You do not need a ladder to spot most roof problems. These checks take ten minutes from the garden, the street and the loft hatch. Never climb onto the roof yourself.
Slipped or missing tiles
Look along each slope for gaps, tiles sitting out of line or pieces on the path. One slipped tile is a small repair now and wet battens later.
Cracked or missing ridge mortar
Lumps of mortar on the drive or in the gutter mean the ridge is losing its grip. Wind lifts loose ridge tiles first.
Lead lifting round the chimney
From across the road, look where the chimney meets the roof. Lead standing proud of the brick or flapping lets water straight in.
Moss across the tiles
A heavy coat of moss holds water on the roof and blocks the gutters. Common on north slopes under the Chiltern beech woods.
Gutters spilling over
Watch the gutters in heavy rain. Water over the front edge means a blockage or a dropped bracket, and it soaks the wall below.
Daylight or damp in the loft
With the loft light off, look for chinks of daylight. Look for damp patches on the timbers or torn felt hanging between the rafters.
Stains on ceilings and chimney breasts
Brown rings on a top-floor ceiling or damp on a chimney breast mean water is getting in somewhere above.
A sagging roof line
Look along the ridge from the street. A dip in the middle can mean overloaded or tired rafters and needs a proper look.
What to do next
Take a photo from the ground or the loft and ring Pat on 01494 292776. He comes out, shows you what he finds and gives you a free, no-obligation quote.
Related services
Get a real price for your roof
Ranges are a guide. The real number comes from someone looking at your roof. Pat comes out, shows you what is needed and gives you a free, no-obligation quote.
Questions
Which signs are urgent?
Water coming in, lead flapping round a chimney and missing ridge tiles. Ring the 24/7 line.
How often should I check my roof?
Twice a year, in spring and after the autumn storms, and after any big storm.
Can I check the roof from a ladder?
Check from the ground, a window or the loft. Leave the ladder work to a roofer.