A little checking before the autumn and winter gales can save a lot of trouble. You do not need to climb a ladder. Most of the useful checks can be done from the ground and from inside the house.
From the ground
On a clear day, walk around the house and look at the roof. Check for slipped, cracked or missing tiles, a wavy ridge line, gaps in the mortar along the ridge and verges, and any plants growing in the roof or chimney. Look at the chimney stack for crumbling pointing and loose bricks. Binoculars help.
Gutters and downpipes
Look for blocked or overflowing gutters, sagging sections, leaking joints and green staining on the wall beneath. Blocked gutters can push water behind the fascia and under the roof edge. Clearing them, safely, is a good autumn job.
In the loft
Use a torch and look for daylight, damp patches, wet insulation and drips. Check around the chimney and any rooflights. A musty smell can also signal damp. Make sure insulation is not blocking the eaves ventilation.
Inside the house
Look at the ceilings of top-floor rooms for new stains or flaking paint, which can show a leak that is only active in heavy rain.
What to do with what you find
Make a note and take photographs. Small problems such as a few slipped tiles are easier to fix before winter. If you find signs of leaks, a leaning chimney or widespread damage, ask a roofer to look.
Do not go up yourself
Roofs are slippery and falls are serious. A roofer has the equipment to inspect safely.
See our Storm Damage Roof Repairs section or call 07766 547309 for a free inspection.
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