Snow and ice are a normal part of the winter in the UK and of course they create the magical winter scenes across the country that we all know and love – however, despite looking beautiful, snow and ice can cause an array of problems for homeowners and with winter well on its way it is important to be aware of the problems that it may cause so that you can take steps to protect your home.
Roof damage is one of the concerns at this time of the year. When there is heavy snowfall, it puts lots of additional weight onto the roof, and this can be a problem for flat roofs or the roofs on older buildings. If the snow melts and freezes again, it can also form ice which can stop the water from draining properly from the roof and also the ice can expand in the cracks causing damage to the tiles. It is a good idea to get a professional like this roofing company Gloucester liamtaylorservices.co.uk/ to come and take a look at your roof before winter sets in.
Another big problem that can happen in the winter when temperatures drop is frozen pipes. When water freezes inside a pipe it expands, and this can then damage the pipe and in extreme cases causes it to burst. This can cause problems like flooding and water damage to the property, so you need to make sure that pipes are insulated correctly. If you have a hosepipe outside, you need to also disconnect it from the external tap.
Ice and snow also cause slipping hazards on paths and driveways. When it looks like the weather is going to be very cold or snowy, get some grit to put on paths and driveways to make them safer and slip free.
Keeping your roof sound through winter
Snow and ice on a roof add weight, and over time that load can weaken the structure, particularly on older roofs. Strong winds that often come with winter storms can also lift and blow tiles away, leaving gaps where water can get in.
Moisture from inside the house is another risk. In a poorly ventilated home, damp air can become trapped and collect in the roof space, leading to damp and rotting materials. Good ventilation helps stop that moisture building up out of sight.
Regular maintenance is the best way to stop small faults becoming large, expensive ones. Having the roof checked regularly and looking out for signs of damage means problems are picked up early and repaired easily. Keeping it clean and clear of moss also helps it stay in good condition.
Routine roof checks that prevent bigger problems
Regular roof maintenance helps protect the house from damp and damage, and a roof in poor condition can even cause problems when you come to sell. Moss is a common issue, especially on north facing roofs. Heavy growth holds moisture and adds weight, which can lead to damage, so it is worth having a large build-up cleaned off.
Check the attic from time to time for leaks or patches of damp, which suggest the roof needs repair. These problems only get worse the longer they are left. If you have solar panels, keep them clean so they work well, taking care not to damage them, as they can be tricky to reach.
Trees growing close to the house can harm the roof if overhanging branches keep rubbing against it, so have them cut back by a tree surgeon. Chimneys should be kept clean and inspected for blockages, which are a serious fire hazard, and the structure checked for damage such as worn flashing that needs replacing.
A winter maintenance routine for snow and ice
A seasonal maintenance check before the worst weather arrives can protect your home and save money on repairs later. Start at ground level by shovelling snow away from the foundations, so meltwater does not collect at the base of the walls. If you cannot clear a full channel, concentrate on the areas most prone to water damage, such as concrete steps and basement areas.
Higher up, ice on roofs and in gutters can form dams that damage fascia boards and roof coverings and let water work its way into the building. De-icing cables fitted early in the season make this easier, or you can carefully chip away ice and snow with a scraper. Clear external vents with a brush or shovel too, as blocked vents can affect heating systems and add to damp and rot in timber.
Indoors, replace heating system filters at least every three months. Finally, bring garden furniture and tools into a shed or garage, or cover them with tarpaulins if they must stay outside.