Roof Treatments and Maintenance

Keeping your home wind and water tight should be a priority for every householder. The roof should be given regular scrutiny in order that it retains its integrity and will serve its purpose for many years, hopefully outliving the average 10 year life span if it is kept in good condition and maintained timeously.

Suggested maintenance for pitched roofs

A visual inspection should be carried out twice a year – once in the springtime, once in autumn.

Internal roof and loft inspection

• Start inside the loft or roof space. 
• Look for any signs of damp (remember that damp can smell too).
• Look for signs of water penetration and leaks.
• Look for chinks of light.
• Check the condition of trusses or rafters; make sure they are sound and dry with no sign of insect infestations. If there is any sign of wood boring insect activity, seek the advice of a pest control officer as soon as possible.
• Also check for signs of vermin, including pigeons and other birds. Take remedial action using pest control as necessary and seal up any entry points without delay.

Once the inside has been checked, continue to an external investigation, especially if any signs of water damage are observed internally.

External roof inspection

• If any sign of water penetration was noted internally, check the corresponding area externally to ascertain the cause of the problem. 
• Check the condition of the entire roof covering and make sure that all individual tiles or slates are secure and in the correct position.
• Check the ridge tiles, hips, valleys and verges especially for cracks anywhere, including within the mortar or flashing.
• Clear the gutters of any debris at least once a year. Test flush after clearing to check that the drainage has not been compromised. Re-secure any loose downpipes, guttering and hoppers etc.
• Look for algae, lichen, moss and other plant growths. Clear them as necessary. Some specialist services can arrange to treat the roof surface for this type of problem.
• Check all vents and air grilles and clear them of any debris as necessary to ensure adequate through-flow of ventilation across the roof void.
• Look at nearby trees and vegetation and ensure that they do not encroach on the roof surface or its ability to effectively drain water. Cut back any plants or trees as necessary.

Maintenance of Flat Roofs

Flat roofs deserve slightly different attention when carrying out an inspection in comparison to a pitched roof. However, certain procedures should be carried out the same as you would a pitched roof and it is always good to get into the habit of checking the roof at least twice a year, during spring and autumn. Internally, flat roofs tend not to have a large enough void beneath them to access in order to carry out an inspection, so it will usually be the case that a room directly underneath should be checked.

Internal flat roof inspection

• Look at the ceiling and walls in the room directly beneath the flat roof. Check for any signs of water penetration such as water marks on the decor.
• Be aware that if any evidence of water ingress is observed, it will not necessarily mean that the source of the leak will be directly above.

External flat roof inspection

• Check areas around any chimneys, vents or skylights etc and ensure that they are all sound.
• Look for signs of nail fatigue, missing or ‘popped’ nails and renew as necessary.
• Look closely at the seams of the roof covering and ensure that they are intake and flush with the surface with no tears or baggy areas.
• Inspect all valleys and other areas where the roof joins with another roof or structure.
• Take a look at the overall condition of the roof, paying particular attention to bare areas where stone chippings or gravel is missing. Replace missing stones as a priority.
• Check all drainage outlets, gutters and downpipes, make sure that they are working effectively and carry out a test flush.
• Do not store any items on the roof surface or use it as a patio area.

General safety information for inspecting a roof

For both pitched and flat roofs, it is advisable to not walk on the surface unless absolutely necessary. If it is unavoidable, do not go up onto the roof on a wet day, during a storm or when the wind speed is high.

For pitched roofs, use ladders and crawling boards that are specifically suited to the purpose. 

*Do not attempt to access a roof using a ladder, platform or scaffolding unless you have had appropriate safety training and are aware of how to use such equipment safely*