If you live in the UK, you might not be too familiar with snow, but every now and again, we do have snow in the winter. In this blog, we’re looking into winter in Preston: how snow and ice affect roof longevity.
Roofs are designed to withstand many years of use, and with that comes many weather conditions. Weather is a very common cause of roof damage, but the roof’s age can also significantly affect its condition.
Roof maintenance
Roofs typically last around 30 years, but this can vary depending on the roofing materials used and where you live.
You are encouraged to check the condition of your roof throughout the year. You should check for loose tiles, cracked tiles and excessive debris. If you do not feel safe assessing the roof, then you should contact a professional roofing company. At PR Roofing, we can support you with roof maintenance to ensure that your home is safe and that your roof remains in good condition. Find out more about our roof repair in Blackpool and Preston.
It’s crucial that you are aware of the risks associated with ice, snow and other extreme weather on your roof.
How can snow and ice affect your roof’s longevity?
Snow and ice can both significantly impact your roofing system. It’s important to be aware of the risks so that you can mitigate them as best you can.
You should also be aware that just because your roof has always been fine before does not mean it will also be fine this time. Roofs naturally become worn and weaker over time. You should try to keep track of rain, snow and ice in your area. Read our blog on protecting your roof from rain in Preston.
Leaking roof
One of the main risks of snow and ice on your roof is that it can cause roof leaks. As the snow and ice melt, they turn to water, which can put pressure on your roof.
Common areas for roof leaks include flashing, gaps in roof tiles, nails, chimneys and gutters.
Roof leaks impact the structure of your home and can also cause damage inside. You may notice dampness and mould appearing or even experience electrical damage, which needs fixing by a professional.
Risk of ice dam formation
Ice dams occur when the sun and home temperature melt the ice, but the temperature is still cool. This can cause the water to refreeze. This commonly targets your home’s gutters. The additional pressure on gutters and other areas of the roof can lead to roof leaks.
These ice dams can also lead to the underneath shingles becoming damaged and letting water through. The cost of fixing these issues is generally high; therefore, it would be best avoided. By checking your roof regularly, particularly during the winter months, you can reduce the risks of these issues occurring.
If they do occur, you can rectify them quickly, reducing the amount of work involved and the money you would need to pay a roofing contractor to fix them.
Damage to roof rafters
Modern roofs are less susceptible to damage to the rafters, as they use trussed rafters instead of traditional ones. Newer roofs are made with better roofing materials and require rafters to be closer together so that they can withstand more weight. However, you should still be aware of the risks either way.
Roofs are all made to withstand pressure, but when the pressure becomes too much, the rafters are at risk of snapping.
If you notice snow and ice accumulation on your roof, then it’s a good idea to try and remove it safely. It may be more appropriate to ask a professional roofing company, as they will have the correct tools and safety equipment to complete the job.
Collapsing roof
A collapsed roof is one of the last things you want to happen to your home. Excess snow and ice on the roof can lead to warning signs, such as a sagging roof. If you notice this, it’s absolutely crucial that you get in touch with a quality roofing company.
In the short term, they may advise you to remove the snow using a quality roof rake if you are able to. Again, it may be a good idea to call in a professional roofer to help with this to avoid damaging other roofing materials and to enhance safety.
It’s very important to act quickly if you notice your roof sagging, as this could cause extensive damage to your home. Be wary of winter weather.
Gutter damage
Ice and snow accumulation can also damage your gutters, which help to remove water from the roof. You should take time to assess these every so often to ensure that they are not breaking away.
How can I prevent snow and ice build-up?
Unfortunately, there’s no one simple solution to preventing snow and ice from falling on your roof. Luckily, by living in Preston, UK, there is usually not too much snow yearly. We don’t often experience snow and ice storms.
The best tip would be to purchase a high-quality roof rake. Roof rakes allow you to safely remove snow and ice from the roof more easily, reducing the risk of it sitting for longer and causing issues.
We also recommend that you always contact a professional roofing company if you are concerned about any aspect of your roof’s structural integrity. Take all of the precautions you can to keep it in good condition; otherwise, it can be a very expensive fix. Precautions can be as simple as regular roof inspections. Here are the average costs of a new roof in Preston.
Is your roof becoming old and worn? Then, it might be time for a roof replacement in Preston. We are a dedicated roofing company covering all areas of Lancashire. Contact us today for a roof consultation. Our team of roofers in Preston will be more than happy to help. We hope this blog has been helpful on how snow and ice affect roof longevity.