Four Winter Roof Health Checks

Roofers Manchester • November 29, 2022

The Winter is nearly upon which can be a testing time for your roof. Therefore, Roofers Manchester thought it would be useful to outline health checks that property owners can conduct to ensure they are winter ready. Your roof should never be overlooked, a strong and well maintained roof protects your building structure and internal space from the elements


Below our roofers in Manchester discuss four important inspections you can make on your roof as the Winter approaches.


General roof survey

From ground level, preferably with binoculars check your roof for aby obvious signs of damage and wear and tear. Try to identify any loose or missing shingles and tiles. Picking up on minor issues before they become bigger will save you future time, effort and money. Our roofers in Manchester also recommended inspecting the flashing for any defects and chimney for crumbling mortar and damaged brickwork.


Wildlife

Roofers Manchester advise that birds on your roof can damage your roofer covering. if you have noticed an excessive amount of birds on your roof, it may be worth buying some devices to keep them at bay. Contact you local professional roofers near me to fit them.


Animals such as mice, rats, squirrels and birds are know to make their homes in internal roof spaces. Survey your loft area regularly to make sure there are no gaps for unwanted wildlife. These type of animals can wreck havoc to your roof structure.


Gutter Maintenance

Our roofers in Manchester, advise the primary function of your gutters and downpipes is to transport rainwater safely away from your property and in to the drains. During the Autumn gutters can readily become blocked with leaves, twigs and other debris. When gutters become clogged, rainwater is unable to drain correctly, leaving your gutters vulnerable to flooding. Over time this can  potentially lead to significant damage to the structure and foundations of your building. In addition the weight of the pooling water can cause your gutters to sag and even fail.


Inspecting your gutters for leaks and clearing them on a regular basis, especially in the Autumn and Spring, is crucial roof maintenance. Have you local roofers in Manchester complete this for you. It is also worth trimming back any trees that have overhanging branches close to your property.


Internal roof space

Once you have finished inspecting the exterior roof, take a look at your internal roof space. Check for any damp areas that could indicate a leak, make sure your have enough roof insulation, is there any sunlight making its way in through the roof tiles and membrane. In addition, check the wooden rafters for any sign of decay and mould.


Contact Roofers Manchester for professional guidance on your roof and your free quote. For an overview of our services visit our homepage.

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When it comes to roofing projects, understanding and adhering to local regulations is essential. Whether you're repairing storm damage, replacing an aging roof, or installing a completely new one, compliance with local rules can save you from fines, delays, and even costly rework. In this post, we’ll guide you through Manchester’s specific roofing regulations and explain why following them is vital for homeowners. Why Are Roofing Regulations Important? Local building regulations are designed to ensure that all construction work, including roofing, is safe, durable, and environmentally friendly. By adhering to these rules, you achieve the following: Protection of Your Home: A compliant roof can withstand Manchester’s frequent rain, wind, and occasional snow. Ensure Safety: A properly installed roof reduces risks like leaks, collapses, or structural instability. Avoid Legal Issues: Non-compliance can lead to fines, enforcement notices, or the need to redo the work. Maintain Property Value: When selling a property, buyers often request proof that any roofing work meets local building regulation compliance and planning restrictions. Key Roofing Regulations in Manchester While roofing regulations may vary slightly depending on your specific borough in Greater Manchester, here are the main rules to be aware of: Planning Permission for Roofing Projects In most cases, roof repairs or replacements don’t require planning permission. However, you’ll need approval if your project significantly alters the building's appearance or height, such as adding dormer windows or changing roof shapes. Homes in conservation areas or listed buildings often have stricter requirements. Building Regulations Compliance Even if planning permission isn’t required, roofing projects must comply with building regulations. This includes ensuring adequate insulation, structural integrity, and proper ventilation. You may need an inspection from a local council budling inspector to confirm compliance. Energy Efficiency Standards Re-roofing projects involving more than 50% of the roof require you to improve the insulation to meet current energy standards. This regulation helps reduce energy bills and aligns with Manchester’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction. A well insulated roof can also help you to stay warmer, providing a mor comfortable property to live in. Drainage and Rainwater Runoff Given Manchester's frequent rainfall, proper drainage systems are essential. Roofs must include appropriate guttering and downpipes to direct water safely away from your property. Water run off from roofs generally goes into surface water drains, however you may need further approval from the local water authority if you are tapping into new drains or creating new drainage runs. Fire Safety Regulations New roofs must comply with part B of the building regulations in relation to fire safety. Be aware that if your property is classified as high risk, additional fire safety documentation may be required and you may need to apply to the Building Safety Regulator under the updated building safety act . If you're using materials that could impact fire safety , you must ensure to obtain the required documentation to prove that your roof is compliant with the appropriate standards. Most reputable roofing manufacturers will provide fire safety certificates for their products. Health and Safety During Construction Contractors working on your roof must follow the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This includes having a safe plan for working at height and minimising risks to workers and homeowners. As the client, it is important for you to do your due diligence when researching for a contractor to use, as you have a duty to ensure they are competent to carry out their work. How to Stay Compliant Hire a Professional Roofing Company - a reputable roofer will be familiar with Manchester’s local regulations and ensure all work complies. Always ask for certifications or proof of accreditation when hiring contractors. Obtain Necessary Permissions Check with your local council to confirm whether your project requires planning permission or a building control application. Your contractor can often handle this on your behalf. Use Approved Materials Only use roofing materials that meet UK safety and quality standards. Your contractor should provide documentation for the materials they use. Schedule Inspections If your project requires building control approval, arrange for inspections at key stages of the work. Keep all paperwork for future reference. What Happens if You Don’t Comply? Non-compliance with local roofing regulations is a serious issue and should not be ignored. If the completed work is not compliant to the required standards, it can lead to fines, delays due to being served with stop notices by the council, expensive repairs, reduced property value. If you are unsure about what is required in accordance with the regulations, get in touch with a qualified roofing contractor.  Manchester Roofing Experts You Can Trust Navigating roofing regulations can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Manchester Roofing Repairs , we specialise in roofing projects across Greater Manchester, ensuring compliance with all local and national regulations. From planning permissions to inspections, we handle the details so you can focus on enjoying your home. Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s make your roofing project a success!
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