Guttering
People often overlook their gutters and just expect them to be doing there job but just like everything else they can be problematic.
If your guttering is blocked, which can happen very easily in windy conditions with blowing debris, then the resulting pooling of rain can be extremely damaging as it begins to overflow and run down the walls.
The whole point of a guttering system is to gather the water and divert it straight into the drain, keeping it away from your paint and brickwork. If your walls are constantly in contact with a flow of water a substantial amount of the water flow will be absorbed, damaging both the appearance and structural strength of the brick work, and causing a damp problem which will ruin your decorating and plaster work internally.
It is therefore very important that you check your gutters relatively regularly, perhaps annually, for any blockage, cracks, or other defects that are detrimental to the smooth running of your property’s drainage system.
If you cannot patch any cracks you may find with sealant from your local DIY store or a blockage you have found is too severe to fix yourself you may need the assistance of a professional.
As is always the case with tradesmen, it is wise to choose your guttering specialist by way of recommendation, or if not, the Yellow Pages (www.yell.com) will offer a range of local specialists to choose from.
The Roof
A good roof is extremely important to the overall condition of your home and is obviously of utmost importance with regard to the protection from water damage.
A watertight roof with good insulation will save you money in the future by way of reduced chance of expensive water damage repair, and reduced heating bills.
As is the same with all water based damage to your property it is hugely in your interest to catch any problem early and if possible, while it is still merely a potential problem, before any damage has been done.
It is therefore advisable to check your roof for any obvious faults twice a year, and the best times to do this are before and after the winter season.
Things to look out for when inspecting your roof include:
Missing or Loose Tiles
Any tiles that are loose, missing or badly damaged must be fixed or replaced straight away. Tiles around the roof edge are the most susceptible to weather damage and should be given special attention when you are checking for problems.
Tile to gutter alignment
As well as checking that your guttering is free of blockage and cracks it is of course extremely important that it is in the correct position to collect the water as it runs off the roof tiles.
It is not uncommon for a perfectly maintained guttering system to be completely ineffective because it has been attached in a manner that results in a gap between the tile and the guttering that allows the water run-off to miss the guttering completely as it drips in between the gap and down the walls.
It sounds obvious but if properly set up the tiling should finish directly above the gutter, if not within the curve of the pipe, to ensure that any water drips straight into the drainage system and nowhere else.
Inadequate flashing
Flashing is the metal that is used to seal bends around chimneys or joints to walls and can deteriorate quite badly.
It is estimated that up to 90% of roofing leaks come from faulty flashing.
Tiles and guttering that are in perfect condition are a waste of time if the joints are not watertight.
Insulation
It was mentioned previously that good insulation is a good idea however you look at it and one of the most effective options available is insulation foam spray.
The spray is applied directly underneath your roof on the inside of your house, it is ideal for keeping the heat in and is also a great compliment to a well maintained roof in protecting your house against the elements.
Go to
www.warmroof.co.uk for more information on the spray-on insulation solution and if you are struggling for a recommended roofer, check
www.yell.com for the contact details of roofers working in your area.