Is Your Roof Reindeer Ready?

Is Your Roof Reindeer Ready?

Christmas is nearly upon us and now is the time to make sure your roof is reindeer ready, so that Santa and his team can safely deliver all his precious cargo. With COVID-19 already creating delays this year, it is more important than ever.

Here at Permaroof, we have been helping our customers get ready for Santa every year. In our 20th year, we have come up with a checklist for you to use when you’re looking over your flat roof. You may be putting up some landing lights or festive decorations, so follow our tips while you’re readying your roof.

1. How to tell if you need a flat roof repair before Christmas

Flat roofing, although the perfect landing spot for reindeer, can suffer during the winter months, particularly after a hot summer. If you have traditional roof coverings in place, such as felt, now is a good time to inspect the span of the roof deck, both inside and out, to check for signs of wear and tear or damage.

Look for one or more of the following signs:

Ponding water on the roof deck – this can be a big tell-tale sign that there is an issue with your flat roof.

Cracks or tears in the roofing membrane or felt covering – if you find this type of obvious damage to your roof covering, it is highly likely that water is already getting in.

Bubbles in bituminous flat roofing – this occurs during hot weather and the bubbles harden when it cools down, thinning the waterproofing layer. These points become vulnerable to cracking and subsequent water ingress.

Damp patches inside the building – this is a clear sign of an issue with the roofing. It may also be accompanied by a damp smell or visible mould.

If you find any of these signs, it is important to address them as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the roof timbers, internal decorations or the goods inside. There is still time to replace your flat roofing before Santa arrives. Find out more about what to do if you need a roof repair here or browse our range of DIY flat roof kits, introduced to help you get the job done fast.

If you need a professional roofer, Permaroof can connect you with a reliable, local business through our free Nationwide EPDM Installer Network.

2. Safety first!

If you are putting up lights or other decorations around your flat roofing, it is important to make sure you take all the necessary steps to stay safe.

  • Check your ladders for signs of damage or wood rot
  • Ensure the ladders are the right length and you can comfortably reach without stretching
  • Wear sensible shoes, gloves and protective clothing
  • Make sure someone else is with you footing the ladder
  • Do not walk on the roof deck unless you have ascertained the load bearing capacity (both for you and for reindeer)

Working at height is a serious business. If you feel unsure or unsafe at any point, immediately come down and call in someone to help.

3. Take care not to damage your EPDM membrane

It is important when putting up lights or decorations around your flat roof to take care not to cause any damage yourself. EPDM membrane is a high performance waterproofing material but will suffer as much as any other if punctured by nails or other fixings commonly used to attach decorations.

Pay extra attention to where you attach lights or decorations and make sure not to puncture the membrane. If you accidentally damage your EPDM, we stock a range of roof repair materials that can help sort it out quickly and with minimum fuss.

4. Don’t forget the Christmas treats

Once you have checked the roofing, ensured the load bearing capacity, repaired any damage and prevented any roof leaks, you’re ready for Rudolph!

One of the most important aspects of the Christmas Eve routine simply cannot be overlooked. Don’t forget to choose the very best carrots and leave some out for the reindeer. Santa gets his mince pies every year and a carrot or two is always appreciated by Rudolph and his team of reindeer helpers.

Everyone at Permaroof UK wishes you a safe, happy and healthy Christmas.