There is a well-worn saying of “fix the roof when the sun shines”, which assumes that , ever so conveniently, the damage will become apparent just as spring has sprung and the work can be done just before those carrying it out grab a cool drink to rehydrate.

Apart from the fact that flat roofing specialists in Manchester don’t operate in a climate where the weather can be reliably dry and sunny, the whole idea is misleadingly idealistic.

In reality, situations where a roof needs some maintenance are never confined to the summer, not last as the causes of the problems so often arise in the colder seasons.

The fact is there are many problems that can occur with a flat roof and they have numerous causes that can happen at different times of the year. 

However, one that is a particular issue in autumn is the build-up of debris, especially plant matter. Moss and weeds are a sign of a problem, but leaves and branches falling from trees in autumn area  a particularly season, and therefore predictable, issue.

Part of the issue is that they can block the water run-off, preventing it draining away. Also, the plant matter itself, by holding in moisture, becomes a source of freeze-thaw when winter comes. All this can damage the roof surface and before you know it will be leaking.

For this reason, it makes sense to check over the roof in autumn and sweep off any leaf and branch debris. However, any inspection may also show signs of damage having already occurred and if so, you need to get it seen to before winter makes it worse.

Of course, there are winter days when the sun does shine a bit. But you will need to get the roof fixed as soon as a problem emerges precisely because the weather is usually rather less pleasant at that time of year.