A Guide to Roof Maintenance: Top Tips for Homeowners and Landlords

As a homeowner in Plymouth, you’re no doubt already aware of how important your property’s roof is. However, despite knowing its importance, you may not know the first thing about roof maintenance! The expert team here at Plymouth Homes Lettings have a few top tips to help you keep your roofing in the best possible condition.

What Should I Check for and When?

Catching issues before they get out of hand is imperative when it comes to roof maintenance. Carrying out inspections regularly is the best course of action to ensure nothing gets overlooked. Checking at least twice yearly is wise, with spring and autumn being the optimal seasons. You should check for:

• Broken or missing slates or tiles
• Misaligned or broken guttering
• Flush flashing around dormer windows and the chimney
• Any growth of algae or moss
• Sunlight shining through to the inside
• Watermarks on the insulation or timber
• Signs of mould or decay
• Signs of sagging or damage

If you spot a problem, you should arrange for a repair as quickly as possible.

Clean The Gutters

If the gutters are kept clear, they’ll be able to channel water quickly away from your property. Check them more regularly during autumn as they can get blocked very quickly.

Clear Roof Debris 

If you have a flat roof, debris may accumulate on it. You may even find the same problem if you have a pitched roof. Not only is debris build-up unsightly, but it can also potentially damage your roof, so clear it away quickly.

Trim Trees

Leaves dropping into your guttering and onto the roof will cause problems, and twigs and branches may cause damage to your roof during storms or high winds. Keeping trees back from the property is always a good idea.

Eliminate Moss

Moss may appear to be harmless, but it causes significant issues. A large patch of moss will hold lots of water which, in turn, can rot your roofing materials or cause cracked or dislodged tiles. Eliminating roof moss will protect your roof from damage.

Making Roof Maintenance your Priority

Carrying out regular checks to the inside and outside of your roof is essential for all homeowners, and often, hiring a professional roofer is the best way to make sure you can achieve this safely and efficiently. Climbing onto your roof can be dangerous and may be best avoided if you lack the necessary experience.

Although you may need to pay for a roofer to maintain your roof, it’s money well spent in the long run as regular inspections will ensure that no potential problems get out of hand resulting in a huge bill in the future. Also, if you’re planning to sell or rent out your property, you need to be confident that the roof is in solid condition for prospective tenants or buyers.


If you’re considering selling or renting out your property in Plymouth, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team here at Plymouth Homes Lettings. We can help you find the perfect tenants or list your property for sale on the market. Give us a call today on 01752 514500 option 2 or send an email to jacqui@plymouthhomes.co.uk to learn more.