UK roofers are seeing significant impacts from changing winter weather conditions. Research from roof systems manufacturer Marley reveals that 60% are experiencing increased project delays, 54% are seeing projects go over budget, and 54% have to re-plan work more often.

What’s concerning is that all of these impacts are leading to 53% seeing a rise in customer dissatisfaction as a result.

Roofers are encouraged to follow a few key guidelines to help mitigate winter-specific risks:

• Reduced winter daylight: As the number of daylight hours decreases, roofers must ensure they leave sufficient time to collect all tools and equipment and make their way safely to ground level before darkness descends.

In some special circumstances, it may be possible to work under artificial light, provided this is in accordance with the job-specific risk assessment and method statement (RAMS).

• Correct PPE: Cold, wet and windy conditions require specialist PPE to protect from the elements.

Roofers should ensure they have insulated clothing, suitable headgear for extra warmth (special liners are available for hard hats), safety boots that are checked to ensure the soles and uppers are in good condition, and gloves designed for winter use.

• Safe Working Conditions: Roofs can become slippery in winter. Before accessing the roof, roofers should ensure that the surfaces are cleared of snow and ice.

Where the choice exists, it is often better to start work on the side of the roof facing the sun as this is likely to defrost quicker and feel a few degrees warmer.

Roofers should also be mindful of the risk of frostbite or hypothermia in extremely cold conditions and follow any guidance given in toolbox talks or similar on working in cold conditions.

In addition to safety advice, Marley is also giving away 500 branded insulated mugs and a £5 Costa Coffee voucher.