Winter can be a challenging month for both homeowners and roofers. With the cold temperatures coupled with excess rainfall, the conditions can be tricky for anyone with flat roofing in London.
So, if you’re wondering about the challenges faced by flat roofers during these difficult times, you have come to the right place. In this blog, we will discuss everything the cold might interfere with while considering possible solutions for your flat roof.
Can Roofers Work in winter?
Well, in short, yes. Roofers can work in winter, despite prevailing conditions. In fact, most jobs can be done when flat roofing in London during winter, as the weather isn’t that extreme.
And, most often, we work despite these conditions because we don’t have the privilege of taking a leave. Likewise, it is also not advisable to put roofing solutions on hold in these harsher climates. Roofs are essential tools for insulation, which plays a crucial hand in fighting the cold, but most importantly to keep the integrity of your structure intact.
Replace, Repair, and Install a Flat Roof in London
When considering flat roofing in London during winter, numerous factors could influence change. Following are a few reasons why installation, replacement, or repair in London is even more challenging during winter.
Shorter days
For starters, shorter days are a sizable challenge that many workers face. With colder temperatures, the sun also starts setting at around 4 p.m. during the peak of winter. And, as one would expect, roofers need light for their work to be done.
Though artificial lighting options exist, they aren’t ideal and can be tiring to set up. So, in general, shorter days result in roofers having less available time for their work.
Weather
In most instances, the weather may just not permit us to work during winter. And, if we do work despite these prevailing conditions, we’ll only risk your roof and our well-being. But, you shouldn’t really worry, as any experienced roofer knows their limits. Therefore, they’d try to inform you beforehand if they can’t complete the work on your roof.
Weight
A single square foot of snow, when compacted, can weigh up to 50 pounds. Plus, unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs can’t rely on gravity to have their problems slide away. So, instead, you can expect the increased weight to strain the flat roof. In particular, garages, sheds, and carports are the most susceptible to damage.
These roofs are not built to withstand sizable amounts of snow added to a structure. With heavy snow, felt flat roofs can puncture and can even lead to your roof collapsing. And, not to mention, building materials are running short in the UK. This makes the future of DIY repairs doubtful, resulting in a costly dependence on companies.
Tool Efficiency
Even if workers are willing to work during the winter, that doesn’t mean their tools would comply with them. When flat roofing in London during cold weather, some equipment can become ineffective. These could include nail guns, compressors, and certain roofing materials.
As a result, to ensure the quality of work, roofers would have to put in extra effort to work around these difficulties.
How Can You Take Care of Your Roof?
Though it’s needless to say that you should leave complex work to the professions, there are still a few ways to ensure the well-being of your roof. Following are some ways to help maintain your roof on your own.
Clearing the Drains
First and foremost, clogged drains are a sizable issue for many roofs. In winters, rain and snow can be the reason for these clogs. And, if you don’t regularly ensure the area is clear, heavy rainfall or snowfall can result in hefty repair costs.
Membrane Damage
Another way to take care of your roof is to check for potential weak spots or cracks. In more inhospitable temperatures, these cracks can result in much larger damages to your home. So, to be ahead of the worst, you can use a patching kit to repair any minor cracks or problems before they become more serious.
A Leading UK Flat Roofing Contractor
If you’re looking to get professional roofing work done during winter, where better to reach out to than the place you’re reading this article from? With years of experience to guide us, Kabi Flat Roofing can help ensure high-quality craftsmanship at affordable prices. So, contact us today to get a free quote for one-of-a-kind roofing services!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do roofers work in the winter UK?
Though winter may be a challenging season for roofers, there’s no use in putting off a whole three months of work just because of bad weather. Or, as John Steinbeck would say, “What good’s the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness.”
So, yes, roofers do work during winter. With experience, any job can become easier. So, you can always expect top-of-the-line roofers to work despite prevailing conditions.
Can a flat roof be installed in winter?
You can expect the answer to this question to vary depending on the type of roof. In general, when flat roofing in London, hot melt or membrane are the most ideal materials. They are the least hindered by cold temperatures, so the problems with installment faced during winter won’t really matter.
Can you have a flat roof where it snows?
Unlike pitched roofs, flat roofs can’t run off excess snow. Whatever’s left would just pile up, so it’s understandable why that might be concerning. However, with that being said, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a flat roof at all. Instead, you may just be expected to maintain the flat roof more often.
You can do this through frequent cleaning. After a day of heavy snowfall, you should go up to your roof and get rid of any snow before it starts to pile up. Also, in particular, you should avoid piling a lot of snow into one place on your roof. This could result in a higher pressure at an isolated location, increasing the likelihood of damage.
Can roofing work be done in winter?
Yes, roofing contractors can work all year round. Whether it’s the cosy months of spring or the harsh weather of winter, roofers always find a way to get their work done. This is because we understand how crucial our work can be.