Things To Do To Get Your Roof Ready for Winter

In winter, when stormy weather and freezing conditions can put your roof under enormous strain. Your roof is your first line of defence against the elements, so make sure that your roof is ready for winter by ensuring that it’s watertight and stable so you can relax and batten down the hatches when the snow arrives.

Preparing your roof for winter can save you expensive repairs in the long-run and a worrying winter, staring at the ceiling from your armchair hoping that your roof will withstand the weight of snow and ice.

Check Your Roof for Weak Spots

A simple roof inspection can save you from roof damage in winter that could become more serious as the weather worsens, affecting the whole structure of your property. Do a visual inspection inside and out. Check the ground for moss that has fallen from the roof, and look for missing tiles on your rooftop. Check the chimney for signs of wear and tear and make sure that your gutters are allowing water to drain freely from the rooftop. You can do all this safely from the ground with a walk around your property using binoculars if necessary.

For a more thorough inspection of your roof, it’s worth contacting a professional roofing firm to undertake a check of your roof. A trained roofer will know what to look for and can spot weak points or problems areas straight away. The cost of a roof inspection from a qualified roofing company can be around 10 to 30% of the price of a new roof, which could be the outcome if you ignore any problems, so it’s worth a little investment to protect your interests in the long-run.

Check your roof and guttering at least once a year. A check in the autumn, before winter sets in, in is often the best time because you can check for leaks and you’ll still have time to have your roof repaired in time for the snow.  You can easily perform maintenance work such as clearing your gutters of leaves and debris so that they are able to allow water to drain from the roof. If water backs up in your guttering, then it can cause real problems when rain water turns to ice.

When you’re checking your roof, you’re looking for tell-tale signs of damage such as shingles that have buckled, worn or cracked lead flashings or granules in the guttering where shingles have disintegrated. The most common problems are around areas like vents and skylights, chimneys and roof stacks – all the areas where there are sealed joints that can develop leaks. Check inside too, for water spots in your loft and signs of decay to timber or rusting metal work.

Undertaking Simple Roof Maintenance Work

You can sweep rooftops, clearing away moss and organic growth with a power wash or an extended handle brush made especially for the purpose – just make that sure it’s safe to do so and that you’re confident with working at height. If you’re power washing your roof, make sure there’s no damage first or you could end up making the situation worse. And remember, never attempt any work on your roof if it’s wet. The best solution is to hire a professional roofer to do maintenance work for you. For a comparatively small price, you can let the experts get your roof ready for winter.

Here’s a checklist of jobs to get your roof ready for winter:

1. Clean your gutters and downpipes.
2. Check and seal pipes and flashings.
3. Nail loose slates to ensure that they’re stable or replace them if damaged.
4. Remove debris from the rooftop.

Finally, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on your roof all year round, not just doing pre-winter checks on roofing once a year. Your roof is your investment and should be properly maintained throughout the year to protect your home or business and its occupants effectively.

Roofers in Your Local Area

For professional roofing work from a trained roofer, try G&A Roofing and Building for affordable roof repairs. We are reputable roofing company that offers a vast range of services, including emergency roofing and general home maintenance to keep your property in tip-top condition.

Call a roofer from G&A today for free advice on all aspects of roofing work. Discuss your requirements with a professional roofer by calling the team on 0800 626430.