If you live in Preston, then it’s likely that you’ll be familiar with the rain! In this blog, we’re looking into protecting your roof from rain – specifically Preston’s wet weather.
Your roof has a very important job when it comes to protecting your home. Therefore, it must be kept in good condition. We know what you’re thinking: how can I do that? Well, the good news is that roof maintenance doesn’t need to be scary.
Essential roof maintenance can be as simple as regularly checking the roof over for any issues. You should check tiles, gutters, and other materials to ensure there are no cracks and that nothing has slipped out of place.
You must consider safety when checking a roof over. If you’re not feeling confident about checking your own roof, then you should contact a professional roofing contractor. At PR Roofing, we can support you with all aspects of roof maintenance.
Why you may be experiencing problems with your roof
It’s no surprise that roofs don’t last forever, especially with heavy rain and strong winds. As they get older, you may notice issues arising, such as roof leaks. Here are some of the most common reasons why you might be experiencing problems with your roof.
Roof flashing
Roof flashing is a thin material that is added to roofs where they may be at risk of leakages. All roofs should have flashing, especially on areas such as chimneys and skylights.
It’s important that you check the quality of the flashing on your roof, as it may need to be replaced if you notice breakages. This can help to prevent structural damage to your home.
Broken tiles
Roof tiles can become broken or slip down your roof, and these can present a risk of roof leaks. You should be able to spot cracked, slipped or missing tiles on your roof, and you may even find them on the floor around your home.
Condensation
It’s normal to experience a bit of condensation in the home, but it can also put your home at risk of leaks and mould. Condensation is essentially moisture increasing in a room, which can cause damage. If you notice mould or water in the home, you may need to consider improving your home’s ventilation.
Roof age
We’ve already mentioned that roofs don’t last forever, and they have varying lifespans depending on many factors. Some of these factors can include the roofing materials used and the home’s location. Ensure that you consider these factors before you make a decision on your next roof.
Clogged gutters
Your home’s gutters are responsible for moving water and other debris away from the roof. This helps to prevent damage to the roof and also helps to keep it clean! You should check these regularly to ensure they are not blocked.
Soffits and facias
Every home has soffits and facias, which are used to reduce the chances of wildlife and water from getting into the bricks of your home. Again, it’s important to consider the materials carefully when choosing new soffits and facias. You should also check your roof for broken shingles.
What to do if your roof is leaking
If your roof leaks due to heavy rain, you must act quickly. Here are the steps that you should take.
- Identify where the leak is coming from
- Contain the water using a bucket or something else
- Move anything that’s near it, especially electrical items
- Take photographs and videos of the damage – read our blog on: is a leaking roof covered by insurance?
- Use tarpaulin if you cannot fix the issue before more rain is due
It’s very important to move all furniture away from the leak. If you cannot move furniture for any reason, you can cover it with waterproof sheets instead. This will offer some protection from rainwater and other poor weather conditions.
It’s very important that you act quickly, especially in the winter months when bad weather is expected.
Contact PR Roofing
After you’ve dealt with the initial leak, you should contact a local roofing company. Our professional roofers in Preston are on hand to support you with all aspects of roof repairs and improvements.
We’ll visit your property, assess any issues and provide you with a quote. There’s no pressure to work with us and we always promise to provide you with a high-quality service.
Proactive ways to prevent roof issues in the future
Stay up to date with roof repairs
If you notice any damage to your roof, it’s vital that you get it looked at and repaired as soon as possible. Leaving leaks for too long can lead to further damage that can end up costing you a lot more. What started as a small leak could result in you needing to replace the whole damaged roof. So, make sure you get issues rectified as soon as possible to ensure a solid roof structure. Read our blog on roof repairs vs replacement.
Check your gutters
Check your gutters to ensure they are free from debris. Otherwise, you may end up with excess dirt and debris on your roof, making it dirty and even adding additional pressure.
Check flashing
We already discussed where flashing is used and how it protects vulnerable areas of the roof. This means you must ensure it is kept in good condition. Broken flashing puts your roof at risk of leaks, even with small amounts of rain.
Regular roof inspections in Preston
At PR Roofing, we can complete professional, thorough roof inspections to give you peace of mind that everything is in order. We will carefully assess all elements of your roof and can provide valuable advice based on your circumstances. Early detection of issues helps reduce costly repairs of your leaking roof. We can support you with roof repairs in Blackpool, Preston and surrounding areas.
We hope this blog has been useful in explaining how rain can make your roof vulnerable. You should also check out our blog on dealing with snow and ice dams.
Do you need a roof replacement or roof repairs? Contact our friendly team today to see how we can help. We also provide services for conservatories and flat roofs.