Where your roof is concerned, prevention is the best cure.
To most people a roof is just a roof! However, your roof is arguably the most important part of your house.
Your roof is like the guardian angel that oversees the rest of your home; it sits high above protecting everything beneath it. As such, it deserves special treatment to ensure it can maintain its lofty status and carry on in its shielding duties for many more years to come.
As each season brings its own trials and tribulations to assault your roof, spending time regularly throughout the year and as early as possible on small maintenance tasks can pay dividends in the longevity of your roof. Reputable roofing companies will be able to offer help in these areas as well as maintenance contracts.
So What Could Possibly Go Wrong With Your Roof?
Hopefully, if your roof was installed by a reputable roofer like Morgan Asphalte, nothing... But, let’s face it, life has a way of throwing problems at us when we least expect it.
Even if you think your roof is strong and secure, it’s worth considering the potential pitfalls so you can do your best to prevent them and potentially stop some big costs in the future. Lower quality roofs and roofing systems have a significantly greater likelihood of suffering the effects of harsh weather.
The weather is one of the major causes of roof issues, including rain, ice, wind and even sun. With our British weather being so unpredictable, battening down your roof against any extremes of weather is one of the most important things you can do.
Your roof is also subject to wear and tear, and regular maintenance should keep this to a minimum. However, time takes its toll on everything so be aware that problems can occur as your roof ages. Regular checks can be just the thing to prevent the cracks from getting worse.
A quality London roofing company like Morgan Asphalte will offer roofing services to keep up with the maintenance of your roof.
We've put together the our top tips to help you prepare your roof for the winter months.
- Inspect Your Roof and Take Necessary Steps
- Clear That Rubbish From Your Roof
- Get A Roof Safety Survey
- Check Your Roof is Weatherproof
- Check Your Roof Flashing Is Fitted Properly
- Check Your Gutters For Debris, Waste and Blockages
- Fix That Leaky Chimney
- Insulate Your Roof To Protect It
- Inspect Your Roof From The Inside
- Find a Professional, Reliable Roofing Company
We've also include a few questions you should ask when looking for a roofing company in case you need a professional.
1. Inspect Your Roof and Take Necessary Steps
Assess your roof and make a note of any suspected weaknesses. Look for leaks, rotting framework, misplaced slates or tiles, damaged flashing or guttering or anything else that is likely to cause concern. Regular checks will prevent tiny holes from turning into gaping gaps. It is a good idea to do this at the beginning of every new season. It is possibly something you could do yourself as long as you have the right equipment and aren’t afraid of heights, of course! At Morgan Asphalte we offer inspection services and with all our roofing work and repairs it comes with long guarantees, giving you the extra peace of mind.
2. Clear That Rubbish From Your Roof
Rubbish and debris can collect just about anywhere, and this includes your roof. The build up of moss is a big problem, as it holds onto water and can lead to long-term damage over time. Deal with it before your roof becomes a green garden (unless that’s your intention, of course!)
Leaves in gutters may seem like a small problem but left they can go on to cause bigger problems such as unwanted leaks.
It is also possible for rubbish to get stuck within nooks and crannies on your roofs, such as on roof joints or chimney stacks. Any rotting material will weaken your roof, so keep it as clear as possible.
Old bird nests can be a big culprit so keep your eyes open for these, as they may be hidden under eaves.
3. Get A Roof Safety Survey
Storms can cause much collateral damage to your roof, so make sure you survey the area around your roof and home and check for objects that could fall. Big suspects are tall trees growing too near, so make sure these are pruned all year round sufficiently or removed if deemed to be a danger. Using a professional roofing company, you can have all the vital checks done to your roof to ensure it is in good shape for the winter.
4. Check Your Roof is Weatherproof
Moisture can collect in the gaps in roof masonry, which freezes then expands and thaws. The result can be holes and separation, leading to leakage; which you definitely do not want!
Make sure your roof is as waterproof as possible by minimising any gaps in your roof's masonry structure and replace the sealant or cement. Check the roof area for missing slates or tiles and replace. If you have been having regular checks to your roof this should be quite apparent. Make sure the roof is as secure as possible against any possible extremes of weather. Ask your local roofer to talk through the many different types of roofing systems, should you need a new one, to ensure you’re getting the right one for your home.
