How often should I get my roof inspected?
Roofs (yes, that’s the plural!). They’re always there above us, keeping the wind and rain outside and the warmth inside. But most people rarely think about them until they lose a few tiles, or the old chimney blows off in a gale.
Despite this, roof problems are one of the most significant issues a house could face. For example, a hole in the roof might mean water gets in over weeks or months. Let’s be honest, how often do you go in your loft? This can lead to serious complications like timber rot.
This article will walk you through the importance of having a roof inspected.
How long does a roof last, and when do I need to inspect it?
In this country, most roofs are tiled – either clay or cement. Historic homes and certain modern ones might be constructed with slate. It’s expensive, yes, but it’s durable against our unpredictable (and wet) weather patterns.
You shouldn’t have to replace your roof – except in extreme circumstances – within 50 years of its installation.
In contrast, shingle-style roofs often need replacing in about half that time – 25 or 30 years.
There’s no set period you should check your roof. Most associations recommend at least once a year, but realistically twice. We might suggest doing a quick once-over of your roof bi-annually:
- Once all the leaves have fallen in autumn (blocked gutters and drainpipes might cause floods)
- Once in spring, as the temperatures begin to warm up again
You should also have a quick look after every powerful weather event. It’ll only take a few minutes and might save you tens of thousands in damage repair costs.
Common roof problems to look out for
The two most common residential roof problems are:
- Damage (from extreme weather or falling branches)
- Improper installation
Thanks to the fabled great British weather, any roof in any area of the country can suffer from either (or both) of these. If the wind blows at your home in the wrong direction, it could throw tiles to the ground. Falling branches from nearby trees could also land on your house. The problem this creates is that water can get in, leading to damp and rot. You’ll also notice your energy efficiency dropping severely – the heat escaping from the property’s hottest part.
A roofing contractor might not have had enough training or simply had a bad day. Either way, improper installation is an issue faced by more than you’d think. It’s not just the tiles, either. The flashing, gutters, drainpipes, and even structural timber could all lead to problems. Because of these, you’ll inevitably see water ingress in parts of your roof or upstairs ceiling.
How a home survey checks a roof
A chartered surveyor will conduct a simple visual inspection of a property’s roof. They’ll take a look from both the inside and the outside.
Getting a view from the outside is usually simple. It’s about finding the right angle and can often be done by standing outside the property on the driveway and back garden. Sometimes, it involves finding a nearby hill or going one or two roads down the estate to look back. The surveyor will take a photo of what they can see, too. This will be included in the report.
Inside the home, it’s much the same. Provided it’s safe, the surveyor will climb into the loft to inspect it. Any signs of water ingress will be reasonably obvious. While there, they might use a damp meter to measure the air’s moisture levels. This can be an indication of poor ventilation and leaks. Again, wherever possible, photos will be taken for the report.
Why it’s essential to spot roof issues before buying a home
It’s vital to spot roof issues before you buy a new home. Why? Because they can be expensive. As in, very. A new roof costs the average UK homeowner around £5,000 to £6,000. That’s for modern homes with easy-to-supply tiles, materials, and scaffolding. Historic properties can be even more expensive. Retiling a slate roof on a large old farmhouse could easily reach into the tens of thousands.
Nowadays, inflation and materials costs mean these prices are rising. Spotting roof issues before your purchase isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker – but it must be factored in.
Get GB Home Surveys to look at your roof
If you need a chartered surveyor to look at your roof, we’d love to hear from you. GB Home Surveys can be found in the South-West, South Wales, and the West Midlands. Our experienced, RICS-registered employees will be happy to chat with you (for free) about what you can expect.
Interested? Use the form below to submit an informal enquiry. We look forward to hearing from you, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
