Winter is a time when our roofs are hit hard by the elements, and with so much rain, it’s no wonder our gutters are under pressure. From storm-damaged roofing to blocked downspouts, there are lots of ways your guttering can become ineffective in the coldest months of the year.
Without proper care, gutter problems may soon become costly, so it’s vital you address any roofline issues as they crop up.
Look out for typical gutter issues
There are lots of typical roof issues reported in the winter, from overflowing gutters to cracked downpipes. This includes overflowing guttering, wet patches on your home’s brickwork (usually underneath horizontal gutters) and saturated ground around your property.
Blocked gutters can also cause water to become trapped in pockets between debris, which may result in heavy ice in the system. In these cases, you may see cracks forming along the pipework, gutters bowing or downspouts coming away from the wall under the weight of the debris.
Check your gutters for debris
Many guttering problems seen at this time of year are caused by blockages, especially after high winds when extra debris may have landed on your roof. This can see items like leaves and dirt become compacted in the system, stopping rainwater from travelling through the pipes as it should.
One of the best ways to stay on top of your guttering systems is by scheduling regular inspections and clearances to ensure adequate drainage. However, it’s best to leave this to a professional due to the dangers of DIY roof work.
Cut back your trees
Overhanging trees can cause lots of issues for a property, risking its structure if the tree falls down in stormy weather. It may also result in lots of leaves entering your guttering, which can start to block the passage of rainwater.
While there are optimal times to prune your trees, you may want to use the winter to remove dead, damaged or diseased branches while the tree is dormant. You should also regularly clear up leaves in your garden to stop them from becoming airborne and blowing into your guttering system.
Upgrade your gutters
While many people don’t associate winter with roof work, it’s the perfect time to review what needs doing. While repairs are often a great way to maintain your roofing, many properties need a guttering upgrade.
For example, if you’re experiencing ongoing guttering issues, such as sagging, cracks, rust, mould and overflowing water, it may be time for an upgrade. UPVC guttering is one of the most popular modern systems on the market, so ask your local roofer for a quote.
Need winter roofing services? Contact us
Do you need a winter roofing team to come and inspect your guttering and roofline? At Radlett Roofing, we have years of expertise, from gutter maintenance to new installations. We operate across Hertfordshire, coming out to Hatfield, Harpenden and Kings Langley.
To get in touch, please call now on 01923 961055 or send your message to info@radlett-roofing.co.uk.
