As storm clouds consume the sky, your roof is that first line of defence for your home. And preparing in advance can save you thousands by avoiding emergency repairs and keeping your family safe.
Start with a thorough inspection. Inspect your property and check for loose or missing tiles, chimney flashing that may be damaged, gutters which are blocked. A strengthened storm could transform even small issues into major concerns. For Roofers Chichester, contact https://www.randsroofing.co.uk/roofing-services/roofers-chichester/
Secure loose materials immediately. Such elements of your home include roof tiles, ridge caps and guttering. Ensure that all these are well fixed in place. Loose materials can be transformed into life-threatening projectiles and winds will blast open windows, causing water damage inside your home.
Clear your gutters completely. Clogging of the drainage system causes water to pool below roofing and seep in through leaks that can result in structural damage. Clear all leaves, gunk or bird nests that could get stuck and stop water flow.
Trim overhanging branches. Storms are always a threat, with trees near your roofline worst of all. Large branches can fall through roofs, whereas smaller twigs and leaves will block gutters, causing further issues.
Document your roof’s condition. One of the most notable ideas is to shoot photos a day or two before this storm season begins. If a problem takes place, the documentation will be on hand for insurance claims.
Know your emergency contacts. Have a go-to number for your trusted roofer. Storm damage is urgent and needs to be addressed as soon as the storm passes so that it does not get any worse.
Jobs to finish before the cold sets in
Storm preparation is easier if you start before winter arrives. Central heating sits largely unused through the summer, so faults can go unnoticed until the first cold night. Having a professional check the boiler and heating system early gives you time to fix any problems before you need the heat.
If you have a chimney, check that the fireplace works and have the chimney professionally swept. Over the summer it can become blocked by a bird’s nest or fallen leaves, which is better discovered now than during a winter storm.
Gutters deserve particular attention as autumn sets in. A blockage can send water into the home, and when temperatures drop, water trapped behind it can freeze and expand, pushing roof tiles up and causing serious damage. Clearing them regularly is one of the simplest ways to protect the roof.
Repairing roof damage after a storm
Even with good preparation, a severe storm can still damage a roof, and the repairs that follow need some thought. Start by looking carefully at what the storm actually did. Some roofs need only small repairs, while others will need replacing completely, and a roof that has buckled calls for a different fix from one that is starting to cave in.
Where damage is serious, replacing the roof covering can stop water getting in and prevent leaking, sagging or collapse. Whatever the repair, make sure the damaged area is fully covered. If it cannot be covered properly straight away, plywood can be used as a temporary measure, leaving a little space between the sheets so water does not get trapped between the roofing materials.
There are several roofing materials to choose from when repairing, so take advice on which suits your roof type before work begins.
Roof checks to carry out before the bad weather
Autumn is a good time for a thorough roof inspection. Leaks are among the most common roof problems and also among the easiest to catch, as most come from ordinary wear and tear. Look at the roof from every angle you can, whether from a ladder if you are confident or from a neighbour’s upstairs window.
Get into the loft as well. Look for any spots where the roof is not watertight, check that the chimney flashing is still doing its job and make sure any work such as skylight installation has been done properly. Poor maintenance is one of the biggest threats to a roof, and a small fix now can prevent damage that costs thousands.
Prune overhanging branches, which can weaken roof coverings or crack tiles if they fall, and clear any leaves and debris before they block the gutters. Watch for a shrinking roof membrane too, as it can pull on the flashings and cause cracking that needs a roofing contractor.
