We Scottish are a resilient breed, and bad weather is something we take in our stride! However, the same can’t always be said for our homes, and in particular, our roofs.
As the one element of a home that receives the most exposure to the elements, the roof can be impacted in a significant way by anything from intense sunlight, to snow and heavy rain. At www.selderroofingltd.co.uk, we know only too well the damage that certain weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall, can cause for roofs, and have plenty of experience with fixing roofs that have been affected by damp, mould and leaks.
With any one of these issues capable of damaging a roof and the home it’s designed to protect, it’s vital to take immediate action if you spot a problem with your roof, irrespective of what might have caused it. The longer they’re left untreated by a professional roofing company, the more damage they’re likely to cause in the long run, and then you risk even bigger repair bills, or perhaps even face a full roof replacement.
Fortunately, there are a few checks you can carry out at home to ensure your roof remains in good health whatever the weather, and it’s advisable to carry out these checks periodically, and after every bout of heavy rainfall:
Give your loft a visual check
Even if you don’t use your loft, it pays to go up and cast your eye around the space every now and then, and especially before and after a heavy storm is forecast. Begin by looking at the topmost corners of the walls, and using a ladder if safe to do so, pass your hands over the surface of the ceiling to check for moisture or any form of damp.
Water ingress that has gone unchecked for a long period of time, or untreated mould and moisture damage, could easily start to cause rotting in the timbers that make up your roofs structure. To prevent costly and complex roofing repairs, check your loft regularly, and always before and after heavy rainfall.
Look for any roof tiles that may be loose
When roof tiles or shingles work their way loose following a storm, high winds or heavy rainfall, they can present a very real danger to anyone and anything in the immediate vicinity, and could also mean that your roof is exposed to the elements. If safe to do so, check your roof from the outside for loose or missing tiles or shingles, and again, always try to do this before and after a period of heavy rainfall, snow or high winds.
Check also for the following:
Visual checks are often crucial for saving a roof from costly repairs or further damage later in its lifespan, and while checking for loose tiles and shingles, you should also be on the look-out for:
- Any dents
- Dislodged tiles or shingles
- Tiles that are missing
Did you know that even a very small dent in a roof can encourage mould to grow and cause a leak? Leaks are the worst case scenario for any roof, especially in areas where inclement weather is a regular occurrence, so always try to be vigilant when checking your roof, and don’t delay calling a roofing company for help if you suspect there may be an issue.
Your roof is worth protecting, and the best way to do that is to arrange for repairs as soon as you notice any damage, and if having your roof replaced, work only with an experienced local company.
