As a resident of the UK, you are probably well aware that we don’t have a dry season. With our beautiful greenery comes a plentiful amount of rain. Certain areas experience marginally drier periods, but in the northwest, we are familiar with regular downpours.
Can roofers work in light rain? Should we expect to see them in wetter conditions? It’s debatable, but for SHS Roofing, we rarely see bad weather as a deterrent to getting the job done. Working in wet weather is certainly not ideal, but to keep up with demand, roofers must find ways of combating the rain.
Prepare for Rain
An established roofing company should keep weather conditions in consideration at all times. We understand the importance of weather conditions and how to prepare for downpours. In order to plan ahead, roofers should have the necessary tools in their arsenal.
Waterproof materials such as tarps should be used to protect the roof during the installation process and prevent water damage. Their schedule should be planned strategically, with the weather forecast being used to determine which tasks can be carried out under wet conditions, and which are only suitable for dry days.
Sensible Safety Measures
So, can roofers work in the rain? When commencing a roofing project in wet weather, safety is paramount for the workers. Necessary measures should be taken to ensure that risk of injury is minimised. Clothing can contribute to minimising risk – we recommend non-slip, closed toe footwear. This helps prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
Other common safety measures include safety harnesses and ropes – when used correctly, they will secure the roofer to the roof in the event of a slip. You should ensure that all equipment is properly secured, and any electrical items should be kept in a secure, dry location to prevent risk of electrocution or fire.
Are There Advantages to Rainy Days?
Despite the difficulties roofers face when working in wet weather, there are some benefits to working in the rain. When repairing a roof in wet weather, it can help the roofer to identify leaks or weak spots in the roof that may have gone undetected otherwise.
The roofing team are able to spot areas of water seepage, helping them to build a more secure and watertight roof. Working in the rain isn’t an enjoyable experience for most, but it does come with this unique advantage.
Longevity of the Roof
Whilst there may be advantages and workarounds of rainy-day roofing, good weather is still ideal for a long-lasting roof installation.
When we consider the safety of the roofing crew, the overall quality of the installation and the extra steps involved in waterproofing, it is better to hold off until the rain clears. Rainy days are common, but we see enough dry days to complete a project within a reasonable timeframe.
Have Any Questions?
If you want to learn more about roofing or the services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact SHS Roofing today.