Why Summer Is The Smart Time To Inspect

Routine roof inspections every 12-24 months help catch small problems before they become leaks. Summer offers advantages that improve safety, accuracy, and the durability of any repairs you decide to carry out.

1) Dry weather exposes the true condition

Dry conditions let our team safely lift selected tiles or slates, check the underlay, and assess membranes without moisture masking defects. UV ageing, brittle felts, split laps, and loose fixings are easier to spot when everything is properly dry.

2) Safer access and better visibility

Stable ladders and platforms, steady wind, and bright light help us examine edges, valleys, verges, flashings, and roof penetrations in detail. That reduces missed issues and saves on repeat visits.

3) Materials cure correctly

Mortar, sealants, primers, GRP resins, EPDM adhesives, and liquid waterproofing products cure best in warm, dry conditions. Summer repairs tend to bond stronger and last longer.

4) Longer days mean quicker turnarounds

With more daylight, we can complete inspections and many minor fixes in one visit. For larger works, extended working windows keep disruption down and programmes on schedule.

5) Get ahead of autumn rain and winter frost

Summer is the perfect time to resolve loose ridge tiles, cracked leadwork, porous mortar, blocked gutters, and aged flat roof coverings before wind, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles make problems worse.

Ready to get ahead of the weather? Call 07311091804

What We Check During A Summer Inspection

Every roof is different. We tailor our checks to suit your covering, pitch, and property type. Below is a typical checklist for Milton Keynes homes and small commercial properties.

Pitched roofs – tiles and slates

• Missing, cracked, slipped, or frost-damaged tiles or slates
• Ridge and hip details – mortar condition and mechanical fixings
• Verges and eaves – secure trims, bird-stops, and overhangs
• Underlay condition – tears, UV damage, pooling, and sagging
• Nail fatigue, corroded clips, and insecure battens

Flat roofs – EPDM, felt, GRP, and liquid systems

• Cracking, blistering, split seams, and perished edges
• Ponding issues and ineffective falls
• Upstand heights, terminations, trims, and edge securement
• Outlet guards, scuppers, and drainage kept clear

Leadwork and flashings

• Step flashings and soakers for pull-out or splits
• Chimney aprons, back gutters, and side flashings for leaks
• Correct fixings and expansion joints to avoid fatigue

Gutters, fascias, and soffits

• Blockages, joint failures, and sagging brackets
• Overflow staining, damp entry points, and downpipe issues
• Ventilation through soffits and condition of fascias

Chimneys and roof penetrations

• Pointing, flaunching, pots, and cowls – stability and safety
• Vent stacks, aerials, solar brackets, and satellite fixings
• Skylight perimeters, glazing, and flashing kits

Loft space and structure

• Water staining, daylight where it should not be, and active drips
• Timber condition, fixings, and signs of structural stress
• Ventilation, insulation levels, and moisture buildup risks

Imaging and documentation

We include clear photos of all findings. Where access is awkward and conditions allow, we can supplement with drone images to give you full visibility of hard-to-reach areas.

8 Signs You Should Book Now

• Loose, missing, or cracked tiles or slates after recent winds
• Water stains on ceilings or a musty smell in the loft
• Damp spots around chimneys, valleys, or roof windows
• Ponding water or obvious splits on flat roofs
• Overflowing, sagging, or leaking gutters and downpipes
• Crumbly ridge or verge mortar and dislodged hip tiles
• Moss buildup, granular loss on felt, or UV cracking
• You are buying or selling and need a clear, independent view

Spotted one or more of these issues? Call 07311091804

Safety, Workmanship, and UK Standards We Follow

Our family-owned team takes safety and workmanship seriously. We use the right access equipment, appropriate PPE, and safe working methods at height. For repairs and renewals, we work in line with widely accepted industry guidance so your roof performs as intended.

Key standards and guidance we align with

• Working at Height Regulations 2005 – safe access and methods
• BS 5534 – slating and tiling on pitched roofs
• BS 5250 – moisture control and ventilation in buildings
• Lead Sheet Academy guidance for detailing and fixings
• Manufacturer installation guides for EPDM, GRP, felt, and liquids

When formal notifications may be needed

Inspections alone typically do not require Building Control. If you choose to proceed with roof works such as refurbishing more than 25 percent of the covering, altering structure, or adding roof windows or solar, we will advise on the right approach. We can guide you through Building Control and, where appropriate, Competent Person Scheme self-certification via a registered contractor route.

