The North of England experienced devastation at the hands of Storms Frank, Eva and Desmond in December last year, with such stormy weather continuing into 2016 too. As Britain now falls victim to the tail-end of Storm Jonas, there’s no better time than now to prepare your home for the stormy conditions ahead.
High winds and heavy rainfall can have a major impact on homes in the affected areas, and certain parts of your property are particularly prone to suffering from storms. On average, a roof should last a minimum of 20 years, but with the threat of extreme weather this lifespan can be cut short.
So, what can you do to protect your roof from severe weather and storm damage? This article will explain how you can prepare your roof for a storm, so you avoid having to shell out a hefty cost to replace the entire structure.
Exterior of roof
1. External walls
When it comes to the exterior of your roof, storm damage can cause leaks, stains and cracks in the brick walls which can quickly lead to structural damage. If you notice any such problems, you must make sure the property is weather-tight by sealing the openings as soon as possible.
2. Gutters
Cold, stormy weather can also affect the guttering system, so close attention must be made to these areas for any signs of deterioration or blockages. Following a bout of windy weather, your gutters can end up full of leaves and debris, so it’s strongly advised that your gutters are thoroughly cleaned before any blockages form. Drainage problems during the winter are one of the main contributors to roofing issues in future months, so any issues must be addressed as quickly as possible before the weather worsens.
3. Loose tiles
Check for any damaged tiles or slates which may have slipped or become loose as these can cause major leaks and damp in your home. While doing so, you can also take this opportunity to remove any debris on your roof, such as leaves and branches, as they can cause considerable damage during a storm. Furthermore, check that TV aerials and satellite dishes are properly fastened down to stop them from flying off the roof during a storm.
4. Chimney
The condition of your chimney must be thoroughly checked to ensure any damage or blockages are fixed as fast as possible. That way, you will prepare your chimney for any impending storms and will avoid paying a high price restoring it later down the line. If you do not use your chimney, it’s advised that you hire a professional to cap it off for you so you won’t need to worry about such issues in the future.
Interior of roof
Often overlooked, the interior of your home can be a great indicator of a damaged roof. If your attic or loft is suffering from leaks and staining on the ceiling or interior walls, you must take immediate action. Seal as many roof leaks as possible to help your roof withstand the cold winter months, before it becomes impossible to find them.
Home insurance
According to data obtained by insurance company Aviva, one of the most common storm claims is for damaged roofs. Therefore, in preparation for any upcoming stormy weather, it may be worth looking into the details of your home insurance as many policies don’t cover maintenance.
Your home insurance provider will offer expert advice to help your property after a storm, so you must contact them immediately if your home has been affected by adverse weather.
From weather damage to general wear and tear, here at Morgan Asphalte we specialise in providing thorough roofing repairs no matter how large or small the problem is. Our roofing repairs service covers a range of faults and issues which can occur on different roofing materials, so whatever your issue is and whatever type of property you own, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert team today.