Tag: Home Repairs

Snowy weather isn’t what we usually expect in March, but England’s climate is anything but predictable and often has the potential to surprise us. As well as experiencing icy pavements, frozen pipes and slushy roads, it’s quite common to find that your roof leaks after a spell of snow, even if this doesn’t happen when it rains. That is when you need to look for a company that excels in roof repairs. For many homeowners, this can come as a shock, but there is a logical reason why your roof only leaks when it snows, and there are things you can do to prevent it.

What is ice damming?

When snow and ice freeze down by the gutter line on your roof, it creates a blockage. Once the snow melts, the water can’t drain generally because the gutter is clogged, causing it to build up. Instead of running away from the house, water backs up in areas that aren’t designed to hold a substantial amount until it eventually begins dripping into your home. The good news is that this doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem with your roof, but it does mean that the ice will need to thaw out for the problem to subside entirely and the water to stop dripping.

Is there anything to stop the roof from leaking when it snows?

Once the ice has begun to clog up the gutter, there’s very little you can do to stop it. If this happens, then you would likely need roof repairs. After it has thawed and the snow has subsided, it’s a good idea to ask a roofer to come to your home to ensure the roof isn’t damaged in any way or needs repair. As tempting as it might be to try and clear some of the ice yourself, it’s not an idea that you should try at home.

Not only is working at height a significant safety risk, but you could also inadvertently cause more damage to your roof and incur extra expenses. A rake can clear the snowfall off the roof before it freezes, but if you attempt this, use one with a long handle, so your feet stay firmly on the ground. It’s also worth placing a bucket or container under the roof to catch the water as it begins to thaw, so it doesn’t freeze on the walkway underneath and cause people to slip over.

Can you prevent the roof from leaking when it snows in the future?

As a rule, we don’t experience too much snow in England and aren’t subject to harsh winters (although they do seem never-ending sometimes!) However, there are things we can do to prevent ice damns from occurring when it does snow and limit the potential damage it can cause.

As much as it’s easy to neglect our gutters, clearing them regularly is good practice to remove the build-up of leaves and debris. ASK Building & Repairs often repair gutters and roofs whenever we can. This will help water to drain away from your roof before it pools and has a chance to freeze into an ice dam. If your loft is insulated correctly, this can also help slow down the freeze/thaw cycle and keep the warmth inside where it belongs. When heat transfers from the attic to the snow on the roof, it speeds up the rate at which it melts and causes it to pool where it shouldn’t. By insulating your loft, you’ll benefit from keeping ice dams to a minimum while helping reduce your energy bills.

Contact us for Roof Repairs from ASK Building & Repairs

If you want to learn more about roof repairs and insulation or suspect your roof could be damaged, please get in touch with us at 07773 019 410, and we’ll gladly offer advice. You can also email info@askbuildingandrepairs.co.uk if you have any questions or want to send over any photos of your roof or guttering for us to look at.

As much as a water leak is a major inconvenience, they are extremely common and have the potential to cause extensive damage to your home if they’re not dealt with properly. According to the Association of British Insurers, approximately £1.8 million is paid out daily due to water damage.

Minimising the damage of a leak

However, the good news is that responding quickly to a leak can minimise the repercussions and the amount of restoration work you need. As a local business offering building repairs in Derby, we want homeowners and tenants to be aware that a leak isn’t always the huge gush we often associate with water damage and that the right steps can make a huge difference to the costs incurred.

Signs that you could have a water leak

Water leaks are sneaky because they can often present themselves as slow drips after a shower, a damp smell or mildew. They could be so subtle that you may not even be sure you have a water leak, but there are signs to look out for. If you notice a drop in water pressure or flow from your taps, it could indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your property. This is because if a pipe or water pump becomes blocked, the water pressure increases, causing the pipe to expand and then break.

A sudden increase in your water usage with no explanation is another sign to be aware of, as is a waterlogged area in your garden or noise coming from the pipework. In more severe cases, a surge of water or a heavy drip through the ceiling will be much more obvious and require swift action to keep damage to a minimum.

What should you do to reduce the water damage in your property?

Whether it’s a slow drip or a more obvious stream of water, the first thing to do when you notice a leak is to turn off the water supply. This can be done by locating the stopcock (usually found under the kitchen sink) and turning it anti-clockwise. Once this has been completed, it’s a good idea to drain the pipes by turning on the cold tap and leaving it on until the water stops running. Because DIY plumbing rarely produces good results, calling in the services of a professional is the quickest and most efficient way to solve the problem. A delay in contacting a qualified plumber could lead to more damage if the leak escalates and ultimately become more costly.

Having a water leak

If the restoration work you need looks extensive, it’s also worth considering the expertise of a business that can arrange the repairs and liaise with the insurance company on your behalf. Having a water leak can be stressful enough as it is without the added admin, so having someone who can arrange all aspects of the process can save you time and money and take the weight off your shoulders.

If you suspect a water leak in your home or property or would like to speak to us about organising repair work as part of your insurance claim, you can call ASK Building and Repairs at 07773 019 410 or email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com.