Before colder, wetter weather arrives, it is worth giving your roof and guttering a good visual check. After a long, hot summer, heat and prolonged dry conditions can expose or worsen small defects that become much more noticeable once heavy rain and wind arrive.
Eastbourne Roofing Contractors recommends looking for some of the common warning signs before the first spell of bad weather reveals a problem for you.
From ground level, look for cracked, slipped, loose or missing tiles and slates, paying particular attention to ridges, hips and the edges of the roof.
Ridge and hip tiles should also be checked for visible movement, cracks or deteriorating mortar that could allow wind-driven rain underneath.
Leadwork and flashing are another important area. Look around chimneys, valleys, roof junctions, dormers and other penetrations for signs of lifted, cracked or damaged flashing.
If you have a flat roof, visible splits, blistering, lifting edges, damaged joints or areas where water could collect are all worth having investigated.
Don't forget the gutters and downpipes
Gutters have an important job once the heavier rain arrives. Leaves, moss, twigs and other debris can restrict the flow of water, so make sure gutters are clear and rainwater can move freely.
Check downpipes and outlets for blockages, leaks or loose sections and make sure rainwater is being carried away properly.
It is also worth looking along the guttering for sagging sections, leaking joints and loose or broken brackets.
While checking this part of the property, look at fascias and soffits for rot, cracking, peeling paint or other signs that water may have been getting where it shouldn't.
Chimneys can also be inspected visually from ground level. Damaged pointing, loose pots, cracked render or vegetation growing from the masonry could indicate that further inspection is needed.
Heavy moss growth is worth noting too. Moss can hold moisture and contribute to blocked gutters and outlets, particularly as wetter weather arrives.
Not every warning sign will be visible outside.
Take a look inside the loft for damp patches, staining, wet timbers or daylight appearing where it shouldn't. Signs that water has previously entered can also indicate a roof problem that needs attention, even if there isn't an active leak when you check.
A good rule is not to wait for the first big storm to discover a small problem.
Autumn maintenance can identify something as simple as a slipped tile, blocked gutter or failing piece of flashing before it develops into a leak and potentially becomes a much more expensive repair.
Homeowners should not climb onto the roof themselves to carry out an inspection. Binoculars or a careful visual check from ground level are safer options. Anything that looks suspicious can then be properly inspected by a competent roofer.
If your checks reveal something that doesn't look right, find out more about Eastbourne Roofing Contractors and the roofing services they provide across Eastbourne and the surrounding area.
