Everyone has heard the phrase ‘fix the roof when the sun shines’, but sometimes it can actually be necessary to fix it because the sun is shining.

This is certainly true for flat roofs and after the recent record-breaking weather, householders with a flat roof might want to see if some damage has been done.

Among the less obvious ways this can happen is if the various oils and materials are dried out too much by the heat. Wood can be weakened and asphalt shingles can also be cracked by the heat. 

Flat roof specialists might not get too many call-outs for problems like this in a normal year, but what was “normal” a few years ago has been well and truly frazzled. It may not have quite hit 40 degrees in Manchester, but it wasn’t far off.

Heating and cooling can also have a damaging effect. This causes fabric to expand and contract, with too much of this compromising its structure. Any fissures that develop can lead to water ingress.

All this comes before the common encore to a very hot spell - severe electrical storms. While lightning strikes are not a significant threat, heavy rain will be, especially if any damage has been done in the heat or if there are other uncorrected flaws.

The fact that heat can damage your flat roof is something many people are just not aware of. Everyone knows about harsh autumn and winter weather, with the effects of heavy snowfall, excess rain, shedding autumn leaves and even tree damage in storms. But at least on those occasions you will be alert and respond fast to any problems.

In the case of summer damage, it is important to make sure any apparent blemishes are checked out and fixed. That way, your roof really will be fixed while the sun shines.