Most roofs do not need constant attention when they are performing properly.

However, a few simple checks can help homeowners spot small changes before they develop into more disruptive problems.

Roof maintenance does not mean climbing onto the roof.

In fact, homeowners should avoid accessing roofing areas unless they have the correct equipment, experience and safety measures in place.

Many useful observations can be made safely from ground level or from inside the property.

This checklist is designed to help Devon homeowners monitor the condition of their roof throughout the year.

Check for Missing or Damaged Roof Tiles

Look at the roof from ground level and check for any obvious gaps.

Signs to look for include:

  • Missing tiles
  • Cracked tiles
  • Tiles sitting at unusual angles
  • Uneven sections
  • Tile fragments on the ground

One damaged tile may only require a localised repair.

Repeated tile movement across several areas deserves closer attention.

Our guide to why roof tiles crack, slip or come loose explains the common causes in more detail.

Check for Slipped or Broken Slates

Slate roofs should also be viewed from a safe position.

Look for:

  • Slates sitting lower than surrounding ones
  • Gaps in the covering
  • Broken slate edges
  • Slate fragments on the ground

One slipped slate does not automatically mean the roof needs replacing.

However, repeated movement across several areas may indicate wider fixing deterioration.

Read our guide to why roof slates slip for more information.

Look for Problems After Strong Winds

Severe weather is a sensible time to carry out a visual check from ground level.

Strong winds can expose weaknesses that were already developing.

After a storm, look for:

  • Tiles or slates on the ground
  • Visible gaps
  • Loose ridge materials
  • Damaged guttering
  • Debris around the property
  • New internal damp

Never climb onto the roof to inspect storm damage yourself.

If something appears to have changed, arrange a professional assessment.

Check Gutters for Overflow

Guttering is an important part of the roofing system.

If gutters become blocked, rainwater may overflow rather than being carried safely away.

Look for:

  • Water spilling over the edge
  • Sagging sections
  • Leaking joints
  • Vegetation growing from gutters
  • Debris build-up

Properties close to trees may require more frequent attention because of falling leaves and twigs.

Our guttering service covers cleaning and repairs where required.

Watch for Damp Inside the Property

Internal changes can provide early clues that something is wrong above.

Look for:

  • Water staining
  • Bubbling paint
  • Peeling wallpaper
  • Damp patches
  • Discolouration on ceilings
  • Damp around chimney breasts

A stain does not always mean there is an active leak.

It may relate to an older problem.

However, any new or changing damp should be investigated.

Check the Loft Where Safe to Do So

If your loft is safely accessible, it can provide useful information.

Look for:

  • Damp staining
  • Water marks
  • Signs of active dripping
  • Damp insulation
  • Daylight through obvious gaps
  • Strong musty smells

Do not disturb insulation or access unsafe areas.

The aim is simply to notice obvious changes.

Look Around Chimneys

Chimneys create several vulnerable roof junctions.

From ground level, look for:

  • Deteriorating mortar
  • Damaged brickwork
  • Visible flashing problems
  • Loose materials

Inside the property, pay attention to damp appearing around chimney breasts.

The problem may relate to flashing, masonry or the surrounding roof covering.

Our chimney repair service provides further information.

Check Roof Valleys

Roof valleys carry significant amounts of rainwater.

Where they are visible from ground level, look for:

  • Debris
  • Damaged surrounding tiles or slates
  • Signs of previous patching
  • Obvious blockages

Do not attempt to clear a valley if doing so requires roof access.

Our guide to roof valley leaks explains why these areas are important.

Look for Flashing Problems

Flashing protects vulnerable roof junctions.

Common locations include:

  • Chimneys
  • Adjoining walls
  • Rooflights
  • Extensions

Look for visible lifting or separation where this can be seen safely.

Internal damp close to one of these junctions may also indicate a problem.

Our guide to roof flashing problems covers common signs and causes.

Check Flat Roofs From a Safe Position

If you have a flat roof that can be viewed safely from an upper window or another secure location, look for:

  • Standing water
  • Visible cracking
  • Failed joints
  • Lifting edges
  • Debris around outlets

Do not walk onto the roof unless it has been designed for access and you know it is safe.

Our flat roofing service covers repairs and replacement where required.

Pay Attention to Rooflights

Rooflights create additional junctions.

Look for:

  • Internal damp around the frame
  • Visible staining
  • Condensation that appears unusual
  • Leaks after heavy rain

The issue may relate to the rooflight itself, surrounding flashing or nearby roofing materials.

Look for Moss Build-Up

Moss is common on many roofs and does not automatically mean there is a serious problem.

However, heavy build-up can:

  • Hold moisture
  • Collect in valleys
  • Fall into gutters
  • Hide small defects

The important point is to monitor whether moss is contributing to drainage problems.

Avoid aggressive DIY removal methods that could damage the roof covering.

Monitor Areas Close to Trees

Properties surrounded by trees may experience more:

  • Leaf debris
  • Twigs
  • Moss
  • Blocked gutters
  • Valley build-up

Branches can also cause damage during storms.

A little extra attention to drainage and debris can therefore be useful in these locations.

Check Fascias and Soffits

The roofline can also provide clues.

