What Did The Cold Snap Do to My Roof?

The UK has a bizarrely unpredictable winter climate – frost, ice and snow, high winds and storms, then hot spells and dry days around and around, these are tough on our roofs.  Whilst the UK’s winter weather probably won’t do much immediate damage on its own.  If your roof is not protected, it will degrade and weaken over time. Your roof protects your property and everything inside.  It bears the brunt of the winter weather, but most of the time, it’s barely given a thought. The best way to protect your roof is to regularly check for damage or signs of problems.

  • Ensure your roof tiles are secure and intact
  • Brickwork and pointing on your chimney and eaves are in good repair
  • Clear blockages from your guttering and downpipes
  • Check for adequate ventilation and insulation

We don’t suggest climbing on the roof yourself to check, leave it to those with a head for heights and who know what signs to look for! Regular maintenance by a professional roofer can help save money and hassle.

Snow and Ice aren’t that nice!

Snow may look pretty on the buildings in Winter, but it’s not necessarily good for your roof.  Snow and ice don’t run off like rainwater, when they start to thaw, they seep into the materials making the roof heavy and causing extra pressure.  If your roof is older or isn’t in great shape, this can cause big problems.  If the water that soaks into the tiles or seams of your roof re-freezes it can cause fractures, allowing yet more water to access those areas you’d rather keep dry.

Icicles pose a danger to both humans and animals, but they can also cause issues on your roof.  They can bring down gutters, and the very heavy icicles can cause serious stress to your roof.  Icicles can form from inadequate attic insulation and ventilation, so if you have a problem with ice in the winter it’s worth getting it checked out.

Ice Dams form when you start to get a thaw and then it refreezes.  Like any Dam, they stop water from draining off your roof causing water to back up.  The water will then find another exit usually by coming indoors.  Caused by poor ventilation and insulation, Ice Dams can be hard to clear, and doing it yourself could cause more harm than good, especially to you!

You can have fewer problems with snow and ice, by getting your loft space and roof checked out by a trained professional.  This can be done in advance of Winter before it becomes an emergency.

Facts on your Flats

Traditional pitched roofs have gravity to help push rainwater and snow naturally off the building.  Flat roofs don’t have the same luxury!

Flat roofs, such as felt roofs, suffer more from strong winds, snow and ice.  Over time, with the cold and heat, the felt becomes very brittle and starts to crack.  This leads to the possibility of water penetration, ruining both your roof and the internal ceiling.

When the snow melts from your flat roof, it tends to re-freeze at the edges and other joints.  Ultimately, this creates an Ice Dam stopping excess water from escaping to your gutters.

Every time this happens, it affects the integrity of your roof and once problems start, deterioration can be rapid.

Experts say water pooling on your flat roof for longer than two full days, should be checked out, as this could be a sign of trouble.

Having your roof checked regularly can help prevent costly repairs.  Potential problems, like lifting seams or poor water drainage, can be spotted and fixed quickly and cost-effectively.

Chinks in your Chimney

A lot of roof leaks can be sourced back to the Chimney or any Roof Windows.

Lead flashing can last for years, but that is not to say that it is infallible.   Cracks and thinning can happen with age.  High winds can loosen your flashing, and flying debris can create tears.  Heavy snowfall can pull flashing away from the bricks, exposing joints.

Some sealants become fragile in cold weather and will allow water to seep beneath.  This can then freeze and create Ice Dams which force water inwards.

Poor brickwork and pointing can also allow water access.  These things don’t get better by themselves, and ignoring them can lead to much greater problems.

We maintain our cars, boilers, security systems and even our gardens.  But do we ever give our roofs a thought – until something happens?  With a low-cost maintenance contract, you get your roof checked, gutters cleaned and repaired and know that even in an emergency there is someone you can call on.  

Whether it is for your commercial property or your home, talk to us here at Premier Roofing Solutions

  • low-cost maintenance contracts

  • chimney maintenance, repair or removal

  • roof window installation and repair

  • ventilation brick installation and brick re-pointing