Roof protection

Aside from guttering there are many important ways to ensure that your roof is offering you and your home the utmost protection against water damage.

A well protected and insulated roof can also save you money on your heating bills as it will stop heat leaving through gaps in the roof. If you have a flat roof, or part of your roof is flat, then you must be absolutely sure that it is waterproofed as flat roofs are particularly susceptible to damage.

The huge financial cost involved in replacing an entire roof means that most people usually go for a simple patch-up job if a problem occurs. There are, however, ways to secure the long term future of your roof without running into tens of thousands of pounds.

First of all you should inspect your roof twice a year, ideally before and after winter, and look out for the following things in order to stop potential problems before they begin:

Nobody likes a dirty flasher

Flashing is the metal used to seal bends and joints around vents, skylights, chimneys etc. Make sure that it is not leaking or damaged as water can get in underneath the flashing and drip into your house and cause lots of problems. It is estimated that up to 90% roofing leaks occur because of faulty or deteriorated flashing.

Missing tiles or shingles

Look for any roof tiles or shingles that have either blown away, cracked or deteriorated due to bad weather. You will need to replace any that go missing or are badly damaged straight away.

Loose tiles

Make sure the tiles that are in place are securely fastened and sealed to the roof. It is especially important to check the tiles around the roof edge as this is often where rain and wind can do the most damage.

Another top waterproofing tip is to use an insulator like Warmroof, which will be beneficial to your roof and home at any time.

Warmroof is a spray-on foam insulation which goes underneath your roof. It provides your home with protection against the elements and also stops heat escaping through your roof so can reduce your heating bills. For further information visit the Warmroof website.

What if I still have a problem?

If you have damp proofed your home, your gutters are working, your brick work is sealed, and your roof is in fine order, then you should be prepared for any kind of wet weather.

But if you still have a particular or unusual problem when waterproofing your home then it's always advisable to consult with a roofing expert to decide upon the best course of action for your particular circumstances. The British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Association will be able to supply you with a list of contractors in your area who all belong to the government endorsed Trust-mark scheme.

And remember, though it may not seem urgent, waterproofing isn't a job to be put on the long finger. That is, of course, unless you and your family fancy donning a rain mac in your living room!