Just like a clean car, it is impossible to prevent birds from pooing on your rooftop, and simply something we all need to expect. What might be surprising is that bird poo can be quite damaging to roofing materials if left untreated.
This blog aims to explore just how damaging bird poo can be to your roof, as well as ways to prevent and remove bird poo in the future to protect your roof.
How does bird poo damage a roof?
There are two ways bird poo can damage your roof, through direct contact as well as blocked gutters.
Direct material damage – Bird poo can damage a roof by attacking the surface of materials such as the tiles with direct contact through Ulric Acid. As all birds do not urinate, all bird droppings contain uric acid which is a biproduct as their bodies try and remove any nitrogenous waste from their body. This means their poo appears as am acidic white liquid, which if left alone can begin to erode most surfaces such as concrete, paint, and even roofing materials such as tiles, slates, and plastics.
Blocked gutters and drainage issues – Not only can bird poo directly damage materials, however secondary waste such as seeds which have passed through the bird into their poo can be left in gutters and begin to grow, causing gutters to become blocked with self-seeding vegetation. Bird waste can also build up and re-route roof drainage causing leaks.
How can I prevent bird pooing on my roof?
Trim overhanging trees – If you have any overhanging trees on your property, it is likely birds will be sitting in the branches and their dropping are landing on your roof. If this is the case, the best thing to do is to get a professional tree surgeon to cut back any overhanging branches to prevent birds sitting above your rooftop
Put up bird deterrents – Most birds will learn to avoid the area when they hear the sounds of other birds they want to avoid.
Put up bird houses – If you find that birds are nesting in your roof which is causing a build up of bird waste on your roof, the best thing to do is to put alternative homes around your garden to encourage the birds to nest elsewhere next year.
How can I remove bird poo from my roof?
Wash with a hose – You can remove bird waste from your roof using a powerful garden hose. It is recommended that you avoid a pressure washer as these can damage your tiles more so than the bird poo itself.
Send in the professionals! – Alternatively you could call in a professional to inspect the damage caused to your roof and clean it with minimal damage.
If you are concerned about bird droppings on your roof and would like a professional to take a look at any potential damage, Kidderminster Roofing Contracts ltd can help! We can offer a free, no obligation quotation for any roof concern you have.
Tel: 01562 748270
Email: office@kidderminsterroofing.com
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