Maintenance Tips to Prevent Leaks in Your Roof

19 Jul Maintenance Tips to Prevent Leaks in Your Roof

One of the most common and expensive repairs homeowners often face at one time or another is a leaky roof.

However, did you know that a lot of the time leaks can be prevented? With a little regular maintenance, you can both prevent and identify leaks before they become an issue. Below you’ll discover some of the best maintenance tips to prevent leaks in your roof.

Check twice yearly for missing and broken tiles

Ideally, you should check the roof twice a year to see if there are any problems with the tiles. It’s recommended you check both in the spring and autumn. Remember, your roof is exposed to all kinds of harsh weather conditions. High winds and heavy downpours can cause particular problems for the tiles. If you do find any broken or missing tiles, be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

Replace the flashing when needed

The flashing is used to cover up the joints of the roof, preventing water from being able to pass through. Like the tiles, flashing can start to deteriorate after being exposed to harsh weather conditions. As it weakens, it stops being effective and water soon finds a way through.

Replacing old flashing isn’t easy to do on your own, so be sure to hire a professional roofing contractor. They can also inspect your existing flashing to see if it does actually need to be replaced.

Inspect the loft

Another good place to check is the loft. After all, it’s directly below the roof and so any signs of a problem are going to be visible within the loft space. Mould is a common sign that there’s a leak for example. You’ll also be able to spot damp patches if there is a problem. If there are no signs of a leak, look out for parts of the roof where daylight seems to be shining through. This will alert you to any holes starting to develop.

A good tip is to ensure your loft is well insulated. A lot of damp and mould issues come from insufficient insulation.

Overall the above are just three top tips for maintaining the roof to prevent leaks. It is recommended you hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect the roof at least once a year. They will be able to spot any potential issues early on and advise you on maintenance checks you can carry out yourself between inspections.