Storm season is over in the UK. But while the two most serious culprits, Ciara and Dennis, may have passed, your roof might still be suffering from their impact. In this post, we’ll discuss the kind of damage a storm can have on your roof and the best course of action to take now and in the future.
Storm damage in the UK
The UK’s weather is relatively calm, compared to the tornadoes and severe heatwaves we see in places like the US. That said, we do see some serious storms each year between December and April.
Storm Ciara’s winds reached over 90mph in place and Storm Dennis brought gusts of around 60-70mph. Both exceeded the gale force threshold of 40mph, which was paired with heavy downpours across the country.
It’s no surprise that this combination can be damaging for your roof. High winds and heavy rain exploit pretty much any weak areas on your roof. The strong gusts will lift loose tiles or flashing, while heavy rain will find its way into any cracks or gaps.
What to do after a storm
The most important thing to do after a storm is get in touch with a professional roofer. First and foremost, to assess the damage. You will be able to see that your roof isn’t right from ground level, in your loft or just because you can see water getting in.
However, it’s critical that you don’t attempt to go further than this yourself. While it’s tempting for some to get up there and have a closer look, you’ll be putting yourself and your property in danger. On top of that, you might not know exactly what you’re looking for.
Professional roofers can safely assess the damage. Crucially, they can also determine the right course of action that tackles the root cause, rather than just patching up the damage.
Will I have to wait?
Storm season is without a doubt the busiest time of the year for roofers. Not just because of increased demand for repairs to storm damage, but also because the harsh weather conditions make it harder to schedule work in. If wind speeds are exceeding 60mph, for instance, it’s just not safe for roofers to be working at height.
With that in mind, it’s even more important to get in there early and call a roofer as soon as you can. You’ll be booked in as soon as possible, minimising the time you have to wait for repairs. However, if you do have to wait for repairs, your roofer will give you the best advice to minimise damage in the meantime.
Preventing storm damage in future
While there’s no way to guarantee that high winds and heavy rain won’t damage your roof at all, the best chance to prevent serious issues is by making sure your roof is in a good state before storms hit.
We recommend a professional roof inspection at least once a year, to make sure every aspect of your roof is ready for whatever the weather can throw at it.
Let us put your roof right
If your roof is looking worse for wear after Storm Dennis, the team at DPR Leeds is on hand to help. We have over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of roofing, so it’s safe to say we know what we’re talking about. Give us a call on 0113 335 0043 to arrange an inspection and let us put your roof right.