Although it is still summer now, winter isn’t far away and as the summer draws to a close it is good to think about the oncoming weather! The weather can cause havoc to our homes and the part that is the most exposed of all is of course the roof. Over the winter months, the services of people like this roofers Selsey based company https://www.randsroofing.co.uk/roofing-services/roofers-selsey/ will be in high demand as the winter storms roll over the country. Here are the weathers that are notorious for causing damage to roofs – and what to look out for during these periods of weather….
Rain – Prolonged periods of heavy rain are common in a British winter (and even in a British summer some years!) and this can put pressure on the roof of your home. Rain that is heavy can damage the tiles or shingles on the roof, wearing them away or it can penetrate through the protective underlayer which could cause leaks.
Snow – We all love a white Christmas – but the roof doesn’t! Snow is tricky as it damages the roof in many ways. Heavy snowfall adds extra weight to the roof which can cause structural problems, and the snow also expands and creates ice which can cause cracks to form in the roof.
Wind – Winter storms are often accompanied by howling gales. Roof tiles can be blown off so if there are gale warnings it is good to check the roof before and after for signs of loose tiles. It is also a good idea to keep a close eye on trees nearby that could be blown down onto the roof.
Why wind matters more than snow
Winters in the UK have become less predictable. Reliable spells of snow in January and February are less common, and milder, wetter and gloomier winters seem more likely. What has increased is the risk of strong wind, and for most roofs, gales are now a greater threat than snowfall.
Wind is still measured on the Beaufort scale, which remains a useful way to judge its strength. Anything above force 6 is a cause for concern for a roof, and a forecast approaching force 12 means serious damage is possible.
With more rain and wind likely through the season, it is worth having your roof checked before winter arrives. Loose or vulnerable areas are far easier to fix in calm weather than after a storm has already done the damage.