Common coverings
- Natural slate: long-lasting and attractive, though individual slates can slip as fixings age.
- Clay and concrete tiles: widely used, with lifespans varying by type and exposure.
Common defects
- Slipped or broken tiles/slates: often from “nail fatigue”, where old fixings corrode and fail.
- Failed underlay and battens: the secondary defence beneath the covering deteriorating with age.
- Defective flashings at chimneys, valleys and abutments, a frequent source of leaks.
- Ridge and hip problems where mortar bedding has cracked or failed.
- Condensation and poor ventilation in the roof space, which can lead to damp and decay.
Spotting trouble early
From the ground, look for slipped or missing units, sagging lines, vegetation, and staining on chimneys or at junctions. Inside the loft, daylight, water marks and damp timbers are warning signs.
Advice
A roof inspection establishes the covering’s remaining life and the cost of any repairs, valuable both for maintenance planning and before buying a property.