Winter Jobs: Inspecting Roof Flashings

We're always going on about it here, but making sure your roof flashings are in good condition as Winter approaches should be one of your top jobs, saving you time, money and a lot of damp and discomfort later. Ideally, we advise looking more than once a year but if like many people you only end up thinking about your roof when Autumn starts throwing half the ocean over it, that's okay - a yearly inspection is better than none at all!

But do you know what you're looking for? Follow our Top Tips for inspecting roof flashings and you soon will...

Top Tip #1: Think about access & remember - Flashing is Cheap!

If you cannot easily see what is going on on your roof (including using binoculars) or cannot work up there easily and safely, call the contractors. It isn't worth risking life and limb for a bit of flashing - especially when we will inspect your roof for free and flashing replacement is one of the cheapest things that can be done on your roof!

Top Tip #2: Know what you're looking at

This one may sound obvious but it's worth making sure! Flashings are metal, plastic or rubber pieces commonly found around chimneys, skylights & dormers, and vent pipes, that cover over interruptions in the roof's surface. Remember to check eaves flashings and roof edge/drip edge flashings, and look for any signs of rot or damp that indicate water is being retained somewhere. For a full list of what to look for, it is worth reading this article.

Top Tip #3: Know when to call the contractors:

If the flashings are missing, loose or damaged (cracked, warped, worn or in the case of metal rusted through) they need replacing, or you'll have water ingress and spreading damp in the property below, which can damage both your house (for example timbers and plasterwork) and your possessions. Unless you're experienced and very confident with DIY and heights (see tip #4) and know what you're doing, call the contractors.

Top Tip #4: Can you fix it?

This calls for a realistic assessment not of your roof but of you. It is our recommendation that you DO NOT attempt roof work unless you have experience, confidence with heights & DIY, the right safety gear and plenty of know-how. For someone who knows what they're doing, fixing roof flashings can be straightforward and fast. For someone who doesn't, it can be long, very dangerous and ultimately ineffective. If you're a roofer or are sure you can do it yourself, you can buy lead free flashing and edging through our online shop. This site gives a good overview of what you will need to do to fit lead flashing (you may want to consider insurance if you're planning to fit metal flashings).

Want to know more?

Click here to find out more about lead alternative roofing or if you'd like to talk things through or arrange a no-obligation inspection, call us on 07855 535581 or drop us an email. We can answer most roof-related questions AND can get to any roof in the UK.