Preparing Your Roof for Winter

Because we spend less time outside in the winter, we tend not to pay as much attention to the roof as in summer. But winter is exactly when it’s most important that the roof is doing its job of protecting us to its full capacity.

Here are a few crucial things to look out for…

Check Your Roofline

Your fascias, soffits, bargeboards and the rest aren’t just there to make your roofline look good. They support the tiling, as well as sealing gaps that water could get into and cause damp in the rafters. Rooflines made of uPVC are less likely to have problems than timber ones, but they’re not indestructible.

Before winter really sets in, it’s a good idea to walk around your house, ideally with a good pair of binoculars, and check your roofline visually for any sign of rot or damage

Check Your Roof

If you’re checking your roofline with binoculars, you can also do a circuit at a greater distance and examine the tiles themselves. Alternatively, you could climb up to look, if you have a long ladder and a head for heights — but, to be safe, make sure you do this in good conditions. If you have cracked or missing tiles, or signs of moss or mould growing, your roof may soon start leaking.

Alternatively, you could check from inside. Go into your loft during the day and switch all lighting off. If you see any pinpricks of light coming through, you may have a problem.

Check Your Guttering

Your gutters and downpipes are the elements of your roof most likely to cause problems in winter. They can become clogged up with leaves, dirt, birds’ nests and other debris, and if these aren’t cleared, the rainwater they should be channelling off will pool on the roof and start finding ways through.

Besides clearing out your gutters and downpipes, it’s also vital to check that they aren’t leaking or coming away from the wall. A straightforward visual inspection will normally be enough to make sure they’re properly attached, while the best way to check for leaks (unfortunately) is to go out in heavy rain. If there are any leaks, you’ll be able to see the rainwater coming through.

Visual inspection and clearing the gutters are things you may be able to do yourself. If you’re not confident with heights, though, or if you find anything wrong, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Give us a call if you have any problems with your roof. Read more on how to take care of your roof in winter here.