…IDEAL for homeowners and landlords.
With both Storm Ciara and then Dennis having brought hurricane-force winds of over 90 mph to the UK, the nation’s roofs have been having a poor time of it recently. Flying debris causing dents through to simple slipped tiles, there’s never been a more necessary time to inspect your property for damage than after storms of such magnitude. With that in mind, here are 5 tips on how to check your roof for damage after storms Dennis, IDEAL for homeowners and landlords.
CHECK THE ATTIC FOR LEAKS
While rainwater can find its way into your house from multiple angles, the obvious point of entry is the cracks in the roof. As such, it’s wise to take a quick trip into the attic to identify whether there’s been any water ingress since Ciara and Dennis so rudely announced themselves.
Discolouration and peeling of paints from the ceiling and walls is also a sign of an active leak. If you do not take fast action, it may lead to black mould throughout your home which – if you ever decide to sell – will almost certainly deter potential buyers.
LOOK FOR DEBRIS ON YOUR ROOF
During a storm, the strong winds can blow debris towards your home. This flying debris can form holes in your roof due to a strong impact and may also lead to drainage problems if you do not clear it from the guttering. That said, when inspecting your roof for signs of debris, it’s not a good idea to get up there yourself; instead, get a pair of binoculars, use a ladder to view from the sidelines or call in a professional. There’s no point risking your safety here.
START FROM THE GROUND UP
After the storm, walk around your garden and assess the damages to your property. Do some detective work; if you notice any fallen branches, chances are the roof got a beating from the trees. You may also find pieces of shingles or metallic parts from your chimney, and hail. These indicate that you need to contact a roofing inspector, pronto.
INSPECT THE GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS
Dents and cracks in your gutters are a red flag and could be a sign of roof damage. During the storm, the chunks of hail and strong winds may well have caused plastic guttering to crack. When inspecting your gutters keep an eye out for signs of decay or rust, missing sections of downspouts and gutters, and leaky seams. You should also check for sagging or bends and debris. Clogged drains also put pressure on the gutter fasteners causing more damage, so be aware of this danger, too.
CONSULT THE PROFESSIONALS
If you are concerned about damage to your roof, be sure to call in a professional rather than tackling a rather risky job on your own. If you don’t know of a good, reputable, tradesperson in your area then we recommend using either ratedpeople.com or checkatrade.com for honest reviews of those in your area.
While we’re on the subject of those pesky storms, check out our tips on the best ways to protect your property from floods.