Look for:

  • Peeling finishes
  • Visible rot
  • Loose sections
  • Water staining
  • Damage around gutter fixings

Problems in these areas may be related to overflowing gutters or broader roofline deterioration.

Our soffit and fascia service provides more information.

Check After Prolonged Rain

Some roofing problems only become obvious after sustained wet weather.

After a particularly rainy spell, check for:

  • New ceiling stains
  • Damp around walls
  • Gutter overflow
  • Standing water on visible flat roofs
  • Drips in loft areas

This can help identify defects that remain hidden during short periods of rain.

Keep an Eye on Previous Repair Areas

If the roof has been repaired before, it is sensible to monitor those sections.

Look for:

  • Repeated damp
  • New movement
  • Further cracking
  • Problems around previous patches

One previous repair is not a concern in itself.

The issue is whether the same defect keeps returning.

Keep Simple Records

You do not need a detailed maintenance log, but keeping a few notes can be helpful.

Record:

  • When you first noticed a problem
  • Whether it followed bad weather
  • Where damp appeared
  • What repair was carried out

This can make future assessment easier, particularly if a defect returns.

How Often Should You Check Your Roof?

There is no need to inspect it constantly.

A sensible routine might include visual checks:

  • In spring
  • In autumn
  • After severe weather
  • After prolonged periods of heavy rain

The aim is simply to notice obvious changes early.

What Should You Never Do Yourself?

Avoid:

  • Walking on the roof
  • Climbing ladders in poor weather
  • Lifting tiles or slates
  • Attempting repairs at height
  • Clearing roof valleys from an unsafe position

Roofing work can be dangerous.

If the issue cannot be assessed safely from ground level or inside the property, arrange professional help.

Signs That Need Prompt Attention

Some problems deserve quicker investigation.

These include:

  • Active internal leaks
  • Missing roofing materials
  • Loose materials that could fall
  • Significant storm damage
  • Repeated water ingress
  • Large areas of visible deterioration

The earlier the cause is identified, the easier it may be to keep the repair contained.

Repair Versus Replacement

Maintenance is intended to help preserve a serviceable roof.

It is not about delaying replacement indefinitely when the system is failing more widely.

Repair is usually more appropriate where:

  • The defect is isolated
  • Most of the roof remains sound
  • The surrounding materials are serviceable

Replacement deserves more consideration where:

  • Problems keep returning
  • Several areas are deteriorating
  • Repairs are becoming frequent
  • Multiple roof components are failing

Our guide to signs your roof may need replacing explains this in more detail.

Older Devon Properties

Older homes can benefit particularly from regular visual checks because they may contain:

  • Slate roofing
  • Chimneys
  • Historic repairs
  • Extensions
  • Flat roof additions
  • Older drainage systems

None of these automatically present a problem.

They simply create more areas worth monitoring.

Our guide to roofing problems in older Devon properties provides more detail.

How Maintenance Can Help Extend Roof Life

Small defects are often easier to address when found early.

Examples include:

  • One broken tile
  • A slipped slate
  • A blocked gutter
  • A small flashing defect
  • A localised flat roof issue

Allowing these problems to continue can sometimes lead to wider damage.

Regular observation therefore helps protect the useful life of the roof.

Our guide to how long a roof lasts explains the factors that influence roof lifespan.

When to Consider a Roof Survey

A more structured assessment may be useful where:

  • The property is older
  • Several defects are visible
  • Repairs are becoming frequent
  • You are buying a property
  • You are unsure about the roof’s condition

Bramwell Roofing Devon provides roof surveys across Devon.

Roof Maintenance Checklist at a Glance

A simple routine can include checking:

  • Tiles
  • Slates
  • Chimneys
  • Flashing
  • Valleys
  • Gutters
  • Flat roofs
  • Rooflights
  • Fascias and soffits
  • Internal ceilings
  • Loft spaces
  • Previous repair areas

The objective is not to diagnose every problem yourself.

It is to notice changes early enough to arrange further investigation where required.

Roofing Services Across Devon

Bramwell Roofing Devon provides roofing services throughout Devon, including roof repairs, tiled roofing, slate roofing, flat roofing, chimney repairs, guttering, soffits and fascias and roof surveys.

Visit our Areas We Cover page for more information.

Concerned About Something You Have Noticed?

If a routine check reveals a missing tile, slipped slate, leak, guttering problem or another change, Bramwell Roofing Devon can assess the issue and discuss the available options.

Call 01392 308173 or 07598 001 200, or contact Bramwell Roofing Devon online.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my roof?

A simple visual check a few times each year, particularly in spring, autumn and after severe weather, is usually sensible.

Should I climb onto the roof to inspect it?

No. Homeowners should avoid unsafe roof access. Many useful observations can be made from ground level or from inside the property.

Is moss on a roof always a problem?

No. Moss is common, but heavy build-up can contribute to drainage problems and should be monitored.

What should I check after a storm?

Look for missing tiles or slates, debris on the ground, damaged gutters, visible gaps and new internal damp.

Can regular maintenance extend the life of a roof?

Yes. Identifying and addressing localised defects early can help prevent minor problems from developing into more extensive damage.