Does my roof need replacing

Carrying out an assessment

Reroofing your home isn’t a simple task. It will require several days or weeks of work from a professional contactor and it’ll also set you back quite a bit of money. However, if you’re finding yourself constantly paying for repairs it could be time for a full or part reroof.

What you need to look for

With most of the checks you’ll carry out you can either climb a ladder or stay on ground level. Your first priority should be looking for broken, slipped or disjointed tiles. It’s quite easy to spot as there’ll often be discolouring where the tiles have moved.

It’s important to have repairs carried out as soon as possible because the effectiveness of the roof will be compromised and you could start to suffer from leaks.
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Also check out the ridgeline and the chimney for gaps in the mortar joints. Simple ways of telling this would be mortar lying on the ground or around other tiles or slates.

With age, slate roofs can be prone to delamination, which will allow moisture in. The best way of spotting this is by watching out for a flaky or powdery surface.

  • Roof ladders

If you’re thinking about going onto the roof to check out the state of tiles or slate, then it’s highly advised to use a proper roof ladder. These can be hired or you could even buy the necessary parts to convert an ordinary ladder.

  • Check out the loft

As well as the roofline itself, you should also take a look from the loft to spot any damage. Initially you want to be keeping an eye out for damp timber which would prove the effectiveness of your roof has deteriorated. If you don’t have felt lining, another clear-cut sign would be daylight shining into the loft.

If you are thinking of a reroof, make sure to read though our expert tips and advice:

Roofing cost guide

Reroofing your home isn’t cheap but there are plenty of options out there to cater for varying budgets. Find out more about the price you’d expect to pay with our reroofing cost guide.

Types of roof

There are several different rooftops you’ll see on the British skyline and with a reroof comes the chance to alter yours to something more appealing. Discover the right roof for you with our handy guide.
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Roof maintenance

Of course, keeping your roof in tip-top condition is a priority and when well-maintained you can expect up to 50 years of service from slate and tile roofs. Use our tips to keeping your roof looking its best.

Replacing tiles

You won’t necessarily have to replace your entire roof and sometimes it’ll just be a few tiles that could need fixing. Occasionally you’ll find tiles may have slipped or dislodged and bringing in a professional contractor is a cheap way to fix the issue.

Tom Crosswell

I have been managing online projects since 1999 and I'm a experienced marketeer, who is well versed in international brand management, online business strategy and developing long term relationships. Through my academic and professional background I am a specialist in generating online loyalty towards brands. My experience has taught me that ultimately business is about relationships and people. For more information see my Google+ page.