The harsh winter weather can have quite a knock on effect to our roofs. Quite often, we experience the worst roofing problems during winter due to the poor weather conditions and the way this has a negative impact. Sometimes this is impossible to prevent, however there are always things you can do to try and prepare your roof and ensure that it is fit for winter and stands the best chance of resisting any weather damage in the coming months.
Just like with many other aspects of our lives, these low temperatures can really cause havoc with our roofs, and so it’s important that you try to ensure your roof is fit for winter and is able to resist any sort of damage. We thought we would give you a few tips on how to prepare your roof for the harsh winter weather…
Get a roof inspection
The best way to ensure that your roof is fit for winter, is to make sure there are no existing faults. The better condition your roof is in, the less likely it is to encounter problems during the winter months. Even if there are no major problems or faults, flagging up any minor damage and getting it sorted will lessen the risk of more severe damage further down the line, especially with poor weather conditions. You can get roofers such as ourselves to carry out a professional roof inspection and ensure that your roof is in good condition and presenting no risks. Any existing defects could turn into more severe problems over winter with things such as leaks or damage.
Invest in high quality materials
If you are moving into a new property, or your existing roof is a little outdated and at the end of its lifespan, you may be looking for a replacement. Although roof replacements are quite a costly investment, we would always advise opting for higher quality materials, that will be more weather resistant and ultimately keep your house safer and more secure. After all, your roof essentially protects the rest of your house, so you want to ensure that it is built with strong, high quality materials to minimise risk of damage. Such materials may include things like EPDM rubber roofing and UPVC.
Clear your gutters
Although guttering is technically separate from your roof, it still plays a vital role in the function and safety of your roof. Ahead of winter, and in fact all year round, you should keep your gutters clear of any debris that may build up inside. Your gutter has a purpose, and without it being clear, rain water will not be able to flow through properly, which could potentially cause a built up and may even lead to leaks and dampness through your roof.
In winter especially, it is important to keep your gutters clear. The low temperatures lead to freezing, and if your gutter isn’t clear, it can freeze up and cause a blockage inside, which as a result can lead to damage on your roof or even break your gutter if there is too much of a strain.
Fix any problems straight away
The sooner you get a problem fixed, the less severe it becomes. If you notice anything unusual, no matter how small, we strongly advise that you contact a professional roofer to inspect the problem and provide the necessary solution. The longer you leave a problem the worse it will become, and you simply cannot afford to do this during winter.
For more information or advice or if you would like to speak to us about preparing your roof for winter, simply get in touch with us via our contact page and we will be more than happy to help!
