With the dark evenings drawing in, the chill of winter has officially arrived. For roofing contractors across the UK and Ireland, ensuring buildings are properly winterproofed is at the top of the agenda. In the latest learning resource from Tecron, we explore some key considerations and actionable tips you can follow to ensure your roofing systems are ready for winter.
The winter seasons seem to become more challenging every year, with weather events like heavy rainfall and high winds presenting a significant challenge to both commercial and residential roofs. Now more than ever, winterproofing is essential not only for safeguarding the structural integrity of a building, but also the safety of workers and residents.
Why is winterproofing so important?
We all know that winter weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving. However, statements by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) highlight that this problem is to get worse in future years, with the number of intense storm periods set to increase along with levels of heavy rainfall. Roof areas in particular are highly vulnerable during construction or repair work, with lightweight materials like insulation and waterproofing membranes potentially becoming dangerous projectiles if not properly secured.
Aside from that, improperly prepared roofs will become more susceptible to water ingress, leading to damage not only to materials, but also the building’s interior. Fortunately, there are a number of steps that contractors can take to prevent damage that could otherwise lead to costly delays, repairs and for building owners across the board, the time to act is now. For steps you can take to winterproof your roofing project, keep reading.
A Guide to Winterproofing Your Roof
Winter presents many challenges. However, there are many steps you can take to mitigate these challenges, from basic safety steps like avoiding the overstacking of products to more considered approaches such as planning for day-by-day installation. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Winterproof Your Project
- Avoid overstacking: This is one of the most common mistakes we see being made in roofing projects, and presents major risks during more extreme weather conditions. While it may seem efficient to place everything on-site at once, it really drives up the risk of materials being blown away in high winds, turning them into potentially dangerous projectiles. Our tip here is to store materials at ground level wherever possible, only bringing them to roof level in manageable quantities when needed. Aside from reducing the risk of wind damage, this also generally improves on-site organisation and safety.
- Use night seals: Unfinished roof areas are especially vulnerable to water ingress during winter. Night seals provide temporary protection, preventing rainwater from seeping into exposed sections of the roof or insulation layers. Our advice is to use Tecron Self-Adhesive EPDM Flashing Tapes for night seals. These tapes are designed to form a reliable barrier, keeping water out and safeguarding work-in-progress areas until construction resumes.
- Cover and secure uninstalled materials: As a roofing contractor, you’ll understand that materials can degrade quickly when exposed to the elements, causing them to lose their structural integrity or waterproofing capabilities. This is why we recommend that you always securely cover any uninstalled materials with tarpaulins or other weatherproof coverings. For peace of mind, we advise that you weigh these down, or tie them to prevent them being displaced by the wind.
- One day at a time: For higher levels of safety, it’s worth planning your work incrementally. You should only expose or open as much of the roof as can be covered or completed within the same day. Installing insulation in manageable sections ensures each area is fully covered with waterproofing layers before moving on. We also advise that you avoid leaving insulation exposed overnight or during rainfall, as water can pool on the vapour barrier and compromise its effectiveness.
- Fully adhere materials wherever possible: Fully adhering roofing membranes and insulation provides greater resistance to water ingress during work-in-progress stages. It creates a stronger bond, minimising the risk of materials lifting or becoming dislodged during adverse weather conditions. When fully adhering membranes or insulation, Tecron recommends using high-quality products specifically designed for winter applications to ensure durability and long-term performance.
- Account for vapour & water management: Last but not least, let’s talk about vapour and water management, one of the less visible but equally critical elements of winterproofing. Always remember that water ingress does not only occur from rain, but also from condensation caused by fluctuations in temperature. By incorporating vapour control layers into your roofing system, you can prevent moisture build-up in the roof structure. When combined with proper insulation and ventilation, you can manage temperature fluctuations effectively.
4 Advantages of Proactive Winterproofing
By taking these steps to winterproof your roof, you’re not only protecting materials and structures but also setting your project up for success. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduced delays & costs: Weather-related damage can result in costly repairs and delays that throw off project timelines. Proper winterproofing minimises these risks, ensuring smoother progress and fewer unexpected expenses.
- Improved safety: Winterproofing reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by unsecured materials or water ingress. This is especially critical for ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
- Long-term durability: Roofs that are properly prepared for winter weather are more likely to stand the test of time. Protecting materials and ensuring correct installation processes result in a stronger, more durable roofing system.
- Peace of mind: Whether you’re a contractor or a building owner, knowing that your roof is protected against the harshest conditions provides valuable peace of mind during the unpredictable winter months.
Tecron: Winterproofing Your Next Project
Need more advice on how you can take steps to winterproof your next roofing project? Don’t sweat it. Our experts are on-standby to answer any queries you have. To get started, browse some of the products we have on offer. Alternatively, reach out to sales@tecron.ie , call us on +353-91-353545 or submit a query through our dedicated contact page. Let’s get started!