With the UK recovering from the aftermath of not one, but three storms, the experts at Roofing Megastore have revealed that they’ve seen a significant increase in traffic and purchases in the aftermath of the chaotic weather conditions, suggesting Brits are seeking to fix the damage caused by the storm themselves.
The roofing experts have also provided additional expert insight in to what homeowners can be doing to prevent damage to their homes in the occurrence of future storms.
Gian-Carlo Grossi, Managing Director at Roofing Megastore comments:
“Much of the UK has been battered by the stormy weather over the past few days, with many experiencing levels of damage to their buildings and homes. We’ve seen a 9,900% increase in traffic (when compared to the week previous) for our online guides which advise people what to do when a storm damages your home. This suggests that many people have been affected by the extreme weather conditions over the past week, and are now seeking out advice on how to fix the damage that has been left as a result.
Whether it’s damp and mould in your loft space due to high levels of moisture, or high winds during a storm blowing away roof tiles, there’s plenty to be aware of during storm season…
1. Due to how exposed it is, your roof space will often be at risk of damp and mould. Not only do these present significant health risks to any residents, but they can also weaken the structure of your roof if left unchecked.
2. If water ingress, mould, and moisture damage are left to run amok for too long, they can lead to rot within the structural timbers of your roof space. This is both difficult and very expensive to fix, especially if not caught early.
3. The most common cause of serious damage in these events is a roof leak. Sometimes fixing leaks is as simple as spotting the source and replacing a few roof tiles, however more serious leaks can be difficult to diagnose and may require professional help. We recommend checking your loft space after heavy rainfall to catch any issues early.
4. Storms often feature high winds, which can wreak havoc on vulnerable roofs. Any roof tiles or shingles that are loose are at risk of being broken or blown off completely, which is both unsightly and presents significant weak spots if left unfixed.
5. While hail is less common than driving wind and rain, it can still cause serious damage to a property. It’s important to inspect your roof tiles after a heavy hailstorm, as any dents left in the tiles are a perfect breeding ground for future mould growth and potential leaks.
In many cases, storm damage will be minor enough to handle yourself. It could be a few dislodged tiles, a number of hail dents or a blocked guttering system. These issues are easy to fix with some basic DIY knowledge, although if you don’t feel comfortable doing the work you can always consult a professional.
The first step is to carry out a thorough inspection of your roof, ideally both inside and outside. Are there any loose or missing tiles? Is there any visible damage? Has a leak formed in your roof space? Whatever the issue, it’s important to sort it as soon as you can.
During the week of the storm (14th – 20th Feb) several of our products saw massive increases in purchase numbers, including: bitumen roof sheets (+98%), steel roof sheets (+91%), guttering (+41%), and polycarbonate roofing sheets (+19%).These items are all primarily used on lightweight structures (i.e. sheds, carports, and conservatories) or agricultural buildings (i.e. haylage storage and livestock housing), suggesting people are looking to fix smaller incidents of damage themselves.
So what can people do to prevent damage to their roof in future storms? Gian-Carlo Grossi, Managing Director at Roofing Megastore goes on to comment:
“Unfortunately, there’s no way to control the weather. What you can control however, is making sure that you use high-quality, robust roofing materials that are installed correctly to protect your property. Another vital step is to perform regular roof maintenance, which as a minimum includes inspecting your roof (inside and out) as well as cleaning your roof. These inspections will allow you to assess the state of your roof and identify any weak points in need of repair. You should also consider pruning any trees near your home, as overhanging branches can break and fall directly onto your roof during stormy weather.”
https://www.roofingmegastore.co.uk/blog/storm-damage-to-roof.html
