What is the safest, warmest place during a storm? Indoors, of course, in the comfort and safety of your own home. What would be the worst place? On your roof, probably. It is draughty up there. It is wet. It is cold. It is also potentially dangerous, which is why no one should attempt roof repairs themselves. It makes sense to leave the work to a skilled roofer in Central Scotland who understands how rain, wind and snow affect your roof.
Winter weather in Scotland is a mix of rain, wind and snow, sometimes all three within a few hours. Each one attacks a roof in a different way.
How rain, wind and snow damage a roof
Rain
Rain is usually seen as the main threat. When it is driven by wind it can get under tiles and slates, into cracks in the waterproofing and from there into your home.
Wind
Wind can break roof components and throw debris, such as a tree branch, onto the roof. The damage lets in water and cold, and it can give pests a way into the building. If a storm has damaged your roof, our roof repair service offers a same-day response for urgent leaks and storm damage.
Snow
Snow looks attractive when it first falls, but it soon turns to dirty meltwater. On a roof it can refreeze into ice dams, which cause problems when they thaw. Keeping gutters and downpipes clear lets meltwater drain away as it should.
Tips for weatherproofing your roof
First, hire a good roofing company. A local firm found through personal recommendation is best, because a referral from someone you trust is the strongest sign of reliable work.
Second, if a professional has looked at the evidence and recommends major work, accept it and budget for it. Even a small fix can matter if a structural problem could stop the roof bearing the weight of heavy snow. The roof protects the whole building, so a proper repair is worth the cost.
Ask about the parts of the roof you cannot see. What condition is the waterproof felt under the tiles in? What about the flashing that seals the corners and joints? Our lead roofing specialists can check and renew it. And what about the “telescopics”, the overlapping pieces on sloped ridges where roof sections meet?
Weatherproofing is about more than water. It also means protection against wind, snow, sleet, freezing rain and anything else the weather brings, so the roof has to stand up to hard conditions.
With a sound, resilient roof over your head you can ride out the storm and stay warm.