Winter is a difficult time for our homes, particularly our roof. With extremely cold temperatures, heavy rain and howling winds likely, the last thing we want is the sudden drama of a leaking roof in the middle of winter. That’s why it pays to get your roof ‘winter-ready’ with some quick work to provide peace of mind when bad weather sets in.
Conduct spot checks for leaks in areas where there may be weaknesses, such as where the chimney meets the roof and skylights or Velux windows. Have a walk around your home and look for areas that can be damaged or wear out – things that you probably will not see during the summer.
Noting the fascia is important as well, as potential problems can occur from weak areas or damp. This should get checked in early autumn, so that any problems can be corrected before the start of winter. If you have any doubts, contact a Cheltenham Roofing like http://stormroofingltd.co.uk/
Make sure you check your gutters. When the autumn leaves fall, they can quickly clog roof gutters and drainpipes, blocking the flow and causing water to build-up where you do not want it. If rainwater is not being directed away by an efficient drainage system, the area can be weakened and saturated, causing leakage and moisture.
The leaves stuck in the gutters and on your roof will decompose, block the drainage and cause dry rot damage which can go unnoticed for a long time.
Any excess debris, dirt and mulch should be cleaned from gutters and damage or visible holes must be repaired. This is a difficult and messy job so you might want to call in a professional. If you have a flat roof then it is important to check your drains are not clogged because you need to have a very efficient drainage system to prevent potential leaks.
Any loose tiles need to be secured or replaced immediately.
Walk around the interior of your home as well and look for every little stain on the ceiling. You may have seen a small stain that is almost invisible and ignored but small stains, if left untreated, could become a major problem. The last thing you want is a leak and damage to the interior so sort out the problem as quickly as you can to save money and hassle in the long run.
If your roof is old but never causes you problems, it’s still a good idea to have a routine inspection by a professional roofing company at least every 5 years. Even newer roofs should be regularly checked for signs of damage. A professional roofer will be able to tell you how much life is left in the roof before you have to think about having a replacement.