How often should you check your roof?
Look over the roof from a safe position at least twice a year, ideally in spring and autumn, and again after unusually strong winds or prolonged rain. Binoculars or a phone camera zoom can help with a ground-level view. If access or visibility is poor, arrange a professional inspection.
Roof coverings can be fragile, wet surfaces are slippery and falls from height can be fatal. Do not use an unsecured ladder or walk on tiles, slates or flat-roof coverings.
External checks from the ground
- Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates.
- Check whether ridge or hip tiles appear displaced or mortar is breaking away.
- Look for damaged flashing around chimneys, walls, valleys and roof windows.
- Check flat roofs for visible lifting edges, tears, pooling or unusual changes in the surface.
- Notice sagging gutters, leaking joints or staining below the roofline.
- Look for cracked render, loose pointing or vegetation around chimneys.
- Check whether branches are touching the roof or gutters.
Checks inside the loft
In daylight, look for pinpoints of light, damp insulation, dark staining, mould, wet timbers or a musty smell. After heavy rain, note where moisture appears, but remember that water can travel before it becomes visible. Do not touch suspect electrical fittings or enter an unsafe, unboarded loft.
Gutters, downpipes and drainage
Blocked or defective rainwater goods can send water down walls or back beneath the roof edge. From ground level, look for overflowing sections during rain, plants growing in gutters, disconnected joints and downpipes that do not discharge properly. Suitable access and safe working equipment are essential for cleaning or repairs.
Seasonal priorities in Leicestershire
Spring
Check for winter storm damage, loose coverings and overflowing gutters. Early repairs can help prevent defects worsening during spring rain.
Summer
Dryer weather can be suitable for planned repairs, leadwork, chimney maintenance and quotations for larger work. Check roof spaces for ventilation problems or signs of historic leaks.
Autumn
Falling leaves can obstruct gutters, valleys and outlets. Check rainwater routes before prolonged wet weather and make sure nearby branches are managed safely.
Winter
Observe the roof after wind, rain or frost without climbing. Deal safely with active internal leaks and arrange an assessment when conditions permit.
When should you contact a roofer?
Arrange advice if you see displaced coverings, repeated gutter overflow, damp loft timbers, active water entry, chimney deterioration or a flat-roof surface that is lifting or splitting. A roof inspection can help distinguish maintenance from a repair, while our roof repair cost guide explains what affects a quotation.