How to Protect Your Roof Against Snow and Ice
The weather in the UK often changes after Christmas, with plummeting temperatures replacing the storms of Autumn. This doesn’t mean you can take your eye off your roof, though, as a big freeze can cause as much damage as any other kind of weather.
A few simple precautions to protect your roof against snow and ice should get your home through January and February unscathed.
We are always ready to offer you advice and roof care, whatever the weather.
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How can ice and snow damage my roof?
Even in the mainly temperate climate, your roof could be damaged in several ways by a sudden blast of snow and ice:
Meltwater freezing into ice dams
If snow falls into your gutters or eaves, it may freeze, creating an ice dam which prevents meltwater drainage. Water will always find a way, and meltwater can seep under slates and into your roof space.
A frozen blockage in your gutters will prevent drainage and keep damaging meltwater on the roof for longer.
The expansion and contraction of the ice
Ice contracts and expands as the temperature changes, and this change in mass can cause tiles to loosen and crack, allowing water to penetrate the roof structure, causing all sorts of problems inside your property.
The extra weight on the roof
Large quantities of ice and snow can be heavy. A total collapse is unlikely in the UK except in extreme circumstances, but the extra weight could put a strain on the load-bearing structures in your roof.
How can I protect my roof from ice damage?
Salt your roof
If you have advance warning of severe conditions, it may be a good idea to put a little salt on accessible parts of your roof and around gutters. Salt lowers the freezing temperature of water, and this precaution could prevent the formation of ice dams, ensuring that water can drain off your roof.
Insulate your roof space
A poorly insulated roof space will allow warmth to leak through the roof, rapidly melting large quantities of fallen snow. If conditions are still freezing, the meltwater will freeze again in the colder conditions of your gutters and downpipes, causing the above-mentioned problems.
Repair roof damage promptly and clean out gutters
Cracked slates and blocked gutters and downpipes will worsen the problems caused by ice and snow.
You could consider using our experienced team to inspect your roof regularly to find damage before it becomes difficult and expensive to repair. A roof inspection will identify signs of deterioration in your slates, flashing and seals.
Clear away heavy snowfalls before they melt
It is sensible to do this, but this suggestion comes with a warning. Professional companies like Improve a Roof have the tools, skills and experience to clear roofs safely. It is always best to leave roof height work to the professionals but even more so in snowy and icy conditions.
Contact Improve a Roof for help in preparing your roof for snow and ice
We provide roof cleaning and inspection services in Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire, Manchester, Merseyside, North Wales, Derbyshire, Shropshire, and Staffordshire.
Call us NOW on 0800 046 9686 for a free, no-obligation quotation.