Page 37 - March 2024

PROPERTY ADVICE

Roof maintenance 101
Committing to performing simple roof maintenance a
If you’re worried about roof repairs, we share what you need to know.
couple of times a year can certainly help to extend the
life of your roof.

If you own a house, it’s generally much easier of a damaged roof, and will likely be the first
for you to inspect your roof regularly and to know if there’s an issue, but in many cases,
make any necessary repairs before problems all residents of a block are liable to pay for
escalate. If you can, take the time to check roof and gutter repairs, so it’s in everybody’s
your roof for signs of damage. For a more best interests to ensure good upkeep to
detailed check, there are plenty of local, avoid astronomical bills further down the line.
reputable roofing companies who you can Tenement roof repairs usually also incur the
book in for a roof inspection, and who will have extra expense of scaffolding, which can add a
the knowledge and equipment to perform a hefty amount to the final bill per flat.
thorough examination of the entire roof and
chimney area. If you are a resident of a tenement flat that
isn’t on the top floor, it’s very important to
You should be looking for things like stains, remember that last part – even if you’re on the
peeling or missing slates, as well as cracks or ground floor and the furthest from the roof, it’s
damage to the pipes. Evidence of pests or still your property’s roof and you are usually
animals, such as bird nests or insect nests, equally liable with the other residents of the
ny homeowner will know the importance Alongside this, taking the time to check your should also be noted and dealt with, but you block to pay for repairs. Organisations such
of roof maintenance, but so many of us roof and make small fixes where they’re may need to call in a specialist company for this. as Under One Roof can advise on communal
A still tend to neglect this area of property required can save you money in the longer Remove debris from the roof and the gutters repairs and help residents to understand their
preservation, with cost the most cited reason for term. If you spot an area that’s giving you and inspect the flashing for potential leaks. If responsibilities and obligations as homeowners
leaving well alone. It’s true that replacing a roof cause for concern early enough, it’s likely your chimney is open, you should also have this in a shared property.
can be a substantial investment for homeowners, that any repairs will be smaller than if you swept and inspected regularly by a professional.
costing around £12,000 - £15,000 on average, wait for the ceiling to leak, a slate to fall or
but a full replacement may not be needed, if you mould to develop. Committing to performing this kind of simple
give the right care and attention to this most roof maintenance a couple of times a year can
important part of your home. As we head into the spring and the worst certainly help to extend the life of your roof,
of the winter weather is (hopefully) behind reducing the need to pay out for a new roof or
Regular roof maintenance can extend the lifespan us, it’s a good time to examine your roof for a major overhaul.
of your existing roof, which not only protects your any damage incurred over the wetter, colder
property itself, but also its value. If you’re thinking months – plus, if any repairs are to be made, However, it can be harder for residents
of selling your home, your Home Report will flag they’ll be easier and quicker to do in the dryer of flats and particularly tenements to
the condition of the roof, and the surveyor will season. It’s clearer to see cracks, slips and commit to such regular maintenance,
consider this when deciding on the property’s splits on brighter days, which means you’re especially if you don’t have a factor
valuation figure. A roof that looks in need of repair less likely to miss any areas of concern, and company that’s responsible for
may put off prospective buyers, whereas a well- best of all, your roof will be well prepared maintaining your property. Of course,
maintained roof with a good Home Report score for the return of the bad weather later down residents of the top floor will be the
will only add to your property’s appeal. the line. most prone to experiencing the effects

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