Roofing advice

Check it twice a year

A quick look from the ground in spring and autumn catches most problems before they cause damage. Use binoculars if you have them, and never climb onto the roof yourself.

• Slipped, cracked or missing tiles or slates
• Ridge tiles that look loose or have lost mortar
• Lead flashing lifting around the chimney
• Moss build-up in valleys and gutters

Signs your roof needs attention

Some warning signs show up inside the house before you notice anything outside.

• Damp patches or stains on ceilings
• Daylight visible through the roof in the loft
• Damp or dark timbers and a musty smell in the loft
• A sagging or uneven roof line

Keep gutters clear

Blocked gutters overflow onto walls and fascias and can push water back under the bottom row of tiles. Clear leaves and moss each autumn, and check downpipes are running freely after heavy rain.

After a storm

Check the ground around the house for fallen tiles or pieces of mortar, and look in the loft for fresh damp. If you find damage, get it made safe quickly, as a single gap can let in a lot of water. Take photos for your insurer before any repair.

Caring for a flat roof

Water should drain off a flat roof within a day or two of rain. Standing water, blisters, cracks or splits in the surface, and damp on the ceiling below are all signs it needs looking at. Keep outlets clear and avoid walking on the roof.

Leak or condensation?

Damp in the loft is not always a leak. Condensation shows as droplets on the underside of the felt or membrane, often over the whole roof, and is worse in cold weather. A leak is usually in one area and appears after rain. Good loft ventilation solves most condensation problems.