Roofs, gutters, flashings and chimneys

1. Slate roofs

Slate roofs last longer than tiled, especially with regular maintenance and fixing of odd loose slates. 

More about caring for slate roofs

2. Flat roofs

May be covered in a number of materials of which lead is the longest lasting.

More about flat roofs 

3. Gutters

Keeping these clean and maintained is one of the most important things you can do to protect your building.

Maintaining your gutters

4. Ridges and hips

Protecting the top row of slates or tiles so replace quickly before you lose the roof covering. More about ridges

5. Lofts

You can tell a lot about your roof, roof flashings and roof timbers from inside the loft. Inspecting your loft

6. Flashings

Covering the junctions between different parts of the roof. A common source of roof leaks. More about flashings

7. Dormer windows

Maintained like the roof, dormer window frames need more frequent attention than other windows. More about dormer windows

8. Skylights and cupolas

Dampness may be due to faulty flashings, decayed timber of condensation on the inside. More about skylights and cupolas

9. Skews

Skews protect the top of cross and gable walls but falling skew stones are very dangerous. More about skews

10. Parapet gutters

Leaks and overflows in hidden gutters are not obvious until damage has been caused. More about parapet gutters

11. Central valley roofs double

Vulnerable to blockages and overflows which can damage ceilings in the middle of your building.

Central valley roofs

12. Tiled roofs

When was your tiled roof last replaced? These roofs have a lifespan of 30 - 40 years.

More about tiled roofs

13. Chimneys

There are several types of chimney. Find out which kind you've got and how to maintain them.

More about chimneys