The UK saw a number of storms in recent weeks, with rare red weather warnings being issued throughout the South of England and South Wales. Whether it’s 100mph winds or torrential rain to blame, our rooftops tend to bear the brunt of any adverse weather that comes our way.
Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to minimise the impact of storm damage on your roof. While Storm Eunice may already have made her mark, this blog from James Dunn Roofing takes a look at some of the ways you can protect your roof against storm damage in future.
Inspect your property regularly
A good place to start is checking inside your home for anything unusual. Look out for dark lines or brown spots appearing on your walls, as these can indicate things like damp. Areas of your home that generate heat are most prone to developing these signs, so pay particular attention to them.
You should also check your roof’s condition regularly, especially just before a long period of bad weather sets in – for instance, at the start of autumn. This provides an opportunity to identify and fix roofing problems like leaks or blockages before they can be made worse by adverse weather conditions, which could cause significant damage to your home.
Clear out your gutters
Blocked gutters can result in internal and external leaks. If your gutters are clogged, you either need to remove the debris yourself or hire a professional to do so. You should also take this opportunity to perform a leak detection inspection and carry out roof repairs if necessary.
Clearing out your gutters comes with a range of benefits, including keeping your house warm and making issues easier to detect. It also ensures that they can drain rainwater effectively in the event of a storm.
Move or secure outdoor items
If you’re expecting strong winds, it’s a good idea to secure everything that could get blown away or move it somewhere that won’t be affected. Outdoor items might not hold much sentimental value but replacements can be costly, so securing them to the ground could save you a lot of time, effort, and money in the aftermath of a storm.
Additionally, large or heavy outdoor items could cause significant damage to your property if they get blown around – for instance, they could break windows or create holes in your roof.
Cut down trees around your home
There are many plus sides to having greenery on or around your property, but this does present an extra risk in the event of a storm. Whether entire trees come down or just the odd branch snaps off here and there, garden debris can cause serious damage to your roof. Therefore, it’s a good idea to cut down any very large or tall trees or, at the very least, remove precarious branches and fruits that could hit your roof during a storm.
Given the unpredictable weather we face here in the UK, it’s no surprise that our roofs need regular maintenance and repairs to keep them in top condition. James Dunn Roofing offers roofing and building services you can rely on. Based in Oxford, we have over 35 years of experience serving both commercial and residential clients. Contact us today to find out more.