Protect your roof against the elements
We’ve been experiencing some pretty crazy weather lately…Here at Country Roofing Supplies we aren’t looking to get into a debate about whether it’s global warming or all the hair spray we used in the eighties, we just want to talk about the impact it can have on your roof. Just for the record we only ever used the factory recommended amount of hairspray!
Extreme heat
We might as well start here because it has been one of the hottest summers on record with temperatures regularly passing the thirties.
As you can imagine your roof takes on the full weight of the sun’s rays and that can cause all manner of issues. Long term exposure to heat, like we have been experiencing lately can cause shrinkage in timber frame roofs causing the frame to become more unstable. In more serious cases it can cause cracking from drying the wood out.
Fortunately, there are various treatments you can apply to timber framed roofs to help combat this and we’d be happy to help with this.
The extreme changes from very warm days to thundery showers, which is becoming more common, can not only bring the usual issues with extreme rain fall and thunder but more serious problems. Thermal Shock is an extreme change in temperature from very hot in the day to very cold at night. This can cause things to go wrong, seriously compromising roofing materials like membranes, timber frames and particularly metalwork.
Wet weather
Rain is a problem and not just for the cricket! It works its way in everywhere and when it gets in it can cause all sorts of problems for your home.
Drainage is crucial in the battle against Britain’s grey clouds. Water is looking for an escape route and you need to make sure that is off your property either down a drain or into a water butt to be recycled. Regular upkeep of your guttering is a simple, but often overlooked, step in avoiding problems further down the road. Unfortunately, we only tend to think about these things when the weather is at its worst.
If rain becomes moisture trapped in your structure that can quickly become mouldy and rotten by the time summer rolls around.
Cold Weather
Freezing temperatures cause all sorts of hassles for us Brits from slippery ice to the kids next door throwing snowballs at me every time I try to leave my house…Little…
Never mind, we’re talking about roofing and extreme cold! Snow might be frozen water, but you can’t expect it to behave like water. Proper drainage will help but snow doesn’t always melt and calmly flow away. Continued cold weather can cause the snow to sit and slowly seep into the structure of your roof causing the same issues as rain. Even worse it can freeze and cause drainage pipes to expand and crack. If possible, it is always good to get rid of snow on your roof but that is not the easiest job. If we do have extreme snowfall, you can always contact us and we will be happy to advise you on the best approach.
Extreme winds will always be a danger to homes and unfortunately there isn’t much you can do other than ensure your roof maintenance is regular. If you see loose tiles when the weather isn’t blowing a gale don’t ignore them. When the wind comes it will pull that loose tile and leave a gap where it can get in and upend more. Not to mention how dangerous to you and your property falling tiles can be. If you do have any loose tiles or areas of concern on your roof, then feel free to call us and we’ll be happy to help.
Remember most issues can be avoided provided a competent roofer with British Standard products built the roof, but Mother Nature is not someone you can beat, and unfortunately extreme weathers will affect your roof. The key is to be prepared and take the necessary steps to make sure it isn’t easy for her.
