As we enter the winter months here in the South West, the weather starts to take a turn for the worst more often than not. Rain, wind and even snow become part of our everyday lives around this time of year. Sometimes the perfect storm of wind and rain can conjure up volatile weather conditions. When there is a storm, you may take all the necessary precautions to protect your roof and home in general from the elements.

But winter weather can be unpredictable, and sometimes damage to your roof is inevitable. In this post we’ll help you plan for damage and the correct steps to take after the storm has passed.

Wait until it’s safe. 

Don’t go outside until the winds have dropped and the weather has passed. There’s little point in checking for and fixing damage if there is a risk that more could occur. If the storm was strong enough to down trees or power lines, be careful when leaving your property as there maybe debris that could fall and injure you at any second. Waiting until it’s safe to go outside before inspecting your roof is your best bet.

Look for missing or damaged shingles/tiles.

Missing or damaged shingles and tiles are one of the most obvious signs of roof damage. This is your roof’s armour so when it gets damaged your rooftop and home inside are at an increased risk of water damage from rain. This should be your top priority to avoid further damage from rain getting into your property.

If you’re unsure about the extent of the damage or if you need repairs, don’t hesitate to contact us here at R.S.M Roofing Bristol for a free roof survey and repair estimate. Our qualified roofers will take the stress off your shoulders, sorting the issue in a professional manner.

Check for damage. 

Roofs can vary in size, shape, and material. Some material show damage more prominently than other. If you have a metal roof, check for any dents or scratches.  Dents and scratches can weaken the metal and make it more susceptible to damage in the future. For a tile roof check for missing, loose, or cracked tiles. Flat roof repairs may also be required in stormy weather when there is a water pooling, damaged roof seals or cracks/splits.

There may also be hidden cracks that left unattended can lead to leaks and water damage. They may not be immediately visible from the ground or to the untrained eye, so having a free callout from one of our roofers can clarify any worries about your roof.

Chimney repairs

Chimneys often suffer damage during storms as it’s a part of the roof that protrudes above the rest, leaving it particularly exposed to the elements. Heavy rain, wind, and debris all batter chimneys harder than roofs. Leaks become a risk around the base of a chimney. Repeated water drainage issues around a chimney could cause it to become unstable. Worst case scenario, your chimney could fail structurally and fall. At R.S.M Roofing we can provide long-term weatherproofing protection that can be provided through lead flashing your chimney. Find out more here.

Gutter Issues.

The next thing to check for is any issue with your gutter system. Gutters and downspouts help to protect your roof from water damage by channelling water away from your home. After a storm, be sure to inspect your gutters and downspouts for any damage or blockages. Storms tend to pick up debris, often times landing on your roof. When the water is washed away from your oof, so is the debris such as leaves. If this debris builds up your gutter could become blocked and prevent water moving from your roof.

If you suspect an issue with your gutters, we provide a professional gutter service for repairs and cleaning. We also fit low maintenance, durable uPVC guttering which last longer and requires less cleaning.

Look for signs of water or moisture inside your home.

The final step involves checking the interior of your home. If you have an attic, be sure to go up and check for any signs of moisture. Signs of moisture in the attic, such as water stains or mold growth, can indicate that your roof is leaking. By checking here first you limit the damage that could happen to your house before the leak reaches your ceilings.

Sometimes the storm can be so strong that don’t have time check your attic before more symptoms of a leak arise. Water stains can signal that the water from a leak in your roof has penetrated your ceilings and walls. In particular Wet patches on ceilings and walls, and mould or mildew in areas of your home signal the issue has reached your home’s interior.

If you notice any of the warning signs above, have your roof inspected for damage. These symptoms can be caused by other things, like wear and tear, but if they appear after a storm, it’s important to find out what’s wrong. Fixing problems early will prevent them from becoming worse and more expensive to repair later. Contact us on 01174727540, 07458166676, or rsmroofingbristol@outlook.com