When it comes to keeping an eye on your roof, it is important to watch out for environmental damage that can occur as a result of extreme weathers. The last thing anyone wants is for water to come in through their roof and start to affect the inside of the property. Of course if you notice any damage to your roof or slipped or loose tiles you should speak with a Roof Repairs Gloucester company such as http://gloucester-roofer.co.uk/ to come and have this repaired as soon as possible.
Here are some things to watch out for.
High winds – winds at high speed can cause damage to your roofing tiles by causing them to lift or even fall off completely. Tiles that are lifting or missing can allow the rain to seep into the gap and this will then start to penetrate your home and can affect the other tiles around it.
Snow – excessive snow can be problematic for roofs and flat roofs in particular. Damage can result from the sheer amount of snow on your roof and can cause problems with the tiles and flat roofing structure.
Wildlife – birds, bees and wasps all like to nest in any gaps that they can find in your roofing space and in doing so they make the holes that they find a lot bigger and more likely to let in rain and run off water.
Why missing tiles need fixing quickly
High winds and extreme weather are the most common reasons for tiles going missing or lifting out of position. When you notice this, have the tiles replaced as soon as possible. Even a small gap lets rain seep through, and once water reaches the roof space underneath it can damage timbers and insulation and eventually show up inside the house.
A professional roofer can carry out these repairs safely and check the surrounding area for other weak spots that are hard to see from the ground.
It is also worth thinking about the roof whenever you extend your home. The right roof for an extension depends partly on whether it is single or two storey, and a flat roof is a common choice for a single storey addition. Getting the type and installation right from the start reduces the chance of leaks and weather damage later on.
How roof shape affects drainage
The shape of your roof affects how well it sheds water and where to look for damage. A gable roof, also called a pitched or peaked roof, is one of the most popular designs because it sheds rain and snow easily, so damp patches are less likely to form.
A hip roof slopes on all four sides, which meet at a ridge at the top. Hip roofs are often used on larger properties. They can be more stable than gable roofs and cope well in high winds while letting water and snow drain away, though they cost more to build.
Flat roofs are not truly flat. They have a slight fall so that rain can drain off, because water left standing would soon damage the roof and the building below. Whatever the type, any installation, repair or replacement should be done by a professional roofer, since poor work can lead to leaks and further damage to the structure.