How to prevent storm damage to your roof.

As the harsh winter weather sets in, you may be concerned about its impact on your roof. Snow, hail, and high winds can cause significant damage, potentially leading to water entering your home. Damage to your roofing system can be expensive to fix. So, it’s best to do all you can to stop it from occurring. Here’s how to prevent storm damage to your roof.

Prevent storm damage to your roof 

So what can you do to prevent storm damage to your roof? Follow the advice below to assist in protecting your roof.

Inspect your roof regularly

Inspecting your roof might not seem like a very exciting task, but it’s important for preventing serious damage. Hire the services of experienced roofers in Grimsby or Louth who will be able to assess the condition and identify problems such as damaged or loose shingles which could let water seep into the property. You should also pay attention to dark patches or lines, as they can indicate damage has occurred. Also, look out for curling or cupping, as well as large numbers of chipped and buckled shingles. 

If your roof appears uneven or spotty, that’s a good sign that it’s quite old and may need replacing. We don’t recommend inspecting your roof yourself due to safety concerns, especially during wet weather. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can carry out regular inspections of your roof, helping to reduce the cost of repairs due to storm damage during the winter months. 

Keep an eye on your trees

If you have any trees, hedges, and bushes, make sure you keep an eye on them. In a volatile storm, branches can snap off and fall on your roof, causing damage or clogging up your gutters. Trim overhanging branches often to minimise the chances of them damaging your roof. Since gutters allow the water on your roof to travel to the ground below, if they’re clogged up, puddling and leaks can easily occur. Clean your gutters regularly to prevent them from becoming blocked. 

Look out for ice dams 

Winter storms can bring with them freezing temperatures, and this can lead to the formation of ice dams. Ice dams form when snow melts, runs down the roof and then refreezes near to the edge. This happens when a part of the roof warms up to above 32 degrees F. This temperature is warm enough to melt snow, but the roof edge remains freezing. An unevenly heated roof is usually the cause, but you can help to prevent them from occurring by making sure your attic is properly insulated. This means that the roof will be heated evenly, stopping water from freezing once it reaches a certain part of the roof

Catch moss early 

Many people think that moss is harmless, however, that’s just not the case when it comes to your roofing system. Whilst black algae only affects aesthetics and doesn’t cause serious harm to your roof, moss can be a big problem since it holds water and is likely to cause problems if a storm hits. So, if you notice moss on your roof, it’s important to remove it before the harsh weather sets in. If you catch it early, you might be able to sweep it away. However, if it’s well established, it needs to be killed. Contact experienced roofers in Louth or Grimsby to do this task for you.  

Invest in waterproofing

Whatever the type, age, or condition of your roof, additional waterproofing applications can be used to make sure it’s prepared for the winter weather. Plunging temperatures can lead to cracking occurring in asphalt-based roofs. However, there are many waterproofing paints and sealants available to give them extra protection during the winter months. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can provide waterproofing solutions for all types of roofs on domestic and commercial properties. Whether you want to seal a small leak or repair and waterproof a full flat roof, we can assist. Regular waterproofing can keep the effects of moisture at bay, extending the lifespan of your roof. 

Check the condition of your gutters 

We’ve already touched on the importance of keeping your gutters clear during the winter months, as this allows water to drain away from your roof and to the ground. However, it’s also important to assess their condition. Cracked or otherwise defective gutters can spell disaster during a storm. Heavy rains can wreak havoc on your home, and without fully-functioning gutters, you could wind up with a long list of serious and expensive damages. If you suspect your gutters aren’t in great shape, it’s best to enlist professional gutter installation or gutter replacement services. Most companies offering roofing in Grimsby or Louth will be able to assist you with this.  

Why choose Raven Roofing and Repairs 

Storm damage can cause serious damage to your home’s roof, so it’s important to take steps to prevent this from happening. At Raven Roofing and Repairs, we can assess your roof to ensure it’s prepared for all that winter has to throw at it. We can carry out repairs to your roof, including leaks and missing tiles, and we can repair and replace guttering too. No job is too big or small for us to handle. Our team of roofers in Grimsby have been providing professional roofing services to our customers in the area for over 20 years and we’ve built up a great reputation. As a family run local company, you can rely on us to provide a service that’s second to none.

Contact us 

If you require expert roofing services in Grimsby, Louth, or elsewhere across the region, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Raven Roofing. Call us on 01472 565 084 or 01507 640 072 to discuss your requirements with one of our team. You can also send us a message via the website if you prefer. We provide a free, no-obligation quotation and home visit at a time that’s convenient for you.