The Roof Health Checklist: What to Inspect Every Year

Introduction

Your roof works hard throughout the year—taking on storms, temperature swings, falling debris, and general wear and tear. Yet, it’s one of the most overlooked parts of any home or commercial building. A simple annual inspection can make the difference between catching a small issue early and facing a costly emergency down the line.

At BMT Roofing Wollaston, we encourage homeowners across Northamptonshire to adopt a proactive approach to roof maintenance. In this article, we share a practical, easy-to-follow checklist that helps you identify potential issues before they become real problems. If you’re looking to preserve your roof’s lifespan and keep your home safe and dry, this guide is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Annual roof checks can prevent major repair costs later.
  
• Spotting minor issues early keeps your roof functional and your home protected.
  
• BMT Roofing Wollaston offers professional support if anything on your checklist raises concern.
  

Your Annual Roof Health Checklist

An annual inspection doesn’t require climbing up with a toolkit (unless you’re qualified). Most of the items below can be observed from ground level or from inside your loft. Use binoculars if needed, or contact a roofing specialist for a more detailed inspection.

1. Check for Missing or Slipped Tiles

Wind, heavy rain, and even age can cause tiles or slates to become loose. A single missing tile can lead to water damage if left unaddressed. Walk around your home and visually inspect the roof from all angles.

Look for:

• Gaps in the tile line
  
• Tiles lying on the ground after bad weather
  
• Uneven sections where tiles may have slipped
  

2. Examine Ridge and Hip Lines

Ridge tiles (running along the top) and hip tiles (on angled corners) can become cracked or dislodged over time. They are key to keeping the roof watertight at these vulnerable joints.

Watch out for:

• Cracked mortar or open joints
  
• Missing tiles at ridges or hips
  
• Gaps where pests or water could enter
  

3. Inspect Flashing Around Chimneys and Vents

Flashing is used to seal roof junctions—such as around chimneys, skylights, and vent pipes. Damaged or lifted flashing can quickly lead to leaks.

Check for:

• Metal flashing that’s come away from the surface
  
• Gaps or warping
  
• Signs of water staining on nearby walls or ceilings indoors
  

4. Clear Gutters and Downpipes

Blocked gutters lead to water overflowing and running down walls or pooling near your foundations. This not only risks damp but can compromise the structure over time.

Ensure:

• Gutters are free of moss, leaves, and debris
  
• Downpipes are flowing freely
  
• There’s no sagging or detachment from the fascia
  

5. Look Inside the Loft or Roof Space

Sometimes, roof problems are more obvious from the inside than the outside. Regularly checking your loft gives early warning of water ingress or structural weakness.

Inspect for:

• Damp patches or discolouration on rafters and insulation
  
• Signs of mould or mildew
  
• Daylight showing through the roof
  

6. Observe Moss and Algae Growth

While a little moss can seem harmless, it retains moisture and can slowly damage tiles or lead to water working under them. It also adds weight and can block drainage paths.

Be alert to:

• Thick moss build-up
  
• Water pooling on parts of the roof
  
• Plants growing out of guttering or along edges
  

7. Check for Sagging or Uneven Rooflines

Your roof should be straight and level. Sagging areas may indicate internal structural problems, such as rotting timbers or inadequate support beneath the tiles.

Keep an eye on:

• Dips along the ridge or edges
  
• Uneven slopes
  
• Changes to the roofline over time
  

Why Annual Inspections Pay Off

Neglecting your roof might save time in the short term, but even minor problems can snowball into expensive repairs if ignored. A small leak can damage ceilings, insulation, and even electrical systems before it’s detected. By following this checklist once a year—preferably in spring or early autumn—you’ll give yourself the best chance of catching issues early and keeping maintenance costs down.

Conclusion

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence, and a little routine care goes a long way. With this checklist in hand, you can take control of your property’s maintenance and avoid the unpleasant surprises that come from a failing roof.

At BMT Roofing Wollaston, we help homeowners across Northamptonshire maintain, repair, and extend the life of their roofing systems. If anything on your annual checklist raises concerns, don’t leave it to chance—get in touch with our team today for expert advice and reliable service. Let us help keep your roof in peak condition year after year.

Call us on: 01933 823 289
Click here to find out more about BMT Roofing Wollaston
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your roofing needs.