Roofs Are Waterproof: Are They Weatherproof?
The basics of roofing are to put shelter over your head.
What is a house without a roof? With proper roofing, you expect to be protected from all the elements outside.
The problem sets in when that same roof above your head isn’t built to last to protect you from the heat of sun, rain, wind, or storm. Your first defence against all kinds of elements is also the first to go down.
Thus, roof repair and replacement are vital to the lasting integrity of your home–if you want it that way.
Though roofs protect you from getting wet, can they stand the test of time?
Protection from the Outdoors
A poorly built roof is not good protection against the outdoors.
The poorly installed roof is prone to damage in quick time, thus, reducing its lifespan. The moment water finds a way to seep, and it will be the start of more problems. And leaking is a common problem.
Worse is when the exposed parts of the roof get damaged faster than expected. What are these parts, and how are they vulnerable?
- Chimney—Check the flashing around the chimney. Due to extreme heat that the vent spews against the cold air outside, warping will occur to tiles and flashing. Once a single tile chip away, it will open a passage for moisture into the roof underlayment.
- Poorly sealed roof valleys—These are folds of the roof that are receptacles, water channels, and all kinds of debris. If this is blocked, water will not flow into the gutter system.
- Clogged gutter—Gutters should have gutter guards to filter debris and allow the smooth flow of water. Water overflow will weaken the metal in the gutter, eventually destroying fascia and soffit in the long run.
Roof experts have a way to ensure that your roof is weatherproof, not just waterproof. They know that when moisture starts to dominate any part of the roof’s exterior and interior and no immediate action is given, more damages are set to crawl the whole roofing system.
Our roofers will know if your roof has been poorly installed or if the previous contractor used substandard materials.
The Roofing System
Wherever you are located, climate changes affect the integrity of the materials within your roofing system. Ice build-ups during snow can cause ice damming. And then the water will start to crawl its way down to the gutter, fascia and soffit.
And when the water gets frozen once more, the ice buildup will clog the water and rerouted to the ceiling, attic, and walls, which are composed of porous materials. These materials will accumulate moisture where moulds will start to form.
Why roof underlayment is essential
The underlayment is a water-resistant barrier placed under the roof.
If the attic is not adequately ventilated, the underlayment will weaken and be unable to protect the tiles or the hardtop surfacing of the roof.
Use fire-resistant materials
Most roofs in the UK either have concrete or slate tiles. Although not wholly fireproof, it takes time before catching fire as they can withstand extreme conditions and heat pressure, thus preventing fire and discolouration.
Use insulation materials that are fire-redundant.
Many homes are saved because their roofing systems are built with fireproof materials.
Upgrade attic insulation
Your attic serves as a barrier between the ceiling and the exterior part of your home.
When there is a leak in the attic, it will start crawling through the walls or contact the interior parts of the roof and ceiling. In reverse, during snow, poor attic insulation will melt the snow, and ice will form.
Install deicing tools
Deicing cables melt the ice to prevent further water buildup.
The deicing cables are usually placed beneath the tiles across the roof sections where ice builds up mainly. Having these laid down will allow the water to run down to the gutter.
Gutter guards
Gutters serve as filters to collect debris that can clog the drain. If there is no gutter guard, dirt will accumulate along the line and bar the water from flowing down.
Consult with our Roofer in Bristol
Protect the roofing component from getting more damage from weather. Significant structural damage that results from a tiny leak that supposedly could have been prevented is an expensive move.
DRE Bristols offers excellent service and unparalleled work ethic when it comes to handling your roofing needs. Our team, who have handled hundreds of similar works, recommend that you conduct regular cleaning and checkup on your roof to avoid a costly roof replacement.
If there is an early sign of a problem, call us. We offer 24-7 emergency call-outs for Bristol residents and the surrounding areas.