All property owners are aware of how important their roof is, but very few actually know how to maintain it.
If you are a self-managing landlord, it’s even more important that you check your roof regularly. Under Section 11 of Landlord and Tenant Act, you’re responsible for all external fixtures.
Catching problems early can prevent them from turning into bigger, more expensive ones. Be sure to ask your tenants to help by reporting any issues they might notice too.
Here is our quick guide on how to keep your roof in good condition.
How often should you check your roof?
Regular inspections are essential to spot any issues early. We recommend checking your roof at least twice a year. The beginning of Spring and Autumn are the optimal times.
What are you looking for?
The most obvious thing to look for is whether you can see the sky through your roof! However, there are other, less obvious things you also need to check for, such as:
- Damaged or misaligned guttering
- Missing or damaged slates or tiles
- Any moss or algae growth
- Watermarks on the wood or insulation
- Signs of deterioration or mould
- Indications of bowing or damage
- The flashing around your chimney or dormer windows not sitting flush.
Clean your gutters
Gutters channel water away from your property. If they get blocked, they can cause a leak quickly, so make sure that you clean them out regularly, increasing the frequency during Autumn.
Clear moss
Moss soaks up water like a sponge. Water in constant contact with your roof can cause rafters to rot, and in cold weather, when it freezes, it can lead to cracked tiles.
This is why it’s important to remove moss wherever possible.
Trees
Falling branches can damage roof tiles, and falling leaves can block gutters. If you have any trees near your property, make sure that you keep them neatly trimmed to reduce the chance of them damaging your roof.
Remove debris
Clumps of rotting leaves or a buildup of twigs can hamper the ability of water to run off of your roof, leading to the same issues that moss causes.
If you do find a problem, make sure that you deal with it quickly by employing a professional roofer. Attempting to fix problems yourself can be dangerous, and you will save money in the long run if you plan to sell or let your property, as you will be certain that the roof is well-maintained.
If you need recommendations for local tradespeople to help with things like your roof or nearby trees, just get in touch. We know all the best people in our area for these sorts of jobs.
If you are thinking of letting your property in Falmouth, Penryn, Truro, Helston and St Austell and would like more advice on how to get it ready to let then please give us a call on 01326 331812 or send an email to hello@llcoproperty.com and we will be happy to help you.
