Roof warning signs: what to check

Water and staining indoors

A fresh ceiling stain, dripping in the loft or damp beside a chimney needs investigation. Keep a record of when it appears. Rain entry, condensation and plumbing leaks have different causes, so describe the timing rather than assuming the roof covering alone is responsible.

Changes visible from the ground

Look for slipped or missing tiles, uneven ridge caps, loose verge pieces and fragments below the eaves. These are four distinct reasons to arrange an assessment. Stay clear of falling material. A long-distance photo is useful; climbing onto the roof to take a close-up adds unnecessary risk.

Gutters, boards and flat-roof surfaces

Overflowing gutters, sagging roofline boards and standing water remaining on a flat roof are three more signs to discuss. Together with indoor water, these give eight practical checks. Each needs a diagnosis of the detail involved, not an automatic recommendation to replace the whole roof.

What to do with a problem

Move belongings away from water only when it is safe. Avoid wet electrical fittings and keep people away from loose exterior materials. Tell the roofer your postcode, the affected part of the building and any access restrictions. We handle small domestic repairs through to larger commercial roofing projects.