Taking care of your roof is part of home ownership. Roof damage can be costly if not dealt with early so it is important to keep a watchful eye and undertake regular maintenance to minimise the potential costs of repair and ensure that your roof enjoys decades of longevity.
Here’s a guide to some of the common (and not so common) causes of roof damage in the UK, and what to do if your home suffers them.
Key Roof Damage Information
- Maintenance is essential to avoid costly roof leaks and other problems.
- Many roof issues can be resolved by a professional roofer easily and quickly.
- Never undertake roof repairs yourself without taking appropriate safety measures.
- Keep calm in the event of storm damage to your roof; there are people to help!
- Home insurance can often help with the cost of unexpected roof repairs.
Roof Leaking
Most roofing issues are easily fixed if discovered early enough and don’t require specialist services. There are a huge range of issues that can cause roof leaking, but most are simple and can be avoided through regular maintenance. They include:
Leaves and other Gutter Debris
Leaves collecting on the roof will lead to areas of increased moisture, especially if this is in the gutter area. Clogged gutters will lead to water seeping into the roof over time and, if not cleared, can cause larger problems later. A regular clean out will fix this common issue.
Broken or Missing Roof Tiles
Clay and slate tiles can crack, and tiles can become dislodged and fall from the roof. A broken or missing roof tile is a common cause for leaks. If you’re confident with your DIY, these can be fixed yourself, or call a specialist for a low-cost solution.
Damaged Roof Membrane
The underlay on your roof is designed to help with moisture and protect the building below. Problems with the roof membrane mean this vital layer of protection is unable to do its job and a repair is essential. Again, confident DIY roofers can attempt this fix, but it’s best left to the professionals.
Poor Seals on Skylights, Windows, Chimneys and More
The seals on your roof can deteriorate over time and may even have been fitted badly. If leaks occur around these areas, contact a professional roofer to repair the damage before it worsens.
Uplifted Tiles
Roof tiles do a great job for most of the year, fighting off the elements every day, but high winds can cause lift and dislodge tiles. Take care to check your roof after particularly strong winds to make sure tiles are still in place. Not only can water get in, but raised tiles are enticing to insects and smaller animals trying to get out of the cold.
Nature
Trees and wildlife have little respect for your roof! If left to their own devices, small animals can cause significant damage and a falling tree branch can dislodge tiles. Regular maintenance, including cutting back overhanging trees, will ensure this problem doesn’t occur.
Shrinking
It’s possible for the roof materials to shrink, especially in extreme weather conditions. This can cause gaps in your roofing and lead to leaks. If this is noticed, contact a roofer for advice.
Roof Storm Damage
We’re lucky to not suffer full-blown hurricanes in the UK, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get our share of impressive storms that cause significant damage to property. Of all the roofing problems, storm damage is perhaps the most worrying and does need specialist repair. Here’s a short guide on what to do if your roof is blown off in the UK!
Don’t Panic!
Everything is easier to deal with when you have a level head. While significant storm damage can look devastating and it can feel like it’s all a bit too much, remember that there are professionals ready to help you.
ℹ️ Wait for the storm to blow over before you go out to survey the damage, and take care not to put yourself or anyone else in danger.
Assess the Damage
The two biggest roofing issues after a storm are rain damage and wind damage. Wind can rip tiles from place, while rain will find its way through any cracks to the loft area. Other issues may include: trees, telegraph poles, or other debris falling on the property; hail damage in colder storms; and even insects and animals seeking shelter.
When it’s appropriate to do so, it’s sensible to assess the damage to see what repairs are needed.
Consider if Professional Help is Needed
There are some repairs that can be done with a little careful DIY, while others will require professional roofers. In some cases, it’s sensible to perform temporary fixes to the roof while you wait for the appropriate slot in the roofers’ schedule. If the damage is severe, you may also need to look for temporary accommodation while your home is being repaired.
Consider also that others in your area may also be looking for roof repairs. Acting swiftly to get a quote and have the repairs undertaken will minimise delays. If you’re planning to undertake the repairs yourself, make sure you take all the appropriate safety measures. Structures that have previously been sound may have been damaged by the storm, so it’s always best to check.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Most insurance companies will cover damage due to storms. A lot does depend on your insurance provider, however, so be sure to contact them early in the process to make sure you are not left unexpectedly footing the bill. In some cases, insurance providers will have a certified roofing company they regularly use, others may ask you to obtain quotes yourself.
With roof storm damage, it is key to take photographs and document the damage to make the insurance process as smooth as possible.
Trust Manchester Roofers for All Your Roof Repair Needs
We’re lucky to not suffer full-blown hurricanes in the UK, but that doesn’t mean we don’t get our share of impressive storms that cause significant damage to property. Of all the roofing problems, storm damage is perhaps the most worrying and does need specialist repair. Here’s a short guide on what to do if your roof is blown off in the UK!
