Your roof and roof space play an important role in keeping your new home warm and dry. The better you look after them, the better job they will do. Care and maintenance is simple, here are a few tips:
Your roof space is constructed to provide both insulation and ventilation. It is not designed for storage and should not be boarded or loaded with personal possessions of any kind.
During the drying out period, your loft may get damp due to moisture evaporating from building materials as they settle in. Keeping your loft hatch closed, particularly during cold spells, will help prevent moist air rising into your roof space and turning into condensation.
Gutters are designed for average rainfall, so there’s no need to worry if they overflow during heavy rain. Wet patches on the walls below gutters and around downpipes can indicate that there is a blockage that needs clearing.
Gutters should be cleaned out at least once a year to prevent the build-up of leaves and debris, which can lead to blockages.
Slipped tiles and slates should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent rainwater entering your roof space.
If you’re inspecting or cleaning gutters yourself, ensure your ladder is secure and placed on level ground with another adult holding the base. Any work on your roof should be carried out with full safety equipment using a roof ladder to protect tiles and slates. See Working at heights for more details.