Winter Maintenance for Flat Roofs

Clear Debris and Drains: Regularly remove debris such as leaves from flat roofs to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to leaks. Also, ensure drains are unblocked to avoid roof damage during heavy rainfall.
Inspect for Membrane Damage: Check for any cracks or weak spots on the roof membrane, as these can worsen in bad weather. Small issues can be repaired with a patching kit, but larger damage may require professional attention.
Timely Repairs: Address any damage promptly to prevent escalation, as delaying repairs could lead to major issues like roof collapse, especially during winter.
Professional Assistance: If repairs are extensive, seeking help from experienced roofers is crucial to maintaining the longevity and safety of the roof.

During winter months, flat roofs can gather debris and excessive water due to bad weather and blocked drainage.

Without maintenance, flat roofs can spring leaks and erode, rendering the roof completely unstable and potentially dangerous. To prevent your flat roof from deteriorating, carry out the following maintenance before the weather turns too volatile:

snow

Clear any Debris on Roof

If there is any debris, such as a build up of leaves, on your roof, there is a greater chance of the roof becoming waterlogged and creating leaks in your home.

Take the time to clear debris off your roof – use a stiff sweeping brush to clear large patches quickly.

Clear the Roof Drains

When you are clearing the debris from your roof, pay close attention to the drains.

If you don’t ensure that this area is clear from any obstructions, a heavy day of rainfall can really damage your roof – and possibly lead to a hefty repair cost.

To clear the drain, thread your garden hose down the drainpipe and turn it on full power. The water will cause the drain to flood at first but the pressure will eventually unlodge the blockage.

Look for Roof Membrane Damage

Check the surface of your roof for any cracks or potential weak spots – in bad weather, these sites are likely to become much worse and can cause huge damages to your home.

If you notice any small damaged areas, you can use a patching kit to repair these areas and protect your roof for much longer.

If the damage is bigger, you will need to call in a professional service to carry out the repairs.

Don’t put off Roof Repairs

If you find that your roofing isn’t in the best condition, don’t put off getting the issue repaired.

Failing to take action when you first notice the damage can lead to the problem escalating, and having your roof collapse in the middle of winter is not a situation you want to find yourself in.

Carrying out the repairs in the first instance will be a much quicker and more cost-effective way of increasing the longevity of your roof.

Here at Abbey Roofing, we have a dedicated and skilled team of roofers with more than 20 years’ experience working in both the domestic and commercial roofing sectors.
We work hard all year round, carrying out emergency repairs and re-roofing, and take great pride in the reliable and quality service we deliver.

We offer a range of roofing services including; lead roofing, slate roofing, flat roofing, felt roofing, sheet metal roofing, emergency roof repairs, commercial roofing, new roof installations, gutter cleaning.

To customers in Hemel Hempstead, Watford, St Albans, Bedford, Slough, Milton Keynes, Watford, Barnet, Harpenden and beyond.

Why not contact Abbey Roofing for a free quote today, quality skilled tradesmen at great prices!