Is Your Roof Ready for Winter? An Autumn Roof Checklist for Shropshire Homes
The clocks go back on 25 October, and the first proper autumn storms usually aren’t far behind. October is the last comfortable window to get your roof checked before the wet, windy months set in. Small faults that are cheap to fix now can turn into leaks, damp and emergency call-outs by January.
Here’s the checklist our team works through on autumn inspections across Telford, Shrewsbury and the rest of Shropshire, plus what you can safely check yourself from the ground.
1. Look for Slipped, Cracked or Missing Tiles and Slates
Stand back from the house (binoculars help) and scan each roof slope. Look for gaps, tiles sitting out of line, or pieces of tile in the garden or gutters. One missing tile lets wind get underneath its neighbours, so damage spreads quickly once the storms arrive.
If you spot anything, book a roof repair before the weather turns. Not sure how old your tiles are? Our guide on how long roof tiles last explains what to expect from clay, concrete and slate.
2. Check the Ridge and Verges
Ridge tiles along the top of the roof and the verge tiles at the gable ends take the full force of the wind. Traditional mortar bedding cracks and crumbles with age, and loose ridge tiles are one of the most common storm call-outs we get.
If your mortar is failing, it may be worth upgrading rather than re-bedding. Mechanically fixed dry ridge systems and dry verge systems need no mortar and hold up far better in high winds.
3. Clear Gutters and Downpipes After Leaf Fall
By late October most trees have dropped their leaves, and much of that ends up in your gutters. Blocked gutters overflow, soak walls and fascias, and in a freeze the trapped water can split joints. Our post on how to tell if your gutters are clogged covers the warning signs.
If you can’t reach them safely, leave it to a professional. Ladder falls are a real risk in wet, slippery conditions.
4. Inspect Flashing Around Chimneys, Walls and Roof Windows
Lead flashing seals the joints where your roof meets a chimney, wall or roof window. When it lifts or cracks, water runs straight into the roof space, often showing up as a damp patch well away from the actual fault. See how to repair roof flashing for what’s involved.
5. Give the Chimney a Once-Over
Look for leaning stacks, cracked or missing pots, and crumbling mortar between the bricks. Chimneys are exposed on all sides and suffer badly from freeze-thaw over winter. Our article on common signs your chimney needs repair will help, and our chimney repair team can repoint, rebuild or cap stacks before the cold sets in.
6. Check Flat Roofs for Ponding and Splits
Flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers are where we see the most winter leaks. After rain, look for standing water that hasn’t drained within a day or two, plus blisters, cracks or lifted edges in the felt.
Old felt roofs often aren’t worth patching repeatedly. A modern EPDM rubber roof or GRP fibreglass roof is seamless and built to last. Find out more on our flat roofing services page, or read about the effects of snow on a flat roof.
7. Deal With Moss Before It Holds Water All Winter
A light covering of moss is mostly cosmetic. Thick moss, though, holds moisture against tiles, lifts them at the edges and washes into gutters. Autumn is a good time to tackle it. Read our guides on the best time to remove moss from your roof and how to stop moss growing back.
8. Check the Loft for Damp and Condensation
On a dry day, go into the loft with a torch. Look for damp patches, water stains on timbers, daylight through the roof, and black mould. As homes are heated over winter, poor ventilation can cause heavy condensation. Our post on condensation in the loft explains causes and fixes.
Repair Now or Replace?
If your roof needs patching every winter, it may be cheaper long-term to replace it. Read the signs that you need a new roof and our guide to what a new roof costs in Telford and Shrewsbury. Our re-roofing service covers everything from stripping the old roof to final clean-up.
What to Do if Storm Damage Happens
If a storm does cause damage, keep everyone away from fallen tiles or debris, move valuables away from any leak, and catch dripping water in buckets. Then call us. Our emergency roof repair team can make the roof watertight fast and arrange a permanent fix.
Book Your Autumn Roof Check
Severnside Roofing covers homes and businesses across Shropshire, including Telford and Shrewsbury. Call 01952 279 451 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation quote before winter arrives.
