6 Ways To Get Your Roof Ready For Winter

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6 Ways To Get Your Roof Ready For Winter

As a business, you’re spinning a lot of plates. And while the condition of your roof might not be one of them, it’s definitely worth a look in. Harsh winter weather can exacerbate any existing roofing issues, as well as potentially causing others if not properly addressed. 

In this article, we’ll cover some essential tips for how to prepare your roof for winter, so your premises can remain in great condition even in the harshest weather. 

snow on a commercial roof

6 ways to get your roof ready for winter

Get a survey of the roof 

Have you noticed a stain on the wall or has a wet spot suddenly appeared? These could be telltale signs of an issue with your roof or guttering. 

In these cases, it’s best to arrange a comprehensive roof survey to identify any problems. This means you can take action and correct them, fast, before they become a bigger and more expensive problem. 

Here at Total Cladding and Roofing, our experts look out for issues such as: 

  • Failing end lap seals 
  • Failing rooflights at the end of their life 
  • Perished sealing washers
  • Pooling water on a flat roof 
  • Blocked gutters 
  • And more

Once the problem has been identified, we can identify the right course of action to correct it. 

Plan and action repairs 

Once the state of your roof has been determined, plans can be made to rectify the issue. It’s always recommended to fix any issues before winter, as damp and cold conditions can lead to critical failures – resulting in costly repairs or total replacement of the roof and possible damage to other parts of your property. This can all be avoided with quick, professional repairs from the experts at Prothos. 

Upgrade your roof to save on energy bills 

Energy prices are increasing all the time, and this is particularly noticeable in winter. That’s why now is the perfect time to upgrade a roof and add some much-needed insulation. 

Whether your roof is flat or pitched, a reliable roofing contractor, such as Prothos, will offer many ways for you to dramatically increase the thermal retention of your buildings. This is also a wise investment for any business owner, as the money saved on energy bills will eventually pay for the new roof. 

Don’t forget gutter maintenance 

As a sometimes overlooked area of a building, the gutters also need occasional attention, especially after autumn when they can easily build up with fallen leaves and debris. Damp conditions can then cause leaves to break down, creating the perfect environment for moss and grass to grow. All this material can block up a gutter, causing backups and overflows that hinder its capability. Also, if your gutters are situated within a parapet or between two elevations (also called valley gutters), this overflow can enter the building and damage property inside. 

That’s why it’s vital to maintain gutters and regularly have them cleaned by a professional to restore healthy water flow. 

Cut edge corrosion 

Over time, the roof end laps may become corroded and begin to leak. Heavy precipitation in winter can then lead to water ingress into a building or, in the worst case, premature failure of the whole roof. Luckily, this can be avoided by cut edge treatment to restore their quality, and the cost of this treatment is far less than replacing a whole roof. 

Flat roof maintenance  

Due to their shape, flat roofs can naturally accumulate leaves and moisture. Bitumen and asphalt in particular can become brittle in these damp conditions, and when this is coupled with continuous expansion and contraction, this causes micro-cracks to form. Once these become filled with water and freeze, these cracks become even wider – eventually leading to unavoidable repairs and replacement. 

That’s why preventative maintenance is highly recommended. By cleaning the flat roof and applying a polyurethane coating, you can prevent this degradation and subsequent water ingress. During these works, insulation can also be incorporated – and here at Prothos, we offer a 20-year manufacturer guarantee, so you can rest assured of the maintenance of your flat roof going forward. 

Get prepared with help from Total Cladding and Roofing, the UK specialists in commercial and industrial roofing. Our expert surveyors and fully-trained team can diagnose and repair any type of issue with your roof, including general maintenance to keep your building safe, watertight and fully operational for employees and clients alike. 

Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs.

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