10 Roofing Issues That Cause Your House Roof To Fail!

An essential roofing guide to why your home roof fails!

As experienced roofers at Robinson’s Roofing, we understand the importance of a sturdy and reliable roof for protecting your home from the unpredictable British weather. Over the years, we’ve encountered various roofing problems that can compromise the integrity of your roof.

In this post, we’ll discuss 10 common roofing issues in the UK and provide solutions to address each one effectively.

If you think you need a roofing professional check out our Roofing Services on our website for our full range of services or Contact Us to arrange a free detailed consultation.

What damaged will missing tiles/slates do to my roof?

Missing or damaged tiles and slates are common issues in Bath and the UK, the failure of these often leave roofs vulnerable to leaks and water damage.

Prompt identification and replacement of compromised tiles and slates is essential to preserve the roof’s integrity and can also prevent damage to the roofs structural timbers which are costly and difficult to replace if rot develops.

Engaging professional roofers at the first sign of any issues such as seeing a tile or slate out of place, ensures that problems can be solved early, quickly and cheaply.

Thorough a detailed initial assessment, a competent roofer can advise you the best way to deal with these issues helping to maintain the roof’s overall condition.

Why is my roof leaking and what roofing work will i need?

Leaks and water damage from roofs are commonly caused by the failure of one or more elements of the roof such as damaged roof coverings, damaged of cracked flashing, compromised roof seals or missing elements of the roof itself.

In addition, we find that leaks are also caused by poor installation practices through either poor skilled workmen or rogue traders.

Regular inspections from the homeowner by simply glancing up when walking into the home to make sure that nothing looks out of place will help with early detections as well as identify early staining on the ceilings of rooms directly below the roof.

Timely intervention is crucial to prevent further damage to roofs and interiors and homeowners should promptly address leaks by contacting skilled roofers to accurately identify and repair the sources of leaks, such as resealing flashings or replacing damaged roof elements.

My trees and near my roof, what damage will they do if there is a storm?

Overhanging tree branches pose risks of damage to roofs, especially during adverse weather as this can often cause damage to slates and tiles as well as flashings and guttering. Homeowners should regularly trim branches near their roof and conduct inspections to prevent tree-related damage.

Timely action, including branch trimming and prompt repairs, preserves roof integrity and prevents further damage, ensuring property safety.

After every storm a quick look following our Storm Damage Checklist should be taken as this will help to identify any roofing issues before they become long-term issues.

Why is there damp and mould in my loft and how do i stop it?

Inadequate ventilation in UK roofs causes a high number of cases of moisture build up and mould growth in the loft area, reducing energy efficiency.  Installing proper ventilation systems, such as ridge vents or soffit vents, enhances air circulation and prevents moisture accumulation.

We also find that roofs with old style bitumen felt (black in colour) have high levels of condensation due to the fact that bitumen felt does not allow air to circulate through it like more modern synthetic felts.

You will often see on a cold day the underside of your felt glisten where the warm air from your house meets the colder air from outside and turns into condensation.  It is recommended that the insulation in your loft should be a minimum of 270mm which will help to reduce the amount of warm air rising into the loft.

Consulting professional roofers ensures tailored ventilation solutions that promote energy efficiency and inhibit mould growth.

Making sure that there is adequate ventilation within your loft by installing new roof vents and on older roofs where bitumen felt is evident as well as making sure the outlet from bathrooms below is also properly vented out of the roof is vital.

Why is my gutter is leaking and what roofing works will need to be done to stop it?

Clogged or damaged gutters in Bath and the UK pose risks of water overflow and damage to roofs and cladding materials. The principal of gutters and the installation of them is very simple but is often done incorrectly.

We often see lengths of guttering cut too short which when it moves due to expansion and contraction on warm/cold days causes leaks on the gutter joints, in addition gutter brackets should also be placed at a maximum distance of 1 meter, where this has not been done, the guttering will sag, again causing the joints to leak.

We also often see screws be put into the top of downpipes to try and retain them, this is often done because the downpipe brackets used are not tight enough, or simply used to hold the downpipe in place.

