Preparing Your Roof For The Winter Months: 4 Top Tips

With a cold snap on the way very soon for the UK, now’s a good time to start preparing for the wet and windy seasons to come. A minor fault in your roof in summer can quickly become an expensive problem when the heavy rain and freezing temperatures of the coming months set in.

The beginning of autumn is the best time to check for any issues in your roof. Moving into October, there are still dry days to come when you can have any problems addressed and fixed.

Here are our four top tips for checking and securing your roof, ready for the colder months.

Check for missing or damaged roof tiles

Strong winds can loosen and displace roof tiles, and once there’s a gap, rain can roll beneath the roof covering. Over time, this manifests as damp, leaks and potentially damage to the structure of your roof.

Get as far back as you can and take a look at the roof. You should only see uniform horizontal lines. If there are any dips or irregularities, it’s a good time to call in a professional roofer to take a look.

Inspect your leadwork and flashing

Leadwork often plays a vital role in keeping areas of your roof watertight that might otherwise be vulnerable to leaks.

While leadwork is exceptionally robust, like all things, it can wear or become displaced over time. Poorly maintained lead flashing can become a source of leaks, especially during a snap of stormy weather.

Check any accessible areas for signs of deterioration or displacement, but leave hard-to-access areas to a professional.

Clear gutters and check your roof drainage

Blocked gutters and downpipes can cause gathered rainwater to overflow or back up, which can lead to damage.

Autumn leaves and other debris can quickly build up in gutters, so it’s a good idea to clear them out before winter.

Looking for roofers in Crewe who specialise in leadwork installation? Get in touch for a free quote.