With the arrival of Santa and his reindeer imminent, it’s important that you have your roof ready. Your roof protects you from the elements, but it can experience considerable stress from heavy rains and wind and cold weather. Here are some simple winter roof checks to keep your roof, and your home, in good condition.
Look Inside
The first (and warmest) way to check the condition of your roof is in the attic. Switch on the lights and grab a torch for hard to reach places. Keep an eye out for damp patches, sagging areas of roof or rotten joists. If you see anything suspicious, call a local roofer to take a closer look.
Look Up
Next, take a look at your roof from ground level. You can use binoculars if you need to. Keep an eye out for missing, slipped or damaged tiles, moss and plants growing on your roof!
Check Your Gutters
Once you are ready to get up there, safely secure your ladder and start with the gutters. Make sure they are clear of leaves and other debris, and look for cracks, missing screws and any other damage. Ensure that downpipes are securely attached to the wall and that the drains are clear. If you see damage, contact a fascias, soffits and guttering specialist.
Check The Roof
If you are confident and have a ladder that will safely reach your roof while maintaining three points of contact with the ladder at any time, have a good look at your roof. Clear any moss and take a closer look for missing or damaged tiles.
It is fairly easy to see if your roof needs tending to, but sometimes you can have a mystery leak that you just can’t detect. If this is the case, or if you are not 100% confident in your roofing DIY skills, your best option is to get in touch with a professional roofer. They will be qualified and insured to assess your roof, spot any potential problems and fix them quickly, safely and effectively.
Don’t get caught out this winter; if you need advice on your roof or any other trade issues, download our app, available on Android or Apple, to make sure that you have the best, most reliable local traders at your fingertips.
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