How to Prepare Your Flat Roof for Winter

August 21, 2018 | General
How to Prepare Your Flat Roof for Winter

 

It feels like summer has only just begun. We’ve enjoyed long, hot days here in the UK and many weather records were hit – and broken – in 2018. It was timed perfectly with the world cup, and this year’s summer season has been one that we’ll all remember. However, it’s all about to come to an end.

We know you may not want to start thinking about winter just yet, but when it comes to roofing, it’s best to be prepared. When it’s cold and wintery, any roof damage can be costly. So, to avoid a hefty bill, here’s how to prepare your flat roof for winter.

Spring Cleaning … During Autumn

A great time to clean your roof is when summer turns to autumn. And according to forecasters, summer is due to end on Sunday 3rd September! So there’s not long left.

One of the quickest ways to clean your roof is to simply brush away any loose leaves or debris from the surface. If any water has been left standing, it may have caused moss or algae to grow, so it’s important that this is all removed too.

Check Your Gutters and Surrounding Areas

A big cause of flat roof damage is problems with the guttering attached. You want to check your guttering system, ensuring that no pipes are clogged or damaged. If any parts need replacing, it’s best to get this done before winter hits.

Remove any built-up dirt and grime from your gutters by getting your hands in there and pulling out what you can. Then grab a hosepipe or bucket of water and wash any excess debris away.

Stop Small Leaks Becoming Big Leaks

Rubber roofing has a 50-year life expectancy, but this doesn’t mean it won’t leak. In fact, this is one of the most common issues with flat roofing. If you spot a small leak, it’s best to get this fixed as soon as possible. Repairing EPDM roofing isn’t a tricky job and can quite often be resolved fairly quickly.

Did you know that Avenir Roofing are a trusted supplier of RubberCover EPDM? You can find out more about this on our website: https://www.avenirroofing.co.uk/rubbercover/.

Go for a Full Inspection

Once you’ve done everything you can, it’s best to double check the work you’ve just carried out. You want to make sure that you haven’t missed any hard-to-reach or troublesome areas, as this could just cause problems further down the line. With regular routine inspections and a bit of TLC, it’s suggested that the lifespan of your roof could be increased.

You should check for:

  • Weathering
  • Obstructed gutters and drains
  • Build up of debris and mould
  • Storm damage
  • Vegetation
  • Punctures
  • Blisters

 

To find out more about inspecting a roof, read this blog post: https://www.avenirroofing.co.uk/2018/04/how-to-inspect-a-roof/


More articles from our blog…