Your roof is one of the most essential components of your property. It offers additional support for the structure of your home and protects everything you own – and your family – from being exposed to the elements. Without a roof, you’d likely be very damp, cold and uncomfortable, which is why keeping on top of roof repairs is a necessity. In particular, London and city-based properties could be at increased risk due to the higher levels of pollution in cities that you wouldn’t want to enter your home.
Luckily, there a few signs and symptoms you can keep an eye out for which will help to keep the cost of any potential repairs down. However, it’s important to make sure that if you are checking either the inside or outside of your roof, you do so from the ground or floor level, only using a ladder if you are fully competent to do so.
Exterior
There are a few different sections that make up the exterior of your roof, from the rafters and flashing to the guttering and tiles. Familiarising yourself with these can help you identify any problem sections and explain your findings to your roofing contractor. Keep an eye out for the following signs which could be an indicator that you might need repair work carried out.
Tiles – Carefully scan your roofing tiles and make a note of any cracked, damaged, split or missing tiles. Missing or damaged tiles can lead to leaks in your property and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Guttering – Regularly check your gutters for any broken roof tiles which may have washed down the roof and become lodged in the guttering. You should also ensure guttering is secured as loose gutters could indicate deterioration or damage.
Flashing – Pay attention to flashing around chimneys, vents and joints – this will need replacing if it has been damaged to prevent leaks and moisture getting into your property.
Sagging – Your roof should be sturdy with no signs of sagging. Should you notice dips or damage to the structure of your roof, you should get in contact with your roofing contractor as soon as possible in order to minimise the risk of further damage occurring.
Interior
Accessing the interior of your roof may not be possible in every property and it should only be attempted in buildings where it is safe to do so. You should never attempt to reach areas that are unsafe – especially without the proper safety equipment.
If you are able to see or easily access the interior of your roof, look out for the following potential warning signs.
Light Leaks – Check the interior of your roof during the day. If you notice daylight entering through large gaps or holes, you will need to seek roof repair.
Moisture or Mould – If you check your roof and notice small or large pools of water or unexpected moisture, your roof has likely sprung a leak. If you don’t see water but your roof area smells musty and you can see mould, you may also be affected by a leak or moisture coming in from the outside.
Most roofs typically have a lifespan of between 15-20 years so if your roof is getting on in years, it’s probably wise to have a regular “health check-up” by a trusted roofing contractor. A well-maintained roof means a well-protected property!
If you are looking for roof repair in south-east London and require the services of an experienced contractor, please get in touch with the Chris Ball Roofing team today on 020 8291 3388.
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