You might not give your roof much thought on a daily basis, but according to the experts, autumn is the best season to give it some consideration – and there are seven important checks you should be making around this time.
While we certainly don't recommend climbing up a ladder, there is plenty you can see with both feet on the ground and a pair of binoculars. Alternatively, taking a photo is a great method, with the benefit of letting you notice anything out of the ordinary over time with pictures to compare.
If you're unsure where to start with your autumn roof checks, we've listed the seven most important things to keep your eye on below.
1. Check for slipped, cracked or missing tiles
What to check:
Dan Nicholls, Trade Manager at Aspect, says the first thing you should check for is any slipped, cracked or missing roof tiles – including pieces at an unusual angle or fragments in the wrong place.
Why it's important:
"Gaps can allow rain beneath the tiles, increasing the risk of water entering the roof space," he explains. "Loose tiles can also fall or blow off in strong winds, exposing more of the roof and leaving surrounding tiles vulnerable to further damage."
Dan Nicholls is a qualified roofer with over 25 years’ experience. He has worked at Aspect since 2015 and leads a team across London, the South and East of England. He works with a wide range of roof coverings, with expertise in three-layer felt and liquid roofing systems, tiled roofs and specialist leak detection. His experience spans period homes, new builds, warehouses, hotels and other commercial buildings.
2. Check your gutters
What to check:
Check for leaves and debris that may be clogging up your gutters, along with any sagging sections, leaking joints and loose brackets, recommends Dan Nicholls.
He says that overflowing gutters or water escaping from downpipe joints could indicate a blockage, which is why having one of the best glutter cleaning products to hand is key. Drainage channels around roof windows should also be kept clear.
Why it's important:
"Gutters and downpipes carry rainwater away from the roof and into the drainage system," Dan explains. "Blockages or leaks can repeatedly soak walls, timber window frames and fascia boards, contributing to rot and water ingress. Blocked channels around roof windows can also prevent rainwater from draining away properly."
This extendable brush makes it easy to clear your gutters, reaching up to 14 feet and including brush and shovel attachments.
3. Check the flat roof
What to check:
Before the autumn rain inevitably arrives, Mike Storey, Founder and Technical Manager of UKFR Roofing & Insulation, says it's crucial to check that water can drain away properly if you have a flat roof. Be on the lookout for blistering, bubbling, cracks or any other damage, keeping a particular eye on areas where water has previously pooled.
Why it's important:
"You don't want to wait for the first big downpour to find out that water isn't draining away properly. If you've noticed pooling water or any damage to the surface over the summer, get it looked at now," says Mike.
Mike Storey is the founder and technical manager of UKFR Roofing & Insulation, a leading online supplier and specialist within the roofing and insulation industry.
4. Check the flashings
What to check:
Dan Nicholls also says to take a look at the flashing around chimneys, roof windows, and roof valleys and edges – particularly for gaps, lifting, curled edges or splits, and sections that are moving away from the surface.
Why it's important:
"Flashing keeps water out at vulnerable roof junctions. If it becomes damaged or dislodged, rain can get behind it and enter the building. These leaks may be particularly noticeable during wind-driven rain," Dan explains.
5. Check the chimney
What to check:
Don't forget about your chimney – Dan suggests checking the flashing, brickwork, mortar and the base holding the pot in place. Inspect for any cracks, missing sections and signs of a leaning pot, and ensure there are no large overhanging branches that could hit the chimney in strong winds.
Why it's important:
"Storms and freezing conditions can worsen cracks and loosen damaged masonry, allowing water in," explains Dan. "Chimneys are particularly exposed to strong winds, so loose pots or unstable brickwork can become falling hazards. Soot build-up and blockages in the flue can increase the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide entering your home."
6. Check the mortar
What to check:
"Check mortar along the ridge and hip tiles, along roof edges at gable ends and on chimney stacks," recommends Dan Nicholls.
Are there any cracks? Crumbling? Missing sections? If so, it's time to call in an expert to get the problem fixed.
Why it's important:
If the mortar is deteriorating, Dan says it can leave cracks for water to get inside, causing the tiles to loosen. When water enters the cracks, it can freeze and expand in cold weather, making the existing damage even worse than it was initially.
7. Check the inside of your home
What to check:
Checking your interior can be just as important as the exterior. If it's safe to do so, Dan Nicholls says to check your unconverted loft for any signs of daylight in the felt and for any damp patches, brown staining, bubbling paint or peeling wallpaper on upstairs ceilings, around chimney breasts and roof windows, and on external walls.
Why it's important:
"Unexpected daylight may indicate an issue because if you can see daylight, it normally means rain can come in too," Dan explains. "[The wall and ceiling changes above] can be signs of water entering the building."
While many of these checks can be carried out visually from the ground, any job that requires a ladder or roof access is best left to the professionals, recommends Dan Nicholls. This includes replacing tiles, repairing flashing, repointing chimneys, clearing high gutters and repairing flat roof coverings.
For more expert-backed advice, read our guide on how to repair a roof and find out the roof leak repair costs to expect.
