As we approach the time of year where everything seems to be a bit soggy, leaks are inevitable. As with many home repair issues, prevention is always better than cure. So while it is good to know what to do if you do have a leak, your best course of action is to try to avoid them from happening in the first place.
Whilst it is not always possible to clearly see if a roof has a problem, the quickest and easiest thing to do is have a look from the outside to see if there are any obviously cracked, broken or missing tiles. Try to make a habit of having a little look at your roof to check for wear and tear or gaps around the chimney and vents, missing shingles or tiles, blocked or broken gutters or downpipes, and rotting or blistering felt.
Not all roof faults are clearly visible from the outside, but there may be some internal clues. These include mysterious dark patches and a sagging roof; if you notice either, even if you can’t see anything from the outside, it is a good idea to call a roofer and get their advice.
The need for action
Leaks are not usually a very serious issue, and it is true that most of us will encounter a leaking roof at some point. However, it is generally the case that, the sooner you act, the more you can limit the damage (and the cost). A damaged roof, a cracked tile, a blocked gutter or a tiny leak may seem insignificant, but you can be sure of one thing: it’s not going to get better by itself. The sooner you call a roofer in to take a look at the problem, the more likely they are going to be able to fix it, and the lower the bill – for the repair as well as the damage caused by the leak. On the flip side, the longer you leave it, the worse the damage, the bigger the bill…
If in doubt, call a couple of reliable roofers and ask them for a quote. You never know, it may not be as bad as you think and either way it will let you know what your options are. Check out our directory of trusted local roofers to find some near you.
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