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Roofs across the North West face some of the UK's harshest weather conditions. Frequent rainfall, coastal winds, freeze-thaw cycles, and ageing housing stock all contribute to a higher risk of deterioration.
From Victoria terraces to stone-built cottages, North West roofs often require more maintenance than homeowners realise – and many defects remain hidden until a surveyor inspects them.
Identifying issues early is key to preventing costly repairs, protecting the property's structure, and maintaining energy efficiency.
Slat is common across Lancashire and Cumbria, particularly on older terraces and stone-built homes. Over time, slates can slip, crack, or detach due to:
Even a single missing slate can allow water to penetrate the roof structure, leading to rot, damp patches, and internal leaks.
Lead flashings provide a waterproof seal where roofs meet chimneys, dormers, or walls. Across the region, surveyors frequently see:
This is one of the most common causes of penetrating damp identified during Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.
Older terraces and converted properties, often feature valleys where two roof slopes meet. These areas are highly vulnerable to:
Blocked valleys are a major cause of damp patches on top-floor ceilings.
In houses built before the 1980s, the original bitumen underfelt may now be:
This allows driven rain to bypass the tiles and seep into loft spaces. In modern properties with breathable membranes, damage often occurs during repairs or poor installation.
Condensation in roof spaces is a growing issue, especially in insulated or modernised homes. Common contributing factors include:
Unchecked condensation can lead to timber decay, mould, and damp insulation.
Chimneys are particularly exposed to harsh North West weather. Surveyors often find:
These issues can lead to water ingress, instability, and safety concerns.
Although technically part of the rainwater goods system, gutter issues often present as roof defects. Problems include:
In coastal areas, salt exposure accelerates corrosion and joint failure.
Dormers, especially flat-rooted or felted ones, are high-risk areas. Surveyors regularly discover:
Dormers often require earlier replacement compared to the main roof.
While professional inspections are essential, simple maintenance can extend roof life:
Proactive maintenance is far cheaper than repairing long-term damage.
Many roof defects are invisible from the ground. A RICS-qualified surveyor will:
Independent advice ensures you understand the condition of the property, before you commit to costly works or a property purchase.
Whether you own a stone-built cottage, a Victorian terrace, or a modern family home, our team provides clear, detailed roof assessments as part of our Level 2 and Level 3 surveys.
Lancaster: 01524 900955 | Preston: 01772 592500 | Barrow: 01229 340341 | Kendal: 01539 251252
Email: info@fwsurveyors.co.uk
Fisher Wrathall Surveyors, 82 Penny Street, Lancaster, LA1 1XN | 515 Garstang Road, Broughton, Preston, PR3 5JA