Extreme Weather & Your Roof!
Protect your roof against the elements
We’ve been experiencing some pretty wild 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 hairspray 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. This has been one of the hottest summers on record. Temperatures have regularly passed thirty degrees.
As you can imagine, your roof takes the full force of the sun’s rays. This can cause a range of issues. Long-term heat exposure can shrink timber frame roofs. This shrinkage can make the structure less stable. In more serious cases, it can dry the wood and cause cracking.
Fortunately, you can apply various treatments to timber-framed roofs to help combat this. We would be happy to help you with this.
Extreme changes from very warm days to thundery showers are becoming more common. These shifts can bring typical issues like heavy rainfall and thunder. They can also cause more serious problems.
Thermal shock occurs when temperatures shift from very hot during the day to very cold at night. This sudden change can damage roofing materials. It can compromise membranes, timber frames, and especially 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 it 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, but 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 if a competent roofer with British Standard products built the roof, but Mother Nature is not someone you can beat, and unfortunately, extreme weather will affect your roof. The key is to be prepared and take the necessary steps to make sure it isn’t easy for her.
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