Roof Maker have published their top five tips for winter roof maintenance.

Over winter, a lot of damage can be caused to your roof if you’re not careful. However, there are steps you can take now, to prevent damage later.

Roof Maker discuss their five top tips on how you can look after your roof, to make sure it’s protected against the elements this winter.

Replace Broken Tiles and Damaged Bricks

Roofs are naturally susceptible to erosion due to wind and rain which can result in damaged bricks or broken tiles.

Wintery conditions and broken tiles can lead to leaks in your home which could quickly lead to further damage.

Get any broken tiles or damaged bricks replaced as soon as possible. A roofer should easily be able to sort them out, and the cost will be a lot less than if you were to get a leak.

Insulate Your Roof

You shouldn’t just look after your roof on the outside, but the inside too.

Insulating your roof is extremely important, as not only will it lower your heating bills, it will also help to prevent roof damage in the form of ice dams.

Ice dams are where a ridge of ice forms around the edge of your roof, preventing the flow of water from rain, melted ice and snow. This can lead to leaks and damage to walls and insulation.

Insulation will prevent this by stopping heat from escaping through the roof, stopping any ice from melting.

Clean Your Rooflights

Rooflights are added to allow natural daylight into your home, but if you don’t give them the proper upkeep they need, they could soon cause issues.

Over time, rainwater can stain and discolour window glass. That’s why every month – and especially in winter – you should clean your rooflights.

Clear Your Gutters

Leaves and branches can clog up your gutters which will lead to rusting on your roof. If nothing is done about this, then it could result in a replacement roof needed, which is extremely costly.

You can prevent this by looking after your roof, and clearing your gutter if there are any leaves, dirt or other debris piled up in there.

Check for Mould

Mould grows in damp, humid conditions, which although may not sound like a typical British winter, can still strike.

If winters are mild, and you don’t have an insulated roof, heat can rise up into your roof. If rainwater is stagnant on your roof due to a blocked drain or gutter, then you have a hotspot for mould, moss or mildew to grow.

Insulating your roof and clearing your gutters and drains are all steps you can take, but you should also check your roof for signs of mould anyway.

If left, they can weaken roofing material which will cause leaks and cracks, and will cost a lot of money to repair.