As the colder weather descends and winter fast approaches, we should be thinking about checking the exterior of our properties to ensure everything is as it should be. Damage done in winter from bad weather can wreak havoc on roofs in particular so make sure you have no existing problems that might get worse. Here are some interesting and unexpected ways the weather can damage your roof:
- Debris
Falling debris that can damage roof tops mostly comes from tree branches. While leaves and twigs won’t cause much harm, if you have trees close to your property then high winds could cause a full branch or tree limb to hit your roof. This would cause significant damage. Algae and moss can also cause damage and will grow in the damp conditions of overhanging foliage. Moisture collection is a problem caused by moss and algae which will leave dark spots on your roof, potentially rotting the shingles. Flying debris during stormy weather can also cause guttering to become blocked.
- Wind
High winds can blow tiles completely off the roof. Once the storm has passed, be sure to inspect your roof for any missing tiles to see if repairs or replacements are needed. Missing tiles cause your roof to be more exposed to the weather, which could cause damp and further damage.
- Hail
Hail can occur at any time, even in spring and summer and can be quite damaging if it’s large. As with any sudden extreme weather conditions, be sure to check your roof for any repairs or problems. If you do want to replace important roof parts before the winter sets in, think about using UPVC Fascias and Soffits from absolute building plastics
- Heat
You don’t need to worry about this too much during a UK winter, but you might be surprised to learn that heat can damage a roof too. Heat can cause materials to age much quicker than normal and has an effect on both the inside and out. If you have shingles, excessive heat can cause them to tear or crack which will affect the ventilation and temperature inside your home.
- Rain
This is something we get a lot of here in the UK and if it’s allowed to pool over time, then water could be infiltrating your home causing horrible problems like damp and mould. If your roof has visible dents or uneven surfaces, then keep an eye on them from the inside too to check that even the smallest of cracks isn’t storing up a big problem for you further down the line.