The £5 Trick That Could Save Your Canopy Roof

Sometimes the cheapest bit of maintenance can prevent the most frustrating damage.

Many polycarbonate canopy and conservatory roofs are made from hollow sheets with open flutes running through them. Those flutes are designed to be protected at the ends with the correct tape and finishing profile.

When that protection is missing or damaged, dirt, moisture, insects and organic growth can start making their way inside the sheet.

The problem is that once staining gets inside the hollow channels, exterior cleaning may not be able to remove it.You can clean the outside beautifully and still be left with dark marks trapped inside the roof panel.

That is why it is worth taking a quick look at the exposed ends of your canopy or conservatory roof. If you can see open channels, missing tape or deteriorated end protection, it may be worth dealing with it before more contamination gets inside.

The materials involved can cost only a few pounds, but they can make a real difference to the long-term appearance of the roof.

The key is using the correct breathable system rather than simply sealing everything up. Polycarbonate sheets need to be able to manage condensation and drainage properly.This is a good example of why we believe exterior cleaning should also involve looking after the surface, not just making it look clean for a photograph.

A five-minute check today could help avoid staining that is impossible to remove later. Take a look at the ends of your canopy roof this weekend. It could be one of the cheapest bits of preventative maintenance you do this year.