Somerset has a cool maritime climate, with warm summers, relatively mild winters, and rain year-round. Roofs keep homes dry, safe, and comfortable, but they don't last forever. So it's important to check them regularly, especially after storms. Some problems are easy to see, like missing tiles or sagging gutters. But a professional inspector conducts a thorough inspection that can detect hidden damage. Regular inspections help homeowners detect problems early and keep their properties in good condition.
Almost everywhere in the UK, including Somerset, roofs are constantly exposed to bad weather. The main threats are rain, humidity, temperature change, wind, and storms. All influences the roofs' condition and lifespan. A roof has to protect against heavy rain, but when the weather is wet, the danger is not just leaks. Persistent moisture leads to rot, rust, and decay. Where air is trapped, roofs can also suffer from mildew or moss. Rain weakens materials and can undermine roof support. And when the temperature changes, contraction and expansion strain joints and seals. Cycles of freezing and thawing are especially damaging. The dry wind that often accompanies rain can further speed decay. But the most extreme damage is caused by strong winds and storms.
2. The Somerset Climate
Somerset has a temperate climate with distinct seasons. The weather can change often and suddenly, with rain, wind and even hail possible in any month. There are long periods of damp weather interrupted by brief dry spells, sometimes in winter when frost is possible but temperatures rarely drop far below zero. Roofs face two main challenges: wet and windy winter weather and warm, humid summer conditions.
Rain and Humidity
Approximately 900 mm of rain falls in Somerset every year, mainly in autumn and winter. Water constantly falling on and soaking into roofs creates conditions for moss, lichen and fungi to grow. When the sun shines, evaporation causes the mixture of moisture and nutrients to dry out. Mosses are split into spores by the powerful ultraviolet rays of the sun and scattered by the wind. Over time, fungal roots invade roof surfaces. Both moss and lichen speed up roof decay, while growths on valley edges and in gutters block the flow of water and lead to leaks or more serious damage.
Temperature Changes
Even in summer, the temperatures of day and night can differ by 10 °C or more. Thermal shock and cooling cause failure of ridge and hip mortar, opening seams for blockages, leaks and dry rot. A single freezing winter's night can crack roof tiles and chimney stacks. These weak points remain until subsequent rains wash out debris. When insulating materials in loft spaces reach the saturation point, the moisture can extend down to the ceiling joists.
Wind and Storms
The almost constant winds batter roofs with increasing force in autumn and winter. In autumn an early storm can tear off foliage before it falls and weaken branches. By winter trees and shrubs are barren, but the wind continues to whistle through their skeleton limbs. Tree root systems become more vulnerable with each strong wind. Branches that survived spring and summer collapse when they meet overhead wires and risking powercuts. A sudden freeze on wet ground can topple trees, causing more devastation on an even larger scale if the wind turns again.
2.1. Rain and Humidity
Somerset weather can be challenging for roofs. The most obvious concern for roofs is the rain. The air over the Atlantic Ocean is often moist. Winds push this moist air against the high land of North Somerset and West Wiltshire, cooling it as it rises. Clouds form. They rain when full. Rainfall levels are high, even on the sunny south side of the Vale of Taunton. The Somerset Levels get their name from their flatness and their location: they are often covered by water because of the many small rivers and brooks that flow into the River Parrett.
Somerset is often among the UK regions with the highest rainfall levels. In fact, between 1995 and 2005, the county recorded 1,000mm or more of rainfall every year. But it is also part of the South West region, which has the UK’s lowest annual averages. Without special relief measures, these extremes soon attack roof coverings and drainage systems. With the right precautions, they are a minor risk. Added humidity, more constant than extreme rainfall, is often more damaging. It wears down roof materials more or less the same way that wet laundry is worn down in a tumble drier. If roof coverings contain organic matter, they may rot. Moss or lichen can grow on coverings, especially slates, which can crack from the weight in winter.
2.2. Temperature Changes
The temperature changes in Somerset also play a part in roof problems. During summer, buildings can get hot inside, but outside can stay cool. This shift causes buildings to expand and contract. Roofs take the brunt of this movement. The stresses can crack tiles, loosen flashing, and worsen leaks.
Winter brings another effect. Snow can settle on roofs and start to melt. When the sun comes out, some snow turns into water. The water slowly makes its way down and drains off the overhang. If the overhang is still cold, more of the water will freeze on it and form ice. Ice can build up over time and cause more leaks.
