The roof of your house is the most affected part of your house by the weather. Rain, wind, heat, frost, it will all come on the roof first. Over time, constant exposure can cause unnoticed damage, leading to unexpected leaks or repairs if not checked regularly. Knowing the impact of various types of weather on your roof can make you identify problems sooner and take care of it more effectively.
Rain and Damp
Rain is a constant in the UK particularly. The roofs are built to handle it but the trouble begins when the water finds its way in. Tiles which are cracked, flashing loosely fitted or blocked gutters can all allow the rain to creep under the surface. When the moisture enters the layers under it can rot timbers and destroy insulation. With time the wet spots will be seen in the interior of the house and mould will usually come after the wet spots.
The remedy is most often easy – broken tiles change, gutters clean, and flashing checked occasionally. Some minor repairs can help you to avoid serious repair expenses incurred as a result of undetected water damage.
Wind and Storms
Powerful winds do not only blow tiles off the roof, they also form pressure points. Strong winds can cause tiles or slates to be blown off or lead flashing to be blown off chimneys or valleys. When the wind has blown under a part it is frequently increased by the next storm.
Once there is a storm you should take a glance at your roof when you are not up the ladder. Cheque the flooring on the ground, the garden, or anything that appears out of place. Having noticed it early will mean that you can repair it before the next big puff takes away more of it.
Heat and Sunlight
Heat and UV rays are very taking, even though one may not think that the sun is a major danger in the UK. The constant exposure over the years dries some roofing materials rendering them brittle hence prone to cracking. This is particularly so with flat roofs that have older felt coverings that may be warped or bubbled when subjected to heat over time.
Newer materials such as EPDM rubber or fibreglass deal with sunlight much more easily, and thus when your flat roof is old, an upgrade can make a tremendous difference. Even pitched roofs have the advantage of being regularly checked to see how they are wearing and south facing sides get the most sun.
Frost and Snow
Cold weather is associated with other problems. Tiles may have cracks that are tiny made by frost and ice or the flashing blown out, which after a while may split apart. The additional weight of the snow may put a strain on the timbers especially on older roofs. And when the snow melts, it tends to refreeze in gutters or the roof edge resulting in the formation of ice dams which entrap water where none should be.
A well-insulated roof can avoid many of these problems, as the roof temperature is maintained at a more constant temperature. It goes a long way to clear gutters prior to winter as well because the snow will have a place to melt.
Looking After Your Roof by the Season
The weather you cannot change, but you can be ahead of the problems it brings with it. One of the best things you can get into is a yearly roof inspection, after a major storm. Ensure that gutters are kept clean, broken tiles need to be replaced immediately you identify them and ensure that flashing and seals are in place.
Roofs are designed to endure, although they will only endure when they are maintained. Weather is going to be on them all the time, that’s their business, but a few words here and there will give your roof a good stiffening to stand whatever the weather will bring.
Your roof does not simply cover your house against the weather. It is at home with the weather. Understanding the influence of rain, wind, sun, and frost on it also lets you identify trouble at an early stage and maintain it in fine condition. And do so, and your roof will continue to shelter you many years to come.