Repairing a Roof
Repairing a roof is not particularly easy, particularly if you need to remove tiles first. If you are aware of tiles needing replacement, you may be able to fix the problem yourself.
If you need to remove a tile, you should be able to lift the two tiles above it with a piece of thin wood. This will allow you to move the problem tile, lifting the nib away from the batten. If the tile is nailed into place, you may need to use a slate ripper tool. A slate ripper is a flat tool with barbs at one end. It is slipped underneath the tile. The shaped barb hooks around the nail. With this engaged, pull down on the slate ripper (or hit the handle with a hammer) and the nail should come loose from the batten.
Once a tile has been removed, it should be replaced as soon as possible, to prevent moisture entering the space in the roof and becoming trapped beneath the new tile, as this can cause damage to the felt beneath the tiles. To replace a tile, the two tiles above the gap should be lifted, and be propped by blocks of wood. Replace the tile, and ensure it is centred correctly, checking against tiles immediately beneath it. If the tile is a one off replacement, this should be simple as the tile will fit into its new location. If more than one tile requires replacement, they should be checked against the tiles directly above, ensuring the gaps between the tiles on the higher course line up with the centre of the new tile.
Should the new tiles require nailing, use aluminium alloy or galvanised nails to secure the tile to the batten. If nailing tiles, aim to secure alternative courses of tiles, moving from top to bottom, using blocks of wood to lift tiles above the highest course.
If fitting single-lap tiles, work left to right as this allows for easier fixing of interlocking sections.
Chimneys
While a chimney may not be hugely important structurally, it is still an important part of the roof, as almost every house will have one. They are essential for removing gas and smoke from the home. It is important that the chimney and its lining is well maintained, else fumes and smoke from a fire may escape into the home. It is also possible for fires to start in poorly maintained chimneys, which can cause damage to the chimney stack as well as the home if not noticed.
There are three main areas to check when looking for potential issues around the roof and chimney - inside the roof (the loft or attic), outside at ground level, and outside at roof level.
Inside the loft or attic, look for evidence of water staining, as this can indicate dampness. If dampness is in evidence, it usually indicates problems with the flashing around the chimneys. Dampness can also cause structural issues around the home. Also, check the brickwork and mortar around the chimney to ensure it is solid, with no large gaps or cracks.
From ground level, you can scan the chimney stack to ensure there is no mortar missing or any other structural issues. Levels higher up can be checked using binoculars, and the entire surface of the chimney should be checked. Check for missing, cracked or damaged chimney pots, and for any visible deterioration in the mortar holding the pots on the chimney stack. Also, check the stack is not leaning to one side, and that any masonry is free from bulges.
If possible, you may wish to gain access to the roof to inspect the chimney and chimney pots in greater detail. The chimney pot should be accessed only by using a roof ladder, which can be hired from most hire shops. The ladder has wheels, allowing it to be rolled up the roof, to avoid damaging tiles. Once it is at the top, it can be turned over to allow it to hook onto the ridge of the roof. It is also possible to buy adaptors for a standard ladder in order to allow it to hook onto the ridge.
When examining the chimney, look for the same issues you are searching for from the ground level. If anything needs repairing, it is possible to buy or hire a special scaffolding rig, to enable safe access to the chimney when performing maintenance on it.
Flashing
Flashing is used around the base of a chimney stack in order to seal and weatherproof the stack around the roof surface. Flashing is also used where a roof meets a wall, or around a dormer window. The flashing can be made from mortar, or it can be tiled. Alternatively, it can be made from metal, the most common examples being made from lead, zinc or copper. Metal flashing can be purchased in pre-cut lengths made for use around a chimney stack. It may also be bought in rolls of varying width and length, which can be cut to your specific requirements.
Guttering
It is also important to ensure the guttering around the roof is well maintained; else it could potentially get a blockage and cause water to overflow from the gutter pipe, from where it may seep beneath the roof surface, or cause dampness in the walls.
Guttering will usually have a gutter pipe, of a 'half pipe' profile, which leads to a downpipe, which will be a fully enclosed pipe. The downpipe will drain into the local sewerage system.
