranes, mixed/incompatible materials, internal damp or musty lofts.
- Standards and regs: essentials for pitched and flat roofs; Parts A, B (Broof(t4)), C, F, L; when insulation upgrades and a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate (BRCC) are needed; Competent Person Scheme options.
- Self-check and paperwork: safe ground/loft checklist; gather quotes/invoices, fixing specs, product sheets, system warranties, installation photos, BRCC.
- When to call a pro: active leaks, slipped tiles, loose flashings, new ponding/blistering, loft condensation. We offer inspections, photo/drone surveys, repairs, and full re‑roofs.

Why choose Maxwells Roofing:
- Local, family-owned, owner-led quality, fully insured
- 80+ 5‑star Checkatrade reviews and 5‑star Google reviews
- Fast call‑outs across Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Stony Stratford, Great Linford, Bradwell, Bedford, Luton, and Northampton

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk for a free inspection or quote.