Top Tips on How to Look After Your Roof

The best way to take good care of your roof is to contact your local roofer and get them to do a quick survey and check the overall health of your roof. Good roof maintenance can keep long term costs down and help protect your roof for years to come. So what is the best way to keep your roof in good condition?

1. Get a Roofer in to inspect your roof

Getting a roofer in to inspect your roof, particularly if you've just moved to a property or aren't familiar with the condition of your roof is the best way to make sure your roof is well maintained. Your local roofer will advise what maintenance is required or if there is any repair work required and ultimately can guide you on how your roof is looking in general. It's good to know what the condition of your roof so you can maintain it adequately to keep long term costs down and maximise the lifespan of your roof.

2. Watch out for loose or damaged tiles

It's very common for roof tiles to become broken, loose, displaced, or cracked. The best way to assess your roof is to safely climb a ladder and take a look. To replace a damaged tile: carefully remove the tiles above the broken one and set them to one side. Remove the tile that needs replacing (you might need to break it up with a hammer) and take out any nails that are underneath. Attach the new tile to the roof, and coat it with roof sealant to keep it from leaking.

Remember: if you don't have the proper safety equipment or aren't comfortable with the task or heights, it's much safer & better to contact a professional roofing expert into do the job.

3. Unblock your gutters

Blocked or damaged guttering can cause serious damage to your property. The water can build up and form pools underneath your eaves, or leak and run down the external walls of your home and into your foundations. It's always worth doing a visual check for sagging gutters from the ground before getting the ladder out.

If you see a problem, start by clearing any debris and leaves that have built up in the guttering, then check to see if water is pooling anywhere. If any sections have holes or tears, they will need to be replaced, along with any sagging sections. Check that the guttering is connected securely to your wall, and shows no signs of coming away. If it does, you will need to reattach it with masonry nails.

4. Check the flashing

Chimneys, skylights, vents, satellite dishes and other objects on your roof are sealed with metal strips called ‘flashing’. This can become damaged during bad weather. Make sure the flashing sits flush against the roof with no gaps where water can seep in, and replace any cracked sealing caulk with new, permanently waterproof, 100 percent silicone sealant.

Flashing can slip over time, so check for any signs of movement and replace anything that looks rusty. You can find flashing, roof sealant, and caulk in all good DIY shops, but unless you've got the proper safety equipment, get help from a roofing expert. Flashing can slip over time, so check for any signs of movement and replace anything that looks rusty. You can find flashing, roof sealant, and caulk in all good DIY shops, but unless you've got the proper safety equipment, get help from a roofing expert.

5. Look for moss growth

Moss can cause moisture damage to the roof tiles and wood underneath and can therefore cause costly issues if not taken care of early. During summer it can spread fast, so it’s best to catch it before it gets out of control. The easiest way to remove moss is after a dry spell: just brush it off with a stiff broom. If your roof is covered in moss, it might have caused further damage, so it could be worth speaking to a roofing expert for advice.

To organise a FREE ROOF SURVEY, please call us on 07929 145033 or email matt@amhpropertycare.co.uk