CAN GUTTERS CAUSE ROOF LEAKS? WE ANSWER YOUR TOP AUTUMNAL MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS

With the longer days rolling in, it’s time for some easy roof maintenance to prevent rot, damp and condensation issues.

Autumn roof maintenance is an essential part of every homeowner’s seasonal schedule. It’s important to check that your fascias and soffits are still fixed into place correctly, that your gutters are free of dirt and debris, and that none of your roofline fixtures are brittle, cracked or damaged. Here are Brackenwood’s top autumnal roof maintenance tips to help you prevent roof leaks from broken gutters, boards, tiles or fixtures this winter.

1. Free Your Gutters from Debris and Ensure They are Securely Fixed to the Wall and Roofline

Clogged gutters can cause roof leaks. When your rain gutters aren’t able to drain water during heavy rain, water sits on top of your roof and can drip through the ceiling, causing leaks, damp and rot. Leaks will continue to worsen until your gutters are cleared of dirt and debris and the rainwater is allowed to drain. We recommend that you thoroughly clean and clear your gutters using a hosepipe to pour water into the downspout, ensuring water can flow freely out of your gutters and your roof remains leak-free. You could consider installing gutter covers to decrease the likelihood of future blockages and slow down the build-up of debris.

2. Repair or Replace any Damaged Soffit or Fascia Boards

Timber soffits and fascias are prone to problems with rot and damp, especially if they are old and haven’t been properly maintained. This autumn, take a good look at your existing soffit and fascia boards to ascertain whether they provide adequate support for your guttering and ventilation for your roof area, or you may end up with condensation, infestations, rot and damp in the cold winter months, when comfort and warmth are of utmost importance.

3. Remove Any Lingering Asbestos

If your home is an older build and has a roof built before the year 2000, there may be some lingering asbestos fibres in the roof, which are a health hazard. If you think your roof was built with asbestos insulation, seek expert roofing advice urgently and have the materials removed as quickly as possible.

4. Assess the Risk of Bird, Mouse or Insect Infestations

In the colder winter months, it’s common for birds, mice and insects to crawl into warm roof spaces seeking shelter from the outside. You should check the rafters, any unused chimneys, roof tiles and insulation to ensure that there are no gaps or cracks that unwanted visitors could crawl into before the cold weather drives them inside looking for a place to wait for spring.

5. Trim Surrounding Trees

In the winter months, when the wind picks up and storms are more likely, fallen branches from nearby trees can cause damage to your roof and blockages in your gutters. You should take the opportunity to trim any trees surrounding your property before the winter months set in to safeguard against potential damage.

Get an Instant Quote for New Roofline Fixtures

Interested in installing new gutters or replacement soffit or fascia boards? You can get a clear and accurate price for your roofline work by using our dynamic pricing system to request an instant quote. Simply enter your details to get started — the online quotation tool is easy to use and lets you choose different products or compare prices at the touch of a button. Prefer to speak to our expert installation team and get a quotation over the phone? Request a callback and a member of our friendly team will be delighted to discuss your desired products and services in more detail.