KNOWING how to stop your roof from flooding or tiles from getting damaged is vital right now.

Rain, snow and heavy winds have already hit us, but the last thing you want is to have to fork out cash on a damaged roof. 

Dan Redfern, a roof system expert at Marley, has shared some handy advice to keep you – and your roof – grounded this year.  

The tips range from removing fallen objects like leaves and twigs to ensuring tiles are in good working order.

They'll help you prevent having to fork out thousands in repair costs.

Dan said: "Many homeowners only think about their roofs when there is an issue and they either need to repair or replace them.

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“Regular maintenance instead and simple seasonal precautions can help spot early signs of damage and prevent costly repairs in the long run if not addressed early on.

“Especially as we are now in the winter months, wind and stormy weather can lead to cracked, loose or damaged tiles.

“When a roof tile gets like this, it makes the underlying roof structure vulnerable to weather damage and internal leaks."

Maintaining your home is usually much cheaper than repairing it.

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A compromised or leaky roof can also cause issues, such as damaged insulation which could cause heat loss and higher energy bills.

Given the soaring energy prices, it's more important than ever to make sure you pay for just the energy you actually use.

Clear roofing obstructions like leaves

The key before even wetter winter weather is to ensure leaves and debris are removed from valleys and gutters, said Dan.

Moss and lichens also need to be removed as they can affect the flow of rainwater.

Moss often grows on roofs and structures that don't receive much sunlight, including those that are north-facing or under trees.

Dan said: "The growths typically occur on the tile surface and between roof tiles, and the big issue with this is that it can cause moisture retention and tiles to lift

"The smaller cost of a seasonal roof clean is much better than a higher fee for repairing damage from obstructions and growths."

Check the attic to identify leaks or cracks

Although a professional will always be able to identify an issue correctly, a visit to your loft can help you spot the early signs of bigger roofing damage internally.

Winter is a great time of year to check the roof internally, particularly when popping into the loft to get the Christmas decorations or when putting them back in.

Dan urged households to look at rafters, underlay, loft boards and insulation for signs of water as this may indicate a dampness problem.

He added: "Internal inspection should always be followed up by an external inspection, carried out by trained operatives using suitable roof access equipment, so the problem is not left to worsen."

Health check of solar tiles or panels

More and more households are opting for solar panels, particularly as energy prices soar.

While they're pricey to put in, they can save you money over the long term.

If you're making the switch, Dan said this is a good time to get a professional to thoroughly check your roof during the installation.

He said: "At this time of year, current solar installations should be checked to ensure panels are clear of debris and foreign matter which can affect performance and check there are no signs of visible damage or degradation.

"You should consider updating very old or outdated solar solutions to ensure full efficiency and getting your money's worth from the product."

Repair damages before the weather worsens

If you notice any problems during a winter roof check, you should take steps to address the issue as soon as possible.

If left, it will only worsen as the icy, cold and windy weather hits us again.

Dan said: "In most cases, it’s best to enlist the help of a professional roofing expert, as they will have the tools and knowledge to carry out the work safely and to a high standard, and ensure your roof will weather the stormy season.

"It’s tempting to stall these maintenance costs at this time of year, but doing so could cost double or triple in the long term as a problem left to worsen will create more damage."

Choose a reputable roofing professional for repairs

Last but not least, it's important to choose your tradespeople carefully and not just on cost.

If you focus solely on the price, this can leave you open to cowboy work without proper vetting, in place of professionals.

Dan said: "This could mean the damage isn’t properly repaired, or requires a second round of work, and a second round of costs too.

"It’s important to choose a reputable roofing installer and professional."

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