Autumn Roof Checks: What to Inspect Before Winter Storms
A five-minute look from the ground, plus a few things worth a professional inspection, can catch the faults that turn into leaks once winter weather arrives.
Short answer: look for slipped or missing tiles, moss build-up, damaged flashing around chimneys and blocked gutters before the first real storm — small faults are cheap to fix in October, and expensive once winter weather gets into them.
What you can check from the ground
Binoculars and a walk around the property will tell you a lot. Look for tiles or slates that have slipped out of line, patches of moss or algae holding damp against the roof surface, and any sagging along the ridge line. Check the flashing — the metal or lead strips around chimneys and where the roof meets a wall — for anything lifting or cracked, since this is one of the most common places a roof starts to leak.
What's worth a closer look
Some faults aren't visible from the ground. A professional inspection, including drone or CCTV inspection on steeper or higher roofs, can pick up cracked tiles, worn pointing around chimneys, and early signs of felt or membrane failure on a flat roof before they let water in. If your roof is over 20 years old or you've had any leaks in previous winters, this is worth doing before the weather turns rather than after.
Don't forget the gutters
A roof that's in good condition can still cause damp problems if the gutters are blocked with autumn leaves, since water backs up under the tiles instead of running away. See our piece on why blocked gutters cause more damage in winter for what to check and clear.
Repair now, or wait and replace?
Not every roof issue needs a full re-roof — plenty of problems are a targeted repair. Our guide on deciding between a roof repair and replacement covers how to tell which situation you're in, and our roof cost guide sets out what affects the price if replacement turns out to be the better option.
This is general seasonal guidance for the South East of England, and the right timing for your own property depends on its specific condition, aspect and exposure. Get in touch if you'd like us to take a look before the weather turns.
Talk to us about your project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind. We'll arrange a site visit and provide a written, itemised quotation.