Inspect your roof regularly

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If you can see your roof from the ground, it's sensible to take a good look at it from time to time, probably at least twice a year, so that you will notice when something starts to go wrong. Binoculars may be useful, as can taking a look from a neighbour's property. Look out for loose or missing tiles in particular, and see if the roof is suffering from wear and tear. Check that the chimney flashings are intact and that there are no missing sections to the guttering.

 Look out for problem vegetation

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Vegetation such as moss growing in the guttering can cause real property maintenance problems over time. You can probably see if there are pebbles or moss clogging up the roof itself or any sections of the guttering, if so, these need to be cleared away to stop them causing real problems. Moss, for example, may retain moisture and damage the roof covering in the winter months. A job like this is far easier to do during the summer months.

 

Act quickly

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Where there is a clear problem, such as a leaking roof, it is important to act fast as roofing maintenance issues can spiral in magnitude and cost over time if not properly addressed. Have missing slates or shingles replaces before further damage, for example to plaster ceilings or roof timbers, occurs. Other warning signs to look out for include daylight penetration, debris on the ground from broken shingles or slates, and signs of mortar droppings in the gutters or gullies. If you use a fuel fire, smoke exiting through brickwork or at the base of chimney pots may also point to serious roofing maintenance needs.

 

Bring in the experts

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Amateur roofing maintenance work can be dangerous and costly. If in doubt, ask a surveyor for advice or bring in the experts and get the job done properly by an accredited roofing maintenance team. Genuine roofing experts are often accredited by The National Federation of Roofing Contractors, The Guild of Master Craftsmen or The Federation of Master Builders - look out for these accreditations before choosing your team. Unskilled labour or quick-fix options are likely to lead to greater costs in the long run. Expert advice may be required if you have leaning chimneys or pots, and unusual roofing coverings such as lead or thatch may need to be inspected by specialists.