As autumn arrives, a small roofing defect can become much more noticeable. A partly blocked outlet, an open gutter joint or a slipped tile may cope with a short shower, then cause trouble during a longer spell of rain. For homeowners in Crawley, this is a useful point in the year to take stock of the roof and rainwater system.
Start with what you can see from the ground
Walk around the property where access is safe. Look for obvious gaps in the tile covering, a gutter that has pulled away from its brackets, water marks below a joint or debris gathering around a downpipe. If you have trees close to the house, check again after leaves have started falling. A gutter can look clear along its length while the outlet is blocked.
There is no need to climb a ladder to gather useful information. A photograph from a safe position and a note of where water overflows are a better starting point than trying to reach a difficult corner yourself.
Keep a short record when it rains
If a stain appears indoors, note the time, the weather and whether water continues after the rain stops. Tell the roofer about recent roof work, rooflights or changes in the loft. The visible mark does not always sit directly below the entry point, so describing the pattern is more useful than guessing the repair.
Think about the whole rainwater route
On houses in Pound Hill, Three Bridges, Ifield and across RH10 and RH11, the useful inspection is specific to the property. Look at how the roof meets the gutter, where the gutter discharges and whether the downpipe leads to a clear outlet. Fixing one overflowing section without checking the next part of the route may leave the underlying problem unresolved.
Flat roofs deserve the same attention. Report standing water that persists, debris around outlets and any new internal staining. Leave inspection of the roof surface to someone with safe access.
Book the right next step
A planned inspection gives you a chance to separate routine maintenance from a repair that needs attention sooner. If tiles or masonry look loose, keep people away from the area below. If water is entering now, call and describe the situation so the appropriate next step can be discussed.
Read about gutter maintenance and roof repairs in Crawley, or send a short enquiry with the property postcode.