2.3. Wind and Storms
Somerset's weather is not just wet but also windy. The region's coastal location means that wind, sometimes strong or gusty, is common throughout most of the year. These winds are often accompanied by storms when temperatures rise enough to develop deep Atlantic depressions. Areas at greater heights are subjected to more severe and violent winds, especially in winter.
The combination of heavy rain, warm temperatures, and strong winds makes Somerset particularly vulnerable to severe winter gales. The intense impact of the gusts can detach slates, break ridge tiles, and strip shingles off roofs or whole roofs off buildings. Persistent gales may tear off weather vanes, displace tiles from ornamental work, and break branches from trees still bearing leaves.
3. How Weather Affects Roofs
Regular roof inspections are crucial for every property. Somerset experiences lots of humid weather. Rain causes damage, and the wind and storms make things much worse. High temperatures and humidity can also be bad. Regular checks from professionals can spot common problems that most people do not see. Some types of damage are also invisible and need special tests. To protect roofs from Somerset weather, inspectors check them more than once a year.
The common roof materials—tiles, slates, and felt—react very differently to weather and need different levels of care. It is easy to see damage on tiles and slates. Cracks, holes, and missing pieces show up quickly. However, it is not so easy to spot leak damage that lies under the surface. Shingles hide wet wood, and mortar can crack and crumble inside. It only takes one hidden leak to cause very expensive damage. Regular inspections can stop the leaks and save money.
3.1. Common Roof Problems
The Somerset climate can lead to many roof problems, including:
– Leaking and pool moss. A leaky roof is bad. When rainwater gets into the house, it lowers indoor air quality, promotes mould and mildew growth, damages walls and ceilings, stains decor, and destroys furniture. Further, leaks also cause the roof structure to rot. Most leaks occur around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes.
Pooling water is also dangerous. If rainwater does not run off the roof after storms, water will eventually seep through. Moss may form, which traps even more water and spreads further damage.
– Broken tiles. Tiles are heavy but fragile. Heavy rain, frost, snow, wind, debris, or footfall are all hazards. A single broken tile can cause long-term damage.
– Cracked seals on flat roofs. Flat roofs are hot spots for leaks. Water flows toward the edge of the roof, where a drain should take it away. If the drain is blocked, then leaves at the bottom edge catch dirt and hold water. Like moss, dirt-trapping debris causes standing water. Other leaks on flat roofs can occur where seams meet, where a seal has cracked, or around pipes or vents. Seals need regular inspection because small cracks are easy to miss.
– Rainy damage. Long periods of rain can bring down ceilings. Delayed problems are often concealed. The real damage is caused by damp that spreads slow but sure.
3.2. Hidden Damage
Important roof problems may not always be easy to see. Some can worsen a roof's condition for a long time before they cause serious trouble. Dirty gutters can cause roof leaks, but they are often out of sight. Blocked guttering combined with human error can make a small problem much worse. It is normal for the temperature and humidity of Somerset to change many times over one day. On some very hot and dry days, people sometimes forget about damp conditions. When all of this rainwater cannot drain away because of blocked gutters, it can reach the roof structure. And when melting snow from the roof blocks the down pipes, this melted snow can turn into ice.
Nothing can last forever, so an ordinary roof cannot last forever either. Extreme heat can make some materials fragile. Extreme cold can also hurt some materials. Simple things such as moss and other plants can become dangerous problems for your roof. A little moss does not attract much worry. However, when dark green patches start to get bigger and grow on the edges, danger can start to appear. For pitched roofs, rotting wood can be especially serious because the wood can start to break down and not be strong anymore.
4. Benefits of Regular Roof Inspections
The changing Somerset weather can damage roofs. So, regular roof inspections can help avoid dangerous problems. Roof damage is often hidden, so a professional check is a wise choice. Inspectors check for leaks, breakages, and plant growth. Repairing small issues early saves time and money.
When storms and heavy rain hit, the roof takes the brunt of the weather. Water can get in through breaks, damaged seals, or built-up debris. Winds convert small cracks into leaks, soundproofing insulation into sodden mops, and timber rafters into damp sponges—inviting rot and woodworm. These problems might not be seen until it is too late.
5. When to Inspect
Routine roof inspections are important, especially in Somerset, where the weather is often wet and windy. The best time for these inspections is late summer or autumn. Inspections are most useful when the roof is dry and the rest of the building is warm. Inspections during winter, spring, or summer are also possible. But any moisture on the roof makes problems harder to spot. Inspections should occur regularly, at least once every two years. But if a roof is nearing the end of its life, the inspections should be more frequent. Increased frequency should also be considered if the building is exposed to strong wind, rain, or sun, or if it is near the coast or a forest.
