CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskTile and slate inspection, ridge, verge and valley details -- the annual checks that prevent major repairs.
A pitched roof should be inspected from ground level using binoculars and from a working platform or drone at least annually. Check for: missing, slipped, cracked or porous tiles or slates, open ridge or hip mortar joints, damaged or displaced ridge tiles, valley condition (lead valleys or GRP valleys), condition of all flashings particularly around chimneys and roof lights, and the condition of all pointing and mortar beds. On older roofs, also check for sagging of the roof plane, which may indicate structural movement or rafter deterioration.
Isolated broken or slipped tiles should be replaced promptly -- a single missing tile can allow significant water ingress during a heavy rain event. When replacing tiles, use matching tiles (same size, profile and colour family) to maintain weathertightness at the laps. On older roofs where original tiles are no longer manufactured, salvaged tiles from a reclamation yard may be appropriate. All replacement tiles must be fixed per BS 5534:2014 -- the number of fixings required depends on the pitch, exposure zone and tile type. Do not rely on nail fixings alone on an exposed site; consider additional clips or adhesive fixings where wind uplift is a risk.
Ridge and hip tiles are typically bedded in mortar, and the mortar joint is the most common source of water ingress on pitched roofs. Mortar joints crack with thermal movement over time and must be re-pointed or the tiles re-bedded every 15-20 years. Many roofers now specify dry-fix ridge and hip systems using mechanical fixings and foam bedding; these have a longer maintenance interval and are less likely to fail. If you are re-roofing or undertaking major ridge repairs, specify dry-fix in preference to mortar bedding. Budget approximately 80-150 per linear metre for ridge re-bedding.
Gutters and downpipes are part of the roof drainage system and must be included in the roof maintenance inspection. Clear gutters of debris in autumn and again in spring. Check for sagging or misaligned gutter sections that create low spots where water sits and accelerates corrosion. Check all gutter joints and downpipe connectors for leaks. Replace cast-iron gutters that are heavily corroded or cracked with UPVC or aluminium equivalents -- cast iron gutters that are painted and well-maintained can last indefinitely, but once they are corroding through, repair is rarely economic. Ensure all downpipes discharge to a drain or soakaway and do not discharge directly against the building foundation.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.