Regular maintenance throughout the year will contribute towards a fully functioning roof during these wet and windy winter months. Exposure to the elements and general wear and tear can slowly age your roof, until it eventually reaches the end of its life. Regular inspections and prompt repairs will keep your roof in top working order for many years to come.
Why are roof inspections beneficial?
It’s far better to carry out preventative maintenance on your roof rather than waiting for a serious problem to occur, as you can catch any problems before they escalate into larger, more costly issues.
When should I inspect my roof?
The cold, wet and windy conditions of British winter weather can all contribute to the demise of your roof. With this in mind, inspections should be carried out on your roofing system once before the winter months (in preparation for the extreme weather) and once after (to identify and repair any damage).
What should I look out for when inspecting my roof?
Carrying out a thorough inspection on the exterior of your roof will identify any damage or potential problems caused by strong winds, extreme frost or torrential downpours. Prior to carrying out any work on your roof, you must make sure that your ladder is carefully positioned at a 75 degree angle from the wall and that you are wearing the appropriate footwear for stability.
Most UK homes feature tiles and slates on their roofs, so our experts at Morgan Asphalte have compiled a list of things to look out for during your checks, including:
- General wear and tear around chimneys, vents and pipes
- Blockages in guttering and downpipes
- Signs of decay or rust in guttering and downpipes
- Any loose material or debris on the ground from broken tiles and slates
- If multiple tiles are slipping off the slope, there may be damage to the screws and fixings.
- Any missing or broken tiles
- Rust on the roof flashing
- Curling or blistering tiles
- Accumulations of moss or algae which may point to decay underneath the surface
As soon as you notice damage setting in, get in touch with a professional contractor immediately as the slates and tiles may need to be completely stripped off and relaid.
Should I check the interior of my home for signs of roof damage?
Problems with your roof can occur at any point throughout the year, so it’s important to be aware of any warning signs. These include:
- Dark areas, moisture marks and peeling paint on walls and ceiling
- Damp spots around fireplaces
- Damp rafters or leaks in the attic
- Sudden increase in energy bills which could be a sign that your roof ventilation is damaged
When left unrepaired, a damaged roof can harm the interior of your property, as well as its overall structure. Not only that, roof damage can also affect the health of you and your family, as roof leaks can lead to mould and mildew growth which can cause allergies and breathing problems.
How should I fix these problems?
A professional roofing company will ensure any problems are fixed quickly and efficiently to guarantee reliable use for many years to come. As soon as you notice any loose, damaged or missing tiles, you must contact an expert immediately so they can be replaced.
Professional help is also needed for large repairs and repairing/replacing flashing, so you can rest assured knowing that all work will be carried out correctly in line with the relevant regulations.
Morgan Asphalte
If you are not keen on the thought of checking your roof yourself, or are unsure as to how to spot any damage, look no further than the experts at Morgan Asphalte. With a wealth of experience in the roofing industry, we can carry out repairs and maintenance on all roofing types in the London and Hertfordshire areas, including:
- Asphalt
- Felt
- Slate
- Tiled
- Lead
- Liquid
- Single ply.
To find out more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team today.
photo credit: Roman Roofing via photopin (license)