Winter is a tough season for a lot of us. It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s dark and it seems to last forever. Christmas is perhaps the only silver lining. It’s also the time of year when your roof is at its most vulnerable. Having a secure roof is a must over the winter periods and if you want to survive the season without having to call in the roofers, here are some top tips you might want to consider before you start putting the festive decorations up.
Note that if you have a dry ridge roof system installed it doesn’t require quite as much maintenance, but you should still give it a good once over every November before the real harsh weather starts to kick in.
Watch for any gaps
Roofs are exposed to the elements by their very nature and take a particularly heavy hit in the winter months when the weather can be quite extreme. You may not have noticed over the drier months but looking out for any holes or gaps in the roof is important to prevent leaks and internal damage. If these gaps start letting in rain, ice and snow, you’ll soon start to feel it.
Make sure it’s insulated
Having your roof insulated is important so that your home remains warm over winter. Check that you have the correct level of insulation and that it is in good enough condition to see you through the season. It is possible to insulate your roof yourself, of course, but don’t go overboard. Not only is insulative material expensive but if you use too much it can cause snow and ice to melt and then refreeze in a cooler location, potentially leading to blockages.
Check guttering, soffits and fascia’s
Keeping a check on guttering, soffits and fascia’s is also important for a secure roof over winter. Neglecting these areas can lead to bigger issues further down the line, so remove any debris or mould which may have collected and formed. It’s particularly important that your guttering is in good condition as the winter months tend to be a lot wetter. Start by clearing them of debris and then check the joints for any leaks.
Remove snow and ice
If snow and ice begin to gather on your roof it can lead to cracks and weaken the general integrity of your tiles. You can mitigate the problem somewhat by heating your loft space and letting the snow and ice melt away but if it’s proving particularly stubborn you might need to take matters into your own hands.
Replace damaged tiles
It’s only a matter of time before any roof with missing or cracked tiles starts to leak. And a leak could seriously ruin your Christmas. So, if you notice any loose or cracked tiles get them replaced ASAP!
Cover photo by Tracy Adams on Unsplash
