Up on the roof

Caring for the hat' of your home is a top priority - ensure you know how to spot and fix problems and when to seek professional assistance

- HOLLY REANEY

Whether crafted from rich red clays, glistening slate or woven thatch, the roof is the unsung hero of our home. Not only does it play a vital role in defining the aesthetics of a property but it also ensures invaluable protection against the elements. However, a roof is not infallible. 'Slipped slates or tiles, failing leadwork and roof valleys blocked by debris will all wreak havoc if neglected. When roof timbers become damp, rot, beetle infestation and ultimately structural problems result, and plasterwork to ceilings and walls may also fail or become stained,' explains Douglas Kent, technical and research director at the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB).

Summer is an ideal time of year to investigate your roofing as the weather will be more favourable for carrying out repairs.

MATERIAL MATTERS

Roger Hunt, author of Old House Handbook, lists the different materials used for roofing.

Clay tiles Both hand- and machine-made clay tiles are available. While modern tiles have nibs that hook onto the roofing laths, traditional peg tiles have holes to accommodate a wooden peg. Tiles can eventually become porous, making them vulnerable to frost.

Slates Welsh slates, held in place with nails, have been widely used on buildings across Britain, and are lightweight and hardwearing.

Stone tiles Sandstone and limestone tiles are laid in graduated courses: the biggest at the eaves, the smallest at the ridge.

Lead An attractive and long-lasting roofing material, repairs to lead roofs should be undertaken by a specialist lead worker.