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As winter draws in, the roof over your head becomes one of the most important lines of defence for your home. Cold, wet weather — wind, rain, frost, ice — can expose even small faults and lead to costly damage. If you haven’t given your roof a proper once-over lately, now’s the time.
Why Pre-Winter Roof Maintenance Matters
- Prevent leaks, damp & interior damage: Rain, snow and freeze-thaw cycles can exploit cracks, gaps or broken tiles — leading to leaks into lofts or ceilings. (
- Avoid ice/dam build-up: Blocked gutters or poor insulation can cause “ice dams”, where melting snow refreezes at the eaves — forcing water under tiles and into the building.
- Protect structure and insulation: Moisture damage, damp lofts or poor ventilation can weaken structural timbers and degrade insulation — raising heating bills and risking mould.
✅ Roof-Ready Before Winter: The Essential Checklist
Here’s a practical pre-winter checklist for homeowners. You can do some of these yourself (from ground level or with safe access), but for anything risky — or if you spot issues — call a professional.
• Clean gutters, downpipes & drains
Leaves, twigs, moss and debris build up during autumn. If gutters are clogged, rainwater can’t drain properly — increasing the risk of leaks, ice-dams or overflow damaging walls or foundations.
• Inspect roof surface (tiles/slates/shingles)
Using binoculars or a ladder (safely), look for cracked, warped, missing or loose tiles/slates, broken or missing slates, or general wear. Even one missing tile can allow water ingress during heavy rain or snow. (The Havok Journal)
• Check flashings, mortar and seals around chimneys, vents, skylights, ridges, valleys
These are the most vulnerable areas. Flashings that are loose or cracked, mortar that’s crumbling, seals that have deteriorated — all can let water sneak in and cause damp or leaks.
• Inspect attic / loft for damp, stains, mould or poor insulation & ventilation
Look for any signs of water ingress inside, particularly after rain. Also, good insulation and adequate ventilation helps prevent ice dams and keeps heating efficient. (IKO Global)
• Remove moss, algae, debris, and trim overhanging branches if needed
Moss and organic growth trap moisture — which can ruin shingles or slates over time. Overhanging branches can scratch tiles in windy weather, or fall under snow/ice load.
• If needed, schedule a professional roof inspection or repair (especially if you notice damage or wear)
A professional roofer can spot unseen issues — cracked underlay, weak spots, ageing flashings, poor ventilation. Fixing now can prevent far costlier repairs once winter sets in.
When to Call in the Experts: Considering Marlow Roofing
If your roof shows signs of wear — missing or damaged tiles, sagging ridge lines, leaking or damp patches, blocked gutters you cannot safely clear — it’s worth getting a reputable roofer in.
Given that your business plan already involves building a website for Marlow Roofing, you could also think about offering a pre-winter roof check service to local property owners. On their website (see above), Marlow Roofing offers roof inspection and repair services: now is the perfect time to promote winter-ready maintenance.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If you live near Maidenhead or Berkshire in the UK, you might consider contacting a local roofing specialist such as Marlow Roofing — see their services at marlowroofing.co.uk and their general site marlowroofing.co.uk/roofing/.
Winter weather can turn small roofing issues into major problems — leaks, damp, ice damage, structural costs. A few hours’ inspection and maintenance now can save you (or a homeowner) many hundreds or even thousands of pounds later.
