Most common roofing problems

Roofline replacement is a big job. We’re committed to helping people maintain their roofline by sharing our knowledge of common roofing issues to look out for and what to do if you spot them. 

Roofing problems should only be fixed by experienced roofing contractors. Always consult an experienced roofing company with good reviews if you spot issues or need roofing repair work done.

Roofing leaks

With ever changing and unpredictable weather, it’s hard to know when the next storm or torrential rain shower will hit. Severe weather such as storms, winds, hail, snow and freezing temperatures can all cause damage to roofing material.

It’s best to spot potential problems before you see the telltale signs of water seeping into the home, i.e. drips or water patches on your interior ceilings. Even very small leaks can lead to widespread damage to the fabric of your home.

Check your roofline regularly to spot any gaps in roof tiles. If you have a flat roof, check for any holes or punctures in roofing material and protective roof membranes. 

Damaged fascias and soffits

Fascias and soffits are the protective boards at the end of your roofing. Together with your guttering, they ensure water is quickly and efficiently directed away from your roofline. 

Keeping your guttering clear through regular cleaning will help to prevent build ups of water or ice. These build ups lead to roofing problems when the fascias and soffits become damaged or detached from the roof, allowing water to penetrate roofing materials. They can also leave holes and cracks which allow birds and vermin to access your house.

Check your fascias and soffits regularly for signs of damage. If they are wooden, make sure they are regularly painted or treated to prevent them from rotting. If you see signs of mould, material flaking away or decaying, contact a roofing contractor to get your roof inspected.

PVC fascias and soffits are available which will never rot and offer a huge range of styles and finishes.

Poor roof maintenance

As mentioned, your roofline needs a qualified and experienced professional. It’s important to have a trusted roofline specialist to check and carry out regular roofing inspections and maintenance to avoid roofing problems in the first place. 

Good roofing contractors will be happy to offer this roofing service for all types of roofing and it can avoid the need for full roofline replacement. 

Badly installed roofline

Your roofline is more than just shingles, tiling or slates. Your guttering, fascias and soffits, flashing and barge boards are all essential components of a safe, secure and well functioning roofline. 

If any of the key elements are poorly installed, roof materials can crack or split due to not having enough room to contract and expand with changing temperatures.

Well installed roofs need to be supported by all of these crucial elements. Ask your roofing contractor to check all of these elements for you. Even if roofline replacement isn’t needed, they should be able to advise on the best materials for any recommended upgrades, roofing repairs or maintenance.

Trees

Together with our unpredictable weather, overhanging trees and vegetation can pose a threat to your roofline. Branches which touch your roof can wear away or damage the top layer of your tiling, slates or shingles which can lead to cracks and holes in the roof materials.

A tree surgeon can clip back trees and branches without harming the tree, so keep an eye on how your garden grows.

Flashing 

Metal flashing provides an important layer of protection within your roofline. It consists of a thin layer of metal which directs water away from key parts of your roofline. You’ll often see them in areas where there are seams and joins which could be susceptible to water penetration, e.g. at the base of chimneys.

Metal flashing also provides a seal around vent pipes and chimneys. If any of your metal flashing looks loose or in any way damaged or corroded, it’s time for a roof inspection.