If you imagine the roof of your house as a pair of hands cupped over the rest of your structure, protecting it and keeping it free from harm, then you realise how important the integrity of the roof is to the rest of the building. A roof should keep your home dry and warm. Yet there are so many problems that can affect the roof and weaken its ability to protect the rest of your property.

Recognising the signs can help you to rectify them sooner rather than later, before any lasting damage is done. We’ve highlighted some of the most common problems that can affect your roof. If you do spot any of them, then you can find you’re a local specialist through a simple Google search. ‘Roof repairs Leeds’ for example will throw up some of the most recommended and reliable roofing companies that are located in the city of Leeds - make sure you check out their customer testimonials.

Spotting for signs of water ingress

A leaking roof is probably the biggest nightmare you can deal with, and trying to source the location of the water seepage can take some quite intense detecting skills. 

The most important thing you need to remember is to not delay if you find water coming through your off into the rooms below. The longer you leave it, the worse the damage can become. If left unrepaired, a simple leak that might cost a nominal amount, could turn into a very expensive incident that has affected several rooms in your house.

When looking for evidence of water ingress, check the following:

• Are there any cracked or broken shingles
• Check flashing points, gutters and around the chimney
• Has there been a storm lately? Is there any way any of the roof tiles could have become dislodged, or a branch may have hit the roof and knocked something out of place?

Flat roofs and standing water

A lot of properties historically have extensions with flat roofs. If these were built some time ago, the materials used may have become corrupted over time, or become damaged. Standing water can be insidious, finding the tiniest fissure through which the water can seep into the room below causing an increasing amount of damage.

If left untreated the damp patch can lead to mould growth, which is not just unsightly and unpleasant, but can be life threatening, particularly for young children or vulnerable elderly people.

Make sure that you regularly check your flat roof for standing water, and if the problem persists call in a professional roofer who will relay a new roof and ensure that the risk of any water ingress is eliminated. 

Environmental damage

Your roof is out there come wind, rain or shine, and as a result it needs to be able to withstand extreme weather conditions. Cheap, low grade tiles, felt, shingles and flashing will deteriorate quickly and need replacing often. They are a false economy. Whenever you have roof repairs carried out make sure that you use good quality materials and employ the best in terms of workmanship. Cheap alternatives will end up costing you significantly more in the long term. 

Get in the habit of carrying out regular inspections, particularly after periods of extreme weather changes. For example, if it has been particularly cold of later, with freezing temperatures and snowfall, check for any damage when the weather improves. Heavy snowfall does create a weight pressure on a roof, and freezing temperatures may lead to water pipes freezing, expanding and then cracking, then leaking as a result when they thaw out.