Worried about your roof? Perhaps you’ve moved into a new property and aren’t sure what state the roof is in, or it’s been a while since you had any roof repairs or maintenance done.
Below, we’ll be taking a look at some of the top causes of roof damage, so you know what kinds of warning signs to watch out for.
For example, there might have been a recent storm that caused a leak, or your roof is over 20-30 years old and may be coming to the end of its life.
We’ll also touch on when repairs might be needed, or when you can get away with a simple DIY fix.
Top Causes of Roof Damage in the UK
1. Extreme Weather Conditions
Unfortunately, the great British weather can be one of the biggest threats to your roof. Extreme weather conditions such as storms, torrential rain, and strong winds can all cause tiles and slates to slip – or to come loose completely.
Cold conditions can also be problematic, where the weight of ice and snow sitting on the roof can cause shingles to break.
You’re likely to need roof repairs after a storm or extreme weather conditions. But bear in mind that this is when roofers are likely to be at their busiest, so be prepared to wait. Preventative measures could be the best course of action, so your roof stands strong even in the worst of weather conditions.
2. Clogged or Damaged Gutters
You wouldn’t think that something as simple as some leaves in a gutter could cause roof problems, would you? But it can actually be one of the most common causes of leaks and water penetration into the roof and walls. If the gutter is clogged and there’s heavy rain, the water has nowhere else to go.
If you catch it in time, you may not need roof repairs – you’ll just need to have the gutters cleaned and wait for any wet patches to dry out.
3. Tree Branches, Moss and Debris
If there’s a tall tree close to your property, it could be an idea to keep on top of pruning those branches. Otherwise, they could whip against your roof tiles in windy weather and cause damage over time.
There’s another nature-related risk to watch out for too. This is a build-up of moss growing on your roof. It may seem harmless, but it holds a lot of moisture – and you don’t want that sitting on your roof.
This can be handled by simply clearing off the moss (you might need to call in a professional). If tree branches have damaged tiles or slates, they’ll need to be replaced.
4. Poor Quality Installation or Roof Repairs
If your roof or parts of it weren’t installed properly, this can cause problems down the line. The same goes for shoddy roof repairs – if they’re done at bargain basement prices, in a rush, and without proper care, they aren’t worth doing at all.
This is why it’s so important to find a good quality, trusted, and reputable roofing company in the first place, whether it’s to carry out installation work or repairs.
If you have problems with either, you’ll need to call in a professional to take a look. In a worst-case scenario, the whole repair or parts of the installation may need to be done again.
5. Age
Every roof will reach the end of its lifespan at some point. When this happens depends on the roofing material, and how well the roof has been maintained over the years. If you find that you’re constantly having to get roof repairs done, it could be a sign that your roof needs to be replaced.
