3. Basic check-up
Regular maintenance is an important part of home ownership. In many cases, the roof will not be covered by home insurance. By picking up issues earlier, you or a professional can repair them cheaply and avoid serious damage to your home.
You can often start your roof check-up process without having to leave the ground. In the case of pitched roofs, stand back and take a look from the outside. Keep an eye out for signs of obvious issues such as slipped tiles, bowing roof surfaces and damaged guttering.
Next, go inside and look at the underside of the roof surface. If you have a flat roof or an attic room, look for signs of damp forming such as wet patches or bubbling paint (bear in mind these may not be in the same location as the leak). Alternatively, if you have an attic space, check the condition of the roof timbers, look for signs of mould or condensation and for daylight appearing through the tiles.
To complete the check, you’ll need to invest in a ladder. Check all of the gutters and downspouts for loose debris and give them a good clear out. This will help to ensure the water can drain away effectively. Clear off any moss or lichen with a brush or broom and make a note of any loose tiles or signs of membranes blistering – these may need to be addressed by a professional.
Carry out these checks in the spring and autumn and your roof should keep you well sheltered all year around.
4. Potential problem spots
Any roof design will have areas where issues are more likely to occur. In most cases these will be around fixings through the roof surface, such as those used to fix solar panels in place, or junctions around features such as rooflights, chimneys or ventilation stacks. By familiarising yourself with these areas, you can be extra vigilant of any signs of trouble and be ready to act. It pays to take photos of these areas on your phone, that way you can check if there has been any noticeable change since the last check-up.
5. Get a professional inspection
If you suspect there may be serious issues with your roof, it is particularly difficult to access or you simply don’t feel safe working from height, call in a professional.