5. Check Your Roof Flashing Is Fitted Properly
The importance of properly fitted flashing cannot be overstated! The flashing area is a common spot for leaks and needs a thorough inspection to ensure it is not loose. Without a flashing fitted, rain water would run down the chimney, or the higher area of roof tiles, and just disappear into the house interior where the chimney rises through the roof, so not only causing problems to your roof and chimney but also to your interior walls, which might lead to needing to replaster or redecorate. If so, get your roofer to deal with this as quickly as possible, and while he’s up there he can deal with any slipped tiles as well!
6. Check Your Gutters For Debris, Waste and Blockages
It would be easy to forget that the gutters, fascias and soffits are all an important part of your home’s roofing system, meaning they might get overlooked during your roof inspection. During a downpour, heavy rain washes everything in its way before it – most likely directly into your gutters. These can very easily get blocked if not regularly checked, which has a knock-on effect of preventing the flow of water through the downspouts. If water collects on your roof it can have a long-term damaging effect, so it's vitally important to keep the water flowing away from your roof.
Gutters are also prone to a build up of moss, so while cleaning away the leaves and debris make sure you get rid of any other vegetation you might find up there. Try to do this regularly as it's amazing how quickly they can become blocked again. This is something that you could do yourself by using a broom or even a jet washer but as mentioned before a reputable roofing company will offer a regular service to ensure your gutters stay in tip top condition!
7. Fix That Leaky Chimney
The chimney breast is an important part of your roof, and if it should collapse or crumble it could harm the structure of the roof as well. Leaks in your chimney can be the cause of major headaches and a costly business for the protection of your home. Often the chimney can be one of those parts of the home that we simply ignore, taking it for granted its workability. And yet, sitting atop of your roof and exposed to every kind of weather condition makes a typical masonry chimney prone, over the course of time, to deterioration. Deal with any issues before they become a calamity – repoint the cement as required and keep the top free from obstructions. Check the flashing around your chimney too. A quality roofing company will be able to advise the best approach to getting your chimney repaired; as well as carrying out the work, of course!
8. Insulate Your Roof To Protect It
This might surprise you and you might not realise it, but by adding insulation to your loft you are also helping to protect your roof. Insulation may make you feel all cosy inside, but it also has the added advantage of keeping your roof cool. This ensures that snow and ice melt slowly and are less likely to damage your roof in the process. Morgan Asphalte are able to offer a no obligation quote on the best way to insulate your home. Next time you are out in the snow, glance up at the roofs around you. Those with a good covering of the white stuff are more likely to be well-insulated and will be saving money too.
9. Inspect Your Roof From The Inside
Get yourself well acquainted with your roof. Checking your roof from the inside can pinpoint problems difficult to see from the outside. Any daylight shining through will indicate a loose or missing slate, or you may spot dark spots that hint at damp seeping through. Make sure your loft space is well ventilated, stop moisture building up to ensure your roof stays in a healthy condition. Get to know your roof inside out and it’s easier to spot potential problems before they escalate.
10. Find a Professional, Reliable Roofing Company
We don’t mean having your local roofing contractor on speed dial but introducing yourself and asking him to put you on his client list can save time when there is an emergency with your roof. Book your roofer for a yearly maintenance plan – after all, he has the equipment and the skills, is highly trained and has the Health and Safety certificates to prove it. Why chance your own safety when your new best mate will be happy to do it for you?
Questions you should ask when looking for a professional roofing company.
- How long have they been trading?
This will give you an idea of the experience they have. Morgan Asphalte have been trading since 1969!
- Are they accredited within the roofing industry?
Not only do Morgan Asphalte have a reputation for being one of London's best roofing companies, they have the credentials to go with it!
- Do they have a team of well trained and qualified roofers?
This is making sure the team is up to date with all the knowledge on the latest roofing technologies - like Morgan Asphalte's professional team of roofers.
- How do they take payment?
Whilst you might expect to pay a deposit, a reputable and quality roofing company will not ask for full payment upfront!
- Does the work come with a guarantee?
A good roof repair or installation should stand the test of time. That's why all Morgan Asphalte work comes with a 10 or 20 year guarantee.
Don’t close the stable door after the horse has bolted; instead, get on top of any possible problems before they happen by making sure your roof is in tip-top condition all year round.
If you need some advice, or to arrange a free, no obligation site visit please get in touch with our expert team today.