Sometimes it is worth checking the roof after a severe weather event, storm, or major temperature change. Home and building owners can also monitor the roof during periods of bad weather. Anyone inside should listen for water drips or drops. Water stains in the ceiling can be a sign of a leak, and brown blotches indicate the leak has been active for some time. If a leak is suspected, the roof should be checked quickly, either by the owner or by a professional. Most periods of bad weather last a few days, so leaking roofs can often be patched quickly to limit damage to the room or building. Keeping the inside of the roof space dry is essential when a leak occurs.
6. What Inspectors Look For
Inspectors check the roof, chimneys, gutters, valleys, and flashings. Their main aim is to spot signs of wear or decay. They also look for things that might cause problems later.
Missing, cracked, or broken slates should be replaced right away, while blisters or tears in areas of flat roofing should be repaired. Other problems—like build-up of lichen, dirt, or moss; peeling paint; rotten slates, timber, or boarding; leaky ridges or flashings; open or rotten valleys—need careful monitoring. If they become serious, they can be fixed to extend the roof’s life, but if they go unchecked, they can allow leaks that damage the roof and ceilings below.
7. DIY Checks vs Professional Inspections
Some roof problems can be spotted from the ground or with a good pair of binoculars. Moss and lichen growth, missing or torn tiles, and sagging are all signs that something is wrong. Water staining and damp on interior ceilings are other possible indicators. These issues often mean that a check by a roofing professional is needed sooner rather than later.
But many other problems can only be discovered from up on the roof. Inspectors can see where tiles are cracked or loose, check the condition of leading where it meets chimneys or walls, monitor the condition of flat roof areas, and examine the state of roof flashing and pointing. They can also look for the telltale signs of other problems, such as broken and hanging gutters and downpipes, ridge tiles or dormers that are cracked or uneven, or vegetation taking root in a chimney stack. Regular inspections and maintenance in response to what inspectors find will help to ensure that roofs perform as they should.
8. Maintenance Tips
Keeping a roof well-maintained is the best way to avoid problems and expenses. A few easy measures taken each year can make a big difference, especially in Somerset’s variable climate.
Clearing debris regularly reduces the burden on the roof and directs rain and water away from the roof. Vegetation such as moss, algae and lichen can grow where moisture remains trapped. A moss-covered roof that does not dry out receives little sunlight, as the plants absorb light and prevent it reaching the roof. Moss holds moisture. This makes the roof more susceptible to damage during cold weather. Professional roofers have access to effective moss-killing agents that prevent growth for a longer time.
While most homeowners will not venture up a ladder to look directly at a roof, it is worth clearing out gutters and checking they are functioning. Clogged gutters allow water to pool on the roof, gradually increasing the chance of leaks, particularly around chimneys and vents. Leaves caught in gutters also retain moisture, facilitating the growth of moss. However, it is essential to avoid putting anything down a chimney that might block it, as this can cause water and heat damage to the house. The flue should be regularly inspected and cleaned, particularly before winter, and pots and cowls should also be examined. A chimney cap prevents animal entry while allowing smoke to escape, while a chimney cowl aids draught and prevents rain entry.
Homeowners might also consider investing in a roof coating. These thin, flexible membranes can extend a roof’s life while enhancing waterproofing. The life of a coating depends on the type and thickness, and high-quality coatings cost about £25 per square meter.
9. Conclusion
Somerset weather hits roofs hard. Regular, thorough roof inspections help avoid potentially serious problems. Roofs develop many common issues, but not all are visible from the ground. Even when roofs appear good, damage may take years to show. Leaks allow rain and moisture into the structure, causing rot, mould, and other problems. Repairing roofs is much less expensive than dealing with the consequences of failing to inspect the roof.
UK weather makes roof inspections advisable at least every five years; suggested guidance reduces that period to three years for properties exposed to extremes. Experienced, reliable inspectors know what to look for and can recommend maintenance to prolong life and avoid costly repairs. Luckily, roof inspections are simple and inexpensive. Regularly clearing gutters reduces mould growth on facias. Durably-secured roof and chimney tiles, including pointing, withstand storms. Well-trimmed trees prevent damage. Simple repairs can be carried out using ladders, while a mobile scaffold tower safely supports inspectors working alone.