It is extremely uncommon that we encounter extreme weather conditions like tornadoes and cyclones in the UK. Nevertheless, the weather we do experience in the UK impacts our roofs in several ways, so it’s critical to keep our roofs well maintained to cut down and eliminate the risk of having costly roof repairs carried out on your home.
While our weather is never too extreme – not too hot in the summer and not too cold in the winter – Each of the weather conditions we face throughout the year can have an unfavourable impact on the state and performance of our roofs.
With this being said, here’s a complete guide on how the bizarre British weather affects our roofs.
How does cold weather affect my roof?
When winter approaches and the cold begins to abruptly creep into your home, we are all advised to ensure our roofs are well maintained to withstand the harsh effects of the cold weather conditions.
Rain and snow are very common during the colder seasons of the year – autumn and winter – which along with wind can cause damage to your roofing. Roof damage will eventually result in damage to your home’s interior and your possessions.
To repair damage from wind and rain, find a local roofing company by searching your location on Google, for example, ‘roofers Hartlepool’ would help you find a roofer in that area of the UK if you require a roof repair service.
Rain and precipitation
After long periods of consistent heavy rain, the relentless pelting of rainfall on your roof might start to take its toll. Check that your roof can drain rainwater correctly, preventing water from pooling or forming puddles on flat areas. Water that accumulates and stays on your roof could cause the roof to wear and tear, potentially causing cracks and damage.
If your guttering is blocked, it could cause water to overflow on your roof and even create a blockage with your drainage systems. Keep your guttering clear of any foliage and debris to prevent blockages.
Strong winds
Strong winds can also be destructive to your roof, particularly when we suffer the latter end of severe winds and conditions from catastrophic weather in surrounding countries. Strong winds can cause your roof tiles to come loose, move and shift position which can often see them lift and cause your roof to look unattractive and become unable to function properly and effectively.
Does hot weather affect my roof?
Though it may not seem likely that the heat of the sun is causing significant damage to your roof in the summer, the sun can actually have a huge effect on the condition of your roof which is very often overlooked and unseen by the average homeowner until harsh weather comes and exacerbates the damage.
Since most roofs are unshaded, there is no barrier of protection between the sun’s unfiltered UV radiation and your roof, meaning your roof is completely exposed. UV rays can cause your roof to dry out over time, which leads to shrinkage and even weakens some roofing structures. Tiles that are exposed to high temperatures on a regular basis may begin to crack, and the connections between tiles may become looser as a result of shrinking.
