How to Spot Early Signs of Roof Damage in Havant Properties
A well-maintained roof is essential for protecting your home from weather, damp, structural issues and costly internal damage. But many signs of roof deterioration appear gradually — long before major leaks or visible problems occur.
For Havant homeowners, knowing what to look for can help you catch issues early, prevent expensive repairs and extend the life of your roof. Here’s a simple guide to spotting early warning signs.
1. Missing, Slipped or Cracked Roof Tiles
Strong winds and storms — common along the south coast — can loosen or break tiles.
Watch out for:
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- Tiles on the ground after bad weather
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- Visible gaps in your roofline
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- Slates that have shifted position
Even a single missing tile can allow water to penetrate the underlay and cause hidden damage.
2. Water Stains or Damp Patches Indoors
Check ceilings and upper walls for:
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- Brown stains
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- Damp rings
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- Bubbling paint
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- Peeling wallpaper
These signs often indicate a small leak somewhere on the roof, especially around chimneys, flashing or damaged underfelt.
3. Light Visible in the Loft
Head into your loft during daylight hours. If you see small shafts of light coming through:
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- Tile gaps
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- Broken slates
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- Damaged underlay
…it’s a strong indicator that water could also be entering. This is often one of the earliest warning signs of roof deterioration.
4. Sagging or Uneven Roof Lines
Stand back and look at your roof from the outside. Signs to watch for include:
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- A dip or curve in the roof ridge
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- Uneven or sagging sections
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- Bowing in roof slopes
These issues can mean structural weakening, timber problems or excessive moisture.
5. Moss & Algae Growth
A little moss isn’t unusual, but heavy growth can cause:
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- Damp retention
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- Tile displacement
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- Accelerated deterioration
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- Blocked gutters and downpipes
Havant’s coastal climate makes moss growth more common, so regular checks are recommended.
6. Damaged or Loose Flashing
Flashing seals gaps around:
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- Chimneys
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- Dormers
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- Roof joins
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- Skylights
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- Vents
If flashing becomes cracked, loose or corroded, water can easily find its way into the roof space.
7. Gutter Problems
Your gutters play a major role in protecting your roof and walls. Warning signs include:
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- Overflowing gutters
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- Blocked downpipes
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- Sagging gutter brackets
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- Water spilling down walls
When gutters fail, water can back up and seep into your roofline, causing rot and structural damage.
8. Internal Condensation in the Loft
If your loft feels unusually damp or musty, it may indicate:
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- Poor ventilation
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- Moisture entering from roof leaks
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- Damaged underlay
Condensation alone doesn’t always mean roof damage, but it’s often linked to issues above the loft space.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot any of these signs — or if something feels “off” about your roof — it’s best to get it checked by a qualified local builder.
Early intervention can prevent:
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- Major leaks
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- Structural timber damage
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- Damp problems
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- Expensive repairs later on