Can high winds damage a flat roof?
In February the UK was hit by Storm Doris. The Met Office issued yellow and amber warnings for wind, snow and rain, and sure enough, overnight and into the morning of 23rd February 2017, Storm Doris brought blizzards, rainstorms, snow and gales of up to 94 mph. It left a trail of destruction in its path, sadly killing four people as trees fell into cars and debris was ripped off buildings.
So why are we naming storms? Simply put, it’s all about awareness. The Met Office and Met Éireann has launched a pilot project aptly called ‘name our storms’, which has the aim of increasing the general public’s awareness of any impending severe weather. This, in turn, should result in greater safety for us all.
Another way we can stay safe is to ensure that our homes are in a good condition. For example, a lot of the damage caused by Storm Doris was due to roofs. In Northampton, a council flat’s roof felt was ripped off. A nine-year-old girl was hospitalised after a school hall roof collapsed. A seven storey building’s roof was blown off and hit several cars. A commuter in London was struck by a tube roof tile, which left him in critical condition in hospital.
So ask yourself the question – are you certain that your flat roof can withstand gale force winds? Another storm like Doris?
It is vital that you make sure your flat roof is in a decent state. Putting the risk to your family and others aside for a moment, the fact is that if your flat roof was not in the best shape before severe weather, it’s highly unlikely that your building insurance company will pay any claim to cover repairs.
Yet it can be difficult to spot damage when it comes to a flat roof. This is because once water is able to penetrate the flat roofing membrane, it will soak decking and insulation long before any leak is able to be seen inside your home.
By the time you notice a leak, this water can have led to rot, which can weaken your home’s roof structure and cause your flat roof to sag, allowing water to pool and cause further damage.
What can you do?
If your flat roof is constructed of felt or is of a fairly advanced age, it is vital that you regularly check its condition. If you see any signs of leaking in the ceiling above, sagging of the roofing membrane, rainwater pooling, excessive algae and moss, you need to call out an expert to ensure that your flat roof is still up to the task at hand.
If it is time to replace your flat roof, opting for a high quality, durable, maintenance-free product such as High-Tech Membrane Roofing’s preferred flat roofing systems is a must. Our single-ply, uPVC membranes offer the ultimate in protection. They are specifically engineered to act as a waterproof envelope, protecting your home against the very worst the British weather has to offer, from gale force winds to snow; UV damage to rainstorms.
Plus with our LIFETIME guarantee, you are safe in the knowledge that your investment will last you for the rest of your life.
