Your roof will have a limited lifespan, after which time it’ll need replacement. But the good news is that the lifespan for a UK roof is around 20 to 30 years on average, depending on your roof structure and material.
But in order for your roof to last for as long as possible, you need to take some steps to look after it. Read on for our top roofing maintenance tips.
1. Clean Out the Gutters Regularly
One of the simplest – but most often neglected – roof maintenance steps you can take is regular gutter clearance. Gutters can get clogged with leaves, dirt and debris quite easily, and this can lead to rain water pooling and penetrating the roof and upper walls. It’s relatively cheap to have someone clean your gutters once or twice a year, and you can even do it yourself (carefully) for single-storey properties.
2. Book in Annual Roofing Inspections
Often, we only call in a roofer when something goes wrong – if we notice a leak or a storm blows a few tiles out of place. But to keep your roof in good health, you need to be proactive rather than reactive.
Smart homeowners will book in a roof inspection at least once a year, especially ahead of the wet and windy autumn and winter season. This annual check can flag up any minor issues that could turn into major problems, before it happens. This allows you to make small, affordable repairs, as well as giving you peace of mind knowing that your roof is sound throughout winter.
3. Replace Cracked or Missing Tiles
If you spot that a tile or slate is missing or broken, it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible. It’s worth taking a look at your roof from street level (stepping across the road from your house usually offers the best view) as well as popping your head in the loft to see if you can see light coming through. If you notice a problem, don’t delay getting it fixed.
4. Ventilate Your Loft
Adequate ventilation in the loft is crucial to ensuring good air flow, stopping the build-up of condensation and other sources of moisture. If it gets too damp in the loft, this can start to affect the roof timbers, as well as other materials such as the roofing felt.
Carry out regular inspections of your loft (it should only take a few minutes) and check for signs or smells of damp. If you find any, it’s best to call in a roofer to take a look at your ventilation systems and make improvements if necessary.
5. Trim Those Trees
Roof maintenance isn’t just about the roof itself – you also need to look at what’s happening in the immediate surroundings.
Tall trees growing close to the house can cause some issues with your roof, especially if branches are touching the roof. Not only will these branches whip against roof tiles during windy weather, potentially causing erosion and damage over time, but they can also drop leaf debris. This can lead to a build up of unwanted greenery, dirt and debris on the roof.
So, you need to keep an eye on those trees and trim branches when needed.
6. Clean Off the Moss
Our last roofing maintenance tip is to clean off any build up of moss, around once a year should do the trick. Some people find moss an eyesore, but this isn’t why it should be removed from your roof. Moss can hold a lot of water, and you don’t want this weight and moisture sitting on top of your roof tiles.