How Our Inspection Process Works

Step-by-step

1. Booking: Phone or email to choose a convenient summer slot.
2. On-site checks: External survey from ground and rooftop where safe, internal loft inspection, and optional drone imaging where conditions allow.
3. Photo summary: Same-day or next-day photos with clear notes and risk priorities.
4. Options and advice: Practical, honest recommendations including short-term fixes and long-term solutions.
5. Scheduling repairs: If you instruct us, we book works promptly and keep you updated throughout.

What you will receive

• Clear photos and plain-English explanations
• Suggested next steps prioritised by urgency
• Itemised quotation for any works you choose to approve

Speak with a local specialist today on 07311091804

Timelines, Access, and Typical Costs

How long does an inspection take?

Most inspections take 45-90 minutes depending on roof size, access, and complexity. Summer daylight allows us to complete more in one visit, and minor repairs can often be handled on the same day with your approval.

Access considerations

• We bring the right access equipment for safe working
• For complex or high-level roofs, we will discuss scaffolding
• We respect your property and always leave things tidy

Costs and quotes

Inspections and quotes are free and without obligation. If you choose to go ahead with repairs or maintenance, we provide a clear, itemised price. We specify proven materials from reputable manufacturers for durability and value.

DIY vs Professional

Climbing onto a roof is dangerous without training and the right equipment. Falls from height are a leading cause of serious injury. Our team is trained to work safely, to spot early-stage defects that are easy to miss, and to deliver repairs that stand up to UK weather. You also benefit from proper documentation and clear photos so you can make informed decisions.

Local Case Studies

Newport Pagnell – damp patch near chimney breast

A summer inspection revealed split lead in the chimney back gutter and missing soakers under adjacent slates. Dry weather let us replace the leadwork, add correct soakers, and re-bed the flaunching the same week. No further ingress through autumn and winter.

Bletchley – aging felt flat roof with ponding

Photos showed widespread blistering and failed laps. We specified an EPDM overlay with improved falls and new outlets. Warm conditions produced excellent adhesion and a neat finish, delivering a watertight result with minimal disruption.

Great Linford – slipped ridge tiles after high winds

We found poorly fixed ridges and deteriorated mortar. Summer access meant a fast turnaround on mechanical ridge fixing with fresh bedding where needed. The roof is now secure and weather-tight ahead of the winter season.

Areas We Cover

We are based in Milton Keynes and work across the local area, including:

Milton Keynes, Stony Stratford, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Great Linford, Bradwell, Northampton, Bedford, Luton, and surrounding towns and villages.

Local and responsive – call 07311091804

FAQs

How often should I get my roof inspected?

Every 12-24 months is a sensible rule of thumb, plus after severe weather. Summer offers the safest access and the best curing conditions for any repairs.

Do you charge for inspections?

No. Inspections and quotes are free and without obligation across Milton Keynes and nearby areas.

Can you fix minor issues on the same day?

Often yes, provided it is safe to do so and you are happy with the price. Summer conditions help small repairs set properly.

Do you inspect both flat and pitched roofs?

Yes. We work with tile, slate, EPDM, felt, GRP, skylights, chimneys, and gutters.

Will I need Building Control?

Not for inspections. If more than 25 percent of the roof is being refurbished or structure is being altered, we will guide you on the best route and any notifications required.

How quickly can you attend in summer?

Same-day or next-day is often possible. Call 07311091804 and we will do our best to help.

Do you provide photos and a written summary?

Yes. We include clear photos and a plain-English summary with practical next steps.

Book Your Summer Roof Inspection

Protect your home before the wetter months arrive. Maxwells Roofing is a family-owned, owner-led team in Milton Keynes with excellent local reviews and a strong track record for quality workmanship.

Call 07311091804 or email sales@miltonkeynesroofing.uk to arrange your free inspection and quote.

• Local specialists who understand Milton Keynes properties and weather
• Trained, insured, and safety-first
• Clear photos, practical advice, and reliable aftercare

If you are planning wider improvements, you may also find these services helpful: Emergency Roofing, Chimney Repairs, Facias and Soffits, Flat Roof Systems, and Gutter Maintenance.