· Absolute Roofing 247
The wet, windy weather across Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire is a hard test for any roof. A small problem in October can turn into a leak in January. Here are five simple checks you can do from the ground, before the worst of the winter weather arrives.
1. Look for slipped, cracked or missing tiles
Stand back from the house and look along the roof. Slipped, cracked or missing tiles let water in. After strong winds, check again. If you spot damage on a pitched roof, don't climb up. Call a roofer to inspect it safely.
2. Check the ridge and hip tiles
The tiles along the top and corners of the roof are held down with mortar. If the mortar is crumbling or tiles look loose, rain can get underneath.
3. Clear the gutters and downpipes
Leaves and moss block gutters, and overflowing water can soak the roof edge and walls. Clear them out, or ask someone with the right ladder and safety kit to do it.
4. Look at your flat roof
Flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers are a common source of leaks. Look for standing water that doesn't drain, blistering, splits, or edges that have lifted. If you've had a leak before, check the ceiling below for new stains after rain.
5. Check the flashings around chimneys and walls
The lead or other flashing where the roof meets a chimney or wall seals out water. If it has lifted, cracked or pulled away, it should be repaired before winter.
When to call a roofer
If you find a problem, or you have a leak right now, get it looked at early. Absolute Roofing 247 covers Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire and the surrounding areas, with 24/7 emergency roofing. Call us free on 0800 046 1159 for a free quote.
Read more about our roof repairs and leak detection, see the areas we cover, or contact us.
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