Having screws put into the top of these downpipe allows a great place for any debris from the gutters to snag on them and cause a blockage which will then result in your gutters overflowing.

Clearing this blockage is not so bad on a bungalow but in Bath where properties can be 2, 3 or 4 stories high, this 20p screw can lead to the customer spending a large amount of money to resolve this issue.

Regular maintenance, including debris removal and prompt repairs, prevents gutter issues and ensures proper water drainage. Additionally, installing gutter guards minimises debris accumulation, reducing maintenance needs.

I think my flashings have failed and my ceiling has water damage, what roofing work should i expect to have done?

Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys and vents compromises the waterproofing integrity of Bath roofs, leading to water ingress.  Alot of the time we find that flashings have failed due to poor prior installation and the materials which they are attached to are no longer sound and have failed.

This is nowhere more prevalent than the sandstone buildings in Bath where these sandstones blocks have been cut to house the lead flashings during their lives which has resulted in crumbling blocks.

Homeowners should conduct thorough inspections to identify flashing issues and engage professional roofers for timely repairs, such as replacing damaged flashing and ensuring proper installation, to prevent water damage.

My roof has a big sag in the middle and i’m not sure why, will the roofing repair be expensive?

A sagging roof signifies potential structural issues or damage, compromising property stability and safety. Most older homes in Bath were initially roofed using traditional products such as slate and clay tiles and the roof was designed to support the weight of these tiles.

Unfortunately, where roofing companies have come and re-roofed them using more modern products such as clement tiles (these usually weigh twice the weight of the original roof coverings) it causes the roof purlin to fail and the roof to sag.

In the most extreme cases this can often lead to the roof being completely stripped off and new roof rafters installed including a new roof purlin which can be extremely expensive.

Seeking professional assessment and intervention from experienced roofers is essential to address these issues effectively. Professional repairs, such as reinforcing the roof structure or replacing damaged rafters, restore stability and integrity, ensuring property safety.

I think i’ve got squirrels or rats in the roof, how can i get rid of them and what damage will they cause?

Pests like birds, squirrels, or insects in the UK cause damage to roofing materials and create water ingress points, posing threats to roofs. Homeowners should take preventive measures, such as installing deterrents and promptly repairing damage, to mitigate pest infestation effectively.

Making sure that any holes in the roof are covered over and that traps are installed where evidence of pest intrusion is suspected, should be a standard course of action. Humane Traps can also be used to catch any pests but in this case it is recommended that they are released at least one mile from your home and any other property.

What damage will a rogue trader cause to my roof and if i need to get roofing work done how should i select a roofer?

Poor roof repairs and installations cause millions of pounds worth of damage to customers because of water damage to UK customers each year as well as the high cost of the putting right the initial repair.  Choosing the right tradesman can seem like a daunting task but we advise every customer to follow a back approach no matter the service required.

Firstly ask for recommendation from friends and family and then do some research on line checking reviews and their website for information.

Always get three estimates and the cheapest one is not always the best option especially if it’s cheaper by a large margin.

Check to see if they are a member of any independent accredited body such as the Buy With Confidence scheme run by the vast majority of Trading Standards across the UK and if they can start very quickly when the other companies you contact have long lead times then ask them why they aren’t busy like the other companies!

In addition, check any estimate to make sure that the best materials available are being used which if the company or roofer is reputable, should be common practice.

My roof is very old, what roofing repairs do i need to do to keep it going?

Aging roofs become more susceptible to wear and tear over time as the roof elements which they are made of fail.  These pose challenges to property owners and proactive measures, such as scheduling regular inspections, maintenance and considering targeted repairs or roof replacement will help to  address age-related issues effectively.

Professional assessments and interventions ensure continued protection and longevity of properties, safeguarding against risks associated with aging roofs.

Our roofs bear the brunt of everything the elements can throw at it and regular TLC is often required the older the roof is.

By addressing these common roofing issues promptly and effectively, you can prolong the lifespan of your roof and avoid costly repairs down the line. If you encounter any roofing problems, don’t hesitate to Contact Robinson’s Roofing for professional assistance. Our team of skilled roofers is here to ensure your roof remains in top condition for years to come.