Cold weather puts every aspect of a building to the test. Insulation, heating and – you guessed it – the roof. Thankfully, there are a few measures you can take to make sure your roof is ready for everything winter has to throw at it.
In this post, we’ll look at three simple steps to prepare your roof for cold weather.
Make sure it’s insulated
First on the list is insulation. As part of your home’s thermal envelope, your roof is responsible for keeping heat inside. Along with the walls, doors, windows and floor, it needs to offer effective thermal insulation to stop your house getting cold and your heating bills going through the roof.
According to Which, loft insulation saves households an average of £215 per year on energy bills. While in 2021 most homes will already have some form of insulation, it’s best to check its thickness to see whether it meets the current standards.
Nowadays, the recommended thickness for loft insulation is around 250mm, compared to less than 200mm in the past. It could be well worth an upgrade to reduce the amount of heat escaping through the top of your property.
Visual checks
Aside from heat retention, the main concern for your roof in cold weather is actually the drizzle that tends to come with it. In other words, leaks. While you should never attempt to get on your roof, there are a few checks you can do safely on the inside and outside of your property.
Go up to the loft while the sun is out and turn off the lights. If you can see any daylight coming through, it means there’s a break in your roof’s cover which will need to be fixed. Of course, you should also turn on the lights and have a look round for any damp patches or water ingress.
Next, head outside and take a look at your roof from ground level. You’ll probably have to take a few steps back or cross the road to get a proper view. Look for any missing tiles, broken gutters or anything else that looks awry. If you spot anything, be sure to call a local roofer to take a closer look.
Get an inspection
Without a doubt the best way to prepare your roof for cold weather is with a professional inspection. With temperatures dropping, even the smallest crack can allow moisture in, which will expand when frozen. Over time, this will make tiny problems develop into significant ones, allowing more water in and eventually causing a leak.
A professional roofer, trained to work safely at height, can make sure everything is watertight and ready to go. If you want to take a preventative approach with your roof, it’s best to get an inspection every year. Over time, this could save you a lot of money and stress by keeping your roof at its best rather than simply reacting to leaks.
Here when you need us
If you’re in need of some professional assistance with your roof this winter, don’t hesitate to get in touch with DPR Roofing. Based in Pontefract, we have over 30 years’ experience in roof repairs and replacements.
Whether you’ve spotted a mysterious leak or you just want to give your roof a health check when temperatures drop, we’re on hand to help. Give us a call on 01977 220016 to arrange a quote.