Roof Damage – What To Look For

• Interior Check: Look for signs of water damage, leaks, sagging, and gaps where outside light is visible. Perform inspections at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn.
• Exterior Check: Inspect tiles and slates for wear and tear, blisters, and cracking. Ensure gutters and downpipes are clear and securely attached, and watch for large areas of moss.
• Sheet Metal Roofing: Check for splits, cracks, and pinholes in the metal. Corrosion may require specialist repair services. Regular inspections can prevent costly future repairs.

Out of all the areas in the home, the roof is often the most overlooked in terms of maintenance, yet it is one of the most important features of a property.

As an accredited member of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), here at Abbey Roofing we have the knowledge and experience in the industry to provide excellent roofing solutions that will stand the test of time.

For this article, we have compiled a list of the main things to look for when inspecting your roof for damage, so you avoid shelling out a hefty cost for repairs further down the line.

Interior check

We strongly recommend that a thorough inspection of your roof should be carried out at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and autumn months.

Be sure to check both the interior and exterior of your home to identify any damage or possible problems caused by high winds, extreme frost or torrential downpours.

The best place to start your checks is inside the house, where the main things to look for are:

• Signs of water damage, leaking or sagging
• Gaps where outside light is filtering through

Exterior check

Tiles and slates

Following a thorough inspection of your roof from the inside of your home, the next step is to grab a ladder and head outside.

Most homeowners in the UK use tiles and slates on their roofs, so we have put together a list of things you must keep an eye out for during your checks, including:

• wear and tear around chimneys, vents and pipes
• blisters or cracking in flat roofs
• gutters and downpipes must be free of debris ; make sure they are securely attached to the property and there are no signs of decay or rust
• check for any loose material/debris on the ground from broken slates and tiles and replace any missing materials as soon as possible to avoid further damage
• look for large areas of moss growth as this can harbour moisture and damp, causing the slates and tiles on your roof to deteriorate quickly

Top tip: If you notice multiple tiles or slates in a similar area slipping off your roof slope, this may indicate significant damage to the screws and fixings.

This can be a rather large and costly job to correct as the slates and tiles may need to be completely stripped off and relaid, so make sure you contact a professional contractor as soon as you see this pattern occurring.

Sheet metal roofing

Sheet metal roofing is a durable, tough material which can withstand extreme conditions, making it ideally suited for commercial premises, such as sheds and factory buildings, as well as domestic properties.

When carrying out inspections for damage on sheet metal roofing, check for splits and cracks in flat or sloping areas as such damage can cause water to leak through.

Pinholes caused by corrosion in lead sheeting will require the skills of an experienced contractor who will need to use specialist services to fix the problem carefully and safely.

All roofing repairs must be carried out by a professional roof contractor who will have the correct equipment to gain access to the problem and fix it straight away.

Dealing with little damages as you go can prevent costly repairs further down the line, so regular checks can save you a great deal of money in the long run.

Here at Abbey Roofing our accredited team of roofing experts have the knowledge and expertise to deal with emergency situations as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Here at Abbey Roofing, we have a dedicated and skilled team of roofers with more than 20 years’ experience working in both the domestic and commercial roofing sectors.
We work hard all year round, carrying out emergency repairs and re-roofing, and take great pride in the reliable and quality service we deliver.

We offer a range of roofing services including; lead roofing, slate roofing, flat roofing, felt roofing, sheet metal roofing, emergency roof repairs, commercial roofing, new roof installations, gutter cleaning.

To customers in Hemel Hempstead, Watford, St Albans, Bedford, Slough, Milton Keynes, Watford, Barnet, Harpenden and beyond.

Why not contact Abbey Roofing for a free quote today, quality skilled tradesmen at great prices!