3 Signs Of Roof Damage To Look Out For After A Hot Summer

At the start of September, the Met Office announced that this summer has provisionally been the hottest on record in the UK.

While the high temperatures have dissipated as we move into autumn, we still need to be mindful that the hotter than average conditions could have caused damage we haven’t yet noticed.

This is particularly the case in our homes, where prolonged spells of hot weather can have an adverse effect on our roofs.

As the weather starts to shift, it’s important to check your roof for any signs of damage sooner rather than later. But what damage should you look for?

Cracks in mortar

Not all roof tiles are fixed in place using mortar, but in older properties this can be the case. Cracks in the mortar holding your tiles in place are a sign that it has weakened, which means it may not be holding your tiles as securely as it once was.

Blistering or deterioration on a flat roof

Flat roofs can be especially susceptible to damage from prolonged hot weather because they are exposed to it more directly than pitched roofs. It’s good practice to check your flat roof each autumn for any signs of wear.

In particular, look out for cracks in the roof’s surface, signs that the covering on the roof has become brittle or any blistering in the roof’s surface.

Gaps in lead flashing

Often the lead flashing that’s used around the base of chimneys is made up of multiple pieces of the metal sheeting. In hot weather, like many materials the lead expands when it heats and contracts when it cools.

However, when this happens to an extreme, or if the lead is already old, the pieces of metal can shift position, leaving gaps through which water can enter your roof space.

These gaps are often small, which means a cursory inspection is unlikely to be enough to spot them. Instead, you’ll want to get professional roofers to assess your roof and look out for signs of damage.

But if you do find any signs of damage, caused by the hot weather or otherwise, don’t panic. Now is the ideal time of year to arrange roof repairs so that you can go into autumn and winter with peace of mind about your home.