Checking out the state of your roof

If your roof is old (and a substantial number of the UK’s roofs are over 50 years old) you will want to check it now and again – repairs are cheaper if they are carried out before things get too bad.

From inside the roof space, if you can see the underside of the tiles, check for daylight as this can be an indication of hairline cracks. 

Shine a torch on the timbers and check for water staining.  If there is any, trace it to the source as this is where the repair will be needed.  Check after rain if possible – it’s easier to spot new water coming in.

From ground level, look closely at the whole roof, using binoculars if you need to.  It’s easy to spot a disjointed or slipped tile as it won’t be in line with the rest.  Any sudden patches of light colour could also indicate that a tile has slipped. 

Look at the ridge on the skyline and check for gaps in the mortar joints – replacing mortar is one of the most commonly required roof repairs.

Check the flashing around chimney stacks, windows and valleys in the roof.  Cracks here can often be the cause of leaks.

It really is better to call out a roofing contractor if you want to do a roof-level check.  Not only can ladders be very dangerous, but walking on the roof can cause further damage needing more repairs.