Hi, I’m Ross, your local roofing specialist here in Leatherhead. After years of climbing up ladders and repairing roofs all over Surrey, one thing I’ve learned is this: winter can be harsh on our roofs. With the wet, windy, and often freezing conditions we get here in Leatherhead, spring is the perfect time to give your roof a once-over before minor problems turn into major repairs.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through five important things you should check on your roof this spring. These are the same checks I perform for my clients to help keep their homes dry, safe, and well-maintained throughout the year.
If you notice anything concerning while reading through this, don’t hesitate to get in touch for roof repair in Leatherhead. Let’s get started!
1. Cracked or Missing Roof Tiles
This is the first thing I always look for. Over the winter, tiles can shift, crack, or even go missing completely – especially after strong winds or freezing conditions. If you’ve got clay or concrete tiles, they can become brittle in cold temperatures, making them more likely to break.
From the ground, you can often spot missing or slipped tiles, but cracks might be harder to see. If you’ve noticed water stains on ceilings or damp patches in the loft, a broken tile might be the culprit.
Why it matters: One cracked tile can let in enough water to damage your underlay, wooden battens, insulation, or ceiling. Over time, that one small issue can lead to a costly repair job.
What to do: If you’re confident and have safe access, you might be able to spot these with binoculars. But climbing up yourself isn’t something I recommend unless you’re experienced and have the right safety kit. This is something I regularly handle for homeowners in Leatherhead — it’s quick to fix if caught early.
2. Blocked Gutters and Downpipes
Gutters take a beating during the autumn and winter. With all the falling leaves, moss from the roof, and general debris, it’s common for them to become clogged up by spring.
I’ve seen blocked gutters cause all sorts of headaches: water spilling over the edge and running down brickwork, damp getting into walls, and even damage to fascias and soffits from the added weight.
Why it matters: Blocked gutters can lead to water not draining properly, which may cause damp or even compromise your foundations if left long enough. It’s a simple thing to overlook but can have long-term consequences.
What to do: Safely remove debris if you’re comfortable on a ladder, or hire someone to do a spring gutter clean. If you’re unsure, I offer affordable gutter clearing alongside roof checks in Leatherhead — just get in touch here.
3. Moss and Algae Growth
Moss is very common on Leatherhead roofs, especially on shaded or north-facing sides. The damp winter months encourage moss to spread, and while it might not look like much, it can cause real issues over time.
I’ve worked on roofs where moss has lifted tiles and let water in underneath, or where it’s blocked the drainage channels on interlocking tiles. Algae might look like simple discolouration, but it’s a sign of prolonged moisture retention — not ideal for your roof’s health.
Why it matters: Moss retains moisture, which can accelerate tile decay, damage underlay, and weigh down gutters. It also gives your roof a neglected appearance.
What to do: Avoid scraping moss off yourself — it’s easy to damage tiles. Instead, a professional moss removal and treatment service is your best bet. I often recommend biocide treatments that prevent regrowth without damaging your roof.
4. Flashing Around Chimneys and Roof Junctions
Roof flashing is the metal (usually lead or aluminium) used to seal areas where your roof meets vertical surfaces — like chimneys, dormers, or adjoining walls. Over the winter, this flashing can loosen, lift, or crack due to temperature changes or water ingress.
I always check flashing when inspecting a roof. Even the smallest gap can let water in. I’ve repaired many cases in Leatherhead where the damage looked minimal from the outside, but once inside the loft, there was rotting timber and insulation soaked through.
Why it matters: Damaged flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. It’s also one of the easiest to overlook.
What to do: Look for signs like staining around chimney breasts, damp patches on walls, or even visible gaps in the flashing if viewed from the ground. If in doubt, I can inspect and reseal flashing quickly and effectively.
5. Check the Loft for Signs of Damp or Leaks
Not all roof problems are visible from the outside — your loft or attic can tell you a lot. I always encourage homeowners to take a quick look up there in the spring. You’re looking for signs of moisture, such as:
- Dark stains or rings on the woodwork
- Damp or soggy insulation
- Dripping or water trails on the inside of the roof felt
- A musty smell or mildew
Why it matters: Early signs of leaks are often easier to spot from inside before you see damage on your ceiling or walls. The sooner you find the source, the cheaper and simpler the fix usually is.
What to do: Grab a torch and have a quick check after a rainy day. If something doesn’t look right, give me a shout — I’ll pinpoint the problem and sort it before it gets worse.
Bonus Tips for Spring Roof Care
While those are the five main checks I recommend, there are a few extra things you can do to keep your roof in good condition:
- Trim overhanging tree branches that could drop debris or damage tiles
- Check aerials and satellite dishes are still secure
- Clean skylights or solar panels to maximise light and energy efficiency
Spring is also a good time to plan any bigger maintenance tasks you might have put off over the winter. If you’ve been putting up with a drip, a cold draught, or a roof that looks a bit tired — now’s the time to sort it.
Need Help With Your Roof in Leatherhead?
I’m proud to provide honest, professional, and reliable roofing services to the Leatherhead community. Whether you need a quick tile replacement, a full spring inspection, or emergency repairs, I’ve got the experience and local knowledge to help.
All my work is fully guaranteed, and I always offer free, no-obligation quotes. If you’re unsure whether your roof needs attention this spring, let me come take a look — it could save you a fortune in future repairs.
Click here to learn more or book a visit: Leatherhead Roof Repairs
Spring roof checks might not be the most glamorous job, but they’re one of the smartest things a homeowner in Leatherhead can do. Just a few minutes spent inspecting your roof now could prevent hundreds or even thousands of pounds in damage later down the line.
Whether it’s cracked tiles, moss build-up, or a sneaky leak you didn’t spot during winter — I’m here to help. Give me a ring, drop me an email, or get in touch through my Leatherhead roofing repair page and let’s make sure your roof is ready for the year ahead.
Thanks for reading – and here’s to a safe, dry, and sunny spring in Leatherhead!
