Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks

September 30, 2019 | General
Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks

A leaking roof is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Water damage is a silent but deadly disaster waiting to happen if the structure of a property is compromised, resulting in hundreds of pounds of damage as the roof and surrounding structure deteriorates over time. In fact, water damage usually costs in the region of £100 – £200 to repair, but the cost can increase if the damage is severe. (A complete replacement can skyrocket the price.) 

That’s why it’s always best to prevent leaks in the first place, rather than dealing with the consequences when it happens. Our team run through some quickfire tips to ensure that your roof (and bank account) remain in top condition. 

Choose the Right Material

This might sound simple, but choosing the right material can be tricky without advice from a professional. That’s where we come in. Our team thoroughly recommend Firestone RubberCover EPDM roofing, both for its long-lifespan and hardy qualities. It works wonders on flat roofs throughout the country, with flame-free application, eco-friendly properties and easier installation. 

It provides superior or comparable durability when compared to other types of material, and it’s also resistant to ozone, UV radiation and high/low temperatures. As a result, it’s elastic properties make it perfect for the UK climate. It doesn’t crack or split at low temperatures or soften and melt at high temperatures, reducing the chance for leaks and other types of damage. It’s also recyclable once its lifespan has ended, making it a great investment for the environmentally-conscious homeowner. 

Inspect Your Roof Flashings

Certain parts of your roof are prone to leaks and water damage. This includes anywhere in which water runoff is heavy or where two opposing surfaces meet, as water is more likely to enter the roof in these areas. As a result, roof flashings are needed to stop this from happening. You’ll see these throughout your roof, as they’re present around chimneys, skylights, windows and pipes. 

It’s important to inspect these areas every now and then, or ask a professional to do it for you. If you notice any gaps in the flashing, or if the flashing has been bent or damaged in any way, you should repair it as soon as you can. It is usually a simple fix if the damage is small, so it shouldn’t cost too much if you need to outsource the repair. 

Examine Your Loft

As well as an extra living space, your loft space is a great place to look for signs of damage to your roof. If you’ve already noticed leaks in your home, but can’t see damage on the roof, it might be that the damage is internal. Mould and lack of ventilation cause serious problems, so you may need to contact a specialist if you notice these. Another telltale sign of a problem is soaked or damp insulation without rainfall, suggesting that a leak is present. 

There are other signs to look out for, such as algae stains on wood or black rings and rust around nails, but these are harder to spot. A lot of damp or mould issues come from a lack of insulation, so we’d advise making sure that your loft is well insulated if you find evidence of either issue. To put it simply, the loft is directly below the roof, so any damage will surely show itself in there. 

Maintain Ventilation and Gutters

Your ventilation and guttering are incredibly important, as they prevent structural damage and increase the lifespan of your roof. Ventilation helps air pass through your loft, removing excess heat and moisture from your property. It plays a crucial role in keeping your home comfortable too, and also ensures that your roofing shingles don’t overheat. Proper ventilation also helps combat the previously mentioned mould, which thrives in moist environments. If you’re unsure about which ventilation you need, you may need to contact a professional. 

Gutters and downspouts should also be maintained on a regular basis to avoid potential problems. Leaves, dirt and mould often clog them up if they’re left unchecked, which causes water to accumulate. If you have trees near your home, you should also keep them trimmed and away from the roof, as that could cause problems in the long-term. A regular examination should only take a few minutes out of your day, and could save you thousands in the long run. 

Ask the Experts

If you’re struggling with your own roof, or if you want to find a material that works for your clients, we’re happy to help. Our team are experts in Firestone RubberCover and EPDM products, and we can supply and advise customers across the UK. We have an extremely large stockholding operation, allowing us to restock at short notice too. Firestone EPDM is a great choice if you’re fed up with a leaking roof. To prevent a leak from happening, it’s best to use a material that solves the problem in the first place. 


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