In the winter, stormy weather and sub zero conditions can cause huge amounts of damage to your roof and put it under enormous strain.
You may or may not know, but your roof is in fact your first line of defence against all of the outside elements. So, of course, ensuring that your roof is winter ready is vital to ensure that it is watertight and stable, so you have the peace of mind and nothing to worry about.
What’s more, ensuring that your roof is completely ready for the winter will also save you from a load of potentially expensive repairs later down the line and a worrisome winter filled with staring at the ceiling hoping it’ll last until the Spring!
To find out more about how you can ensure that your roof is winter ready, make sure to read our guide below.
Check for any Weak Spots
It may seem like a simple task, but a visual roof inspection can make all the difference! In fact, it can save you from damage that could become more serious as the weather worsens, affecting your whole property.
Make sure to look over the roof both from inside and outside. Can you spot any moss that’s fallen from the roof or any missing tiles? Make sure to also check the chimney for any damage and other signs of wear and tear, and your gutters to see if they are flowing freely.
Don’t be mistaken, however. You can perform all of these checks from the ground by walking around your property.
If you are wanting a more thorough inspection of your roof, then this is where it is important to contact a roofing expert, such as The Roofing Company Bristol, leading providers of Gutter Cleaning Bristol. Hiring in a trained roofer will mean that they will know what to look for and can point out weak points and problems straight away.
Even though you will have to pay for a roof inspection, this will cost a lot less than the bills you could be receiving as a result of ignoring any problems, so it’s an investment which will be worth it in the long run.
Make sure to have your roof and guttering checked at least once a year. Ensuring that this is done in autumn, before the winter sets in, is often the best time as you can clearly spot any leaks and you’ll still be able to repair your roof before the worst weather truly sets in.
When checking your roof, some of the most tell tale signs to look for are buckled singles, worn or cracked lead flashing or granules in the guttering where shingles have deteriorated. You can also spot common problems around vents, skylights, chimneys and roof stocks, where there are sealed joints. It’s important to check inside too, for water spots in your loft and signs of decay to the timber.
Simple Maintenance
Some simple roof maintenance you can do yourself include sweeping rooftops, clearing away moss and other organic growths with a pressure washer or an extended handle brush. Yet, before you start any work, make sure you’re safe and confident in working at height!
If you are using a pressure washer on your roof, make sure there’s no damage that could potentially be made worse, first!
Again, it can be much safer and easier to hire a professional to do the maintenance work for you.
What Needs to Be Done: A Checklist
- Clean your gutters and downpipes,
- Check and seal pipes and flashings,
- Nail loose slates to ensure they’re stable and replace any damaged slates,
- Remove any debris from your rooftop.
All in all, it is vital that you ensure that your roof is checked at least once a year. However don’t just cast a blind eye any other time of the year! It’s a good idea to keep an eye all year round, especially as your roof is an investment. You should make sure that it is properly maintained throughout the year to protect you, your family and the rest of your home properly.
