Top 10 causes of roof damage in London

While the roof of your home is an important part of life, you very rarely pay any real attention to it. You may not notice a problem until something goes wrong. It's a good idea to know what causes damage to a roof so even if you can't get up there to inspect it yourself, you should be aware of what may create a potential problem.

Nearby trees

Tree limbs from nearby trees can fall onto the roof because of high winds or a rotten branch may just smap and land on your roof. If the tree limb is weakened by disease it might not take much for it to snap. It may be well worth inspecting all the trees around your home and remove any branches that may cause a problem.

Another problem with trees is the build up of debris on the roof they can cause. Leaves, twigs and pine needles can develop into an accumulation of debris that remains constantly wet underneath causing the roof to deteriorate and the roofing structure to rot. Even though gutters catch all this debris as well, unless a proper screen is fitted, this can cause them to overflow causing more damage to the property.

Animals and pests

Animals can also cause a lot of damage to a roof. Nesting birds, squirrels, rats, mice and bats can all cause serious damage to your roof if they access the loft. Cavity walls with a missing brick can be a gateway to rodents. They will travel up to find a snug place to nest and cause damage and unwanted odours while there.

Water and wind damage

Gutters and down pipes are designed to channel water away from your roof. If the gutters are poorly maintained or full of debris, water can back up and seep into the edges of the roof. Over time this can cause the roof to develop areas of rot.

Wind can lift tiles off the roof and even minor wind damage can become a big problem later on if rain seeps in and leaks through the ceiling or down the walls. Sometimes you may notice a missing tile or piece of a tile on the ground after a storm. This a good indication that the roof needs looking at by a qualified roofer.

Hail can damage the protective mineral coating on asphalt roof coverings, leaving bare spots. This exposes the roof to other forms of damage such as moisture and UV rays. Excessive hail damage can shorten the life span of any roof.

Cold weather

Where the temperatures drop low enough for snow and ice to develop, they can create problems for a roof. Ice can freeze along the eves causing the snow to back up. As freezing and thawing lifts the shingles, melting ice and snow can leak into your home.

Roof flashing around chimneys, vents and along the edge of a roof are designed to keep water out of your house, but if the flashing becomes damaged it can let water get underneath the roof, causing rot or leaks to the interior of your home. The roofing sealant that seals the flashing down can also dry out and become loose causing water damage.

Sun damage

The sun plays a major role in the life span of your roof. Over time shingles can dry out and crack. They can actually fall off the roof leaving sections with little or no protection. UV damage from the sun is just a part of the wear and tear of a roof, but is also a sign that a roof may need replacing or repairing.

While all of these problems can cause damage to your roof, they have one thing in common. They can let moisture in and moisture is the number one cause of damage to your roof.

Roofing types in London

When one thinks of a roof on a building, one tends to think about tiles or slate, however this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to roofing. Admittedly, the vast majority of buildings in London will have a number of different names, including inverted pitch roof, butterfly roof and even the London Roof. It is a pitched roof, but it generally cannot be seen from ground level as it is concealed behind a parapet wall. Although these are the most common types of roof in London, there are many others to be found if you look up. Below we will look at just some of the roofing types and various differences that can be found in and around London.

Roofing types for extensions in London

Roof designs and shapes differ a great deal. The style may be down to a personal preference of the homeowner, or it may be dictated by the local authority. For example, in some parts of London there are restrictions on having roofs designed in a particular way and even restrictions as to what type of material covers the roof, this all comes under the remit of planning conditions.

Benefits of a post winter roof inspection from a professional roofer in London

Your roof takes a real battering every single year, particularly during the winter, which is why T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd Roofing Specialists are always ready to provide our customers in London with professional roofing work and repair services.

Finding a roofing contractor in London

When searching for a roofing contractor, you should take a few steps to ensure you select the best roofer for your budget. Following each step of the process protects you from being duped by unscrupulous rogue traders. T. J. Copping Roofing Ltd Roofing Specialists, offers this guide to finding aprofessional and reliable roofing contractor.

Further Information

If you would like to know more or are interested in a quote we would be happy to help. Phone us on 01438 229 655, email us at enquiries@tjcoppingroofing.com or fill in our enquiry form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.