It is easier to arrange repairs before prolonged rain or strong winds make roof access difficult. If you already know about a leak or loose material, contact us before winter where possible. Keep your own checks to safe positions and leave roof access to professionals.
We'll take you through known leaks, gutter problems and repairs worth following up before winter. Keep notes of any changes so you can explain what needs attention when arranging a visit.
Start with Last Winter's Problems
Think back to last winter. Did a ceiling stain return during rain? Did the same gutter keep overflowing? Was a temporary repair never followed up? Tell us about those problems and share any photographs or invoices you have.
Let us know whether an old stain has stayed the same or is growing after each rainfall. Include when it first appeared and what work has already been done. This helps us distinguish past damage from a problem that is still active.
The Met Office's WeatherReady advice recommends thinking ahead about roofs, gutters and loose items before severe weather. Preparation helps you deal with known problems, although it cannot prevent every case of storm damage. [1]
Your Pre-Winter Roof Checklist
| Priority | What to look out for | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate safety | Loose masonry, hanging gutter sections or visible instability | Keep people clear and seek an appropriate urgent assessment |
| Active water entry | New drips, spreading stains or water near electrical fittings | Follow a safe leak-response plan and arrange investigation |
| Known roof defects | Displaced coverings, deteriorated junctions or incomplete repairs | Arrange an inspection and discuss repairs before weather limits access |
| Rainwater drainage | Overflowing gutters, obstructed outlets or disconnected pipes | Ask us to check whether clearing, repairs or changes to drainage are needed |
| Flat-roof details | Debris around outlets, damaged edges or changes near rooflights | Arrange a professional inspection with suitable access |
| Roof-space concerns | Damp patterns, disturbed insulation or blocked ventilation | Get the cause checked before changing insulation or ventilation |
| Records and contacts | Old quotes, warranties and emergency contact details | Keep information accessible and clarify outstanding work |
On small screens, scroll the table sideways to view every column.
Use this checklist to organise your concerns. An inspection may show that some jobs need to take priority over others.
Check Where Your Gutters Overflow
A blocked downpipe can make a gutter overflow, while a leaking joint may need more than leaf clearance. From a safe place, note where the water escapes. Tell us whether it happens in ordinary rain or only during a heavy downpour.
Historic England's guidance looks at the whole route rainwater takes. That is particularly useful for older properties with shared gutters, hidden sections or hard-to-reach outlets. [2]
Ask what a maintenance visit will include. Clearing gutters, repairing joints, checking downpipes and assessing drainage capacity involve different work. Our gutter maintenance guide explains the checks and repairs that may be needed.
Leaks Can Start Around Chimneys and Roof Windows
You can have a leak without an obvious missing tile. We may need to check chimney flashings, valleys, adjoining walls and roof windows. Tell us where the mark appears inside, remembering that water can travel before reaching your ceiling.
Moss alone does not mean you need a new roof. We need to check the covering, fixings and drainage, then consider whether any treatment is suitable.
After an inspection, ask us which repairs need doing soon and which can be planned or monitored. A clear explanation helps you decide what to arrange before winter.
Flat Roofs Before the Wetter Months
Keep the care instructions and guarantee conditions for your flat roof. Some manufacturers recommend spring and autumn inspections and checks after exceptional weather. The best schedule also depends on the roof's surroundings; heavy leaf fall, for example, may mean drainage needs more attention. [3]
Do not store garden equipment or place temporary loads on a roof not designed for that use. Arrange access through a competent contractor rather than walking on a garage roof because it seems low or solid. Fragile surfaces and rooflights require precautions even during a short job. [4]
If replacement is needed, we will discuss the deck, drainage and insulation as well as the covering. We need to understand the existing roof before deciding whether a surface repair would be enough.
Insulation and Ventilation Should Work Together
Blocking vents will not necessarily make your home warmer and can cause moisture problems. Insulation, ventilation and air leakage need to be considered together before changes are made in the roof space.
Energy Saving Trust explains that loft-floor insulation keeps heat in the rooms below but leaves the loft colder, with implications for pipes and tanks. It also recommends professional assessment where roofs are damp. [5]
Tell us about recent insulation work, changes to bathroom extraction or anything else that may affect the roof space. This can help identify whether damp comes from rain, indoor moisture or both. An existing leak needs attention before it is covered with more insulation.
What to Do When Snow, Ice or High Winds Arrive
Please do not climb onto the roof to remove snow, break ice from gutters or secure loose tiles. Keep clear of areas where material could fall. We need to assess when access and any temporary work can be carried out safely.
If water enters, move belongings only where safe and keep away from electrical hazards, bulging ceilings and unstable areas. Record the problem from a safe position. Read the emergency roof-leak action plan so you know what to do if a leak starts during bad weather.
Follow official weather warnings for your area. Conditions at roof level can be different from those at the front door, so we still need to assess the property before working at height.
Agree the Work and a Realistic Timescale
Tell us what you have noticed and whether you need an inspection, repair or quote for larger work. We can discuss likely timing and how your home would be protected if work has to pause. Strong winds, ice or heavy rain may mean the planned dates have to change.
Your quote should explain the defect, proposed work and any follow-up. If temporary protection is needed first, ask what remains to be done and how the permanent repair will be arranged.
We carry out roof repairs, storm-damage repairs and roofline work in Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the wider North East. Send us a description and any photographs you can take safely through our quote page.
Keep a Simple Seasonal Record
Keep a simple note of the date, weather, what you noticed and any action taken. Photographs from the same safe viewpoint can make changes easier to see. Store the written findings and repair details with them.
After a repair, note whether the problem stops or returns in particular weather. Let us know about any fresh moisture or changes so we can discuss whether another check is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Must Every Roof Be Inspected Twice a Year?
No single schedule suits every roof. Spring and autumn are useful times to review some roofs, but the materials, exposure, nearby trees and guarantee conditions all matter. If you notice damage or a leak, contact us sooner.
Should I Clear Snow from a Flat Roof Myself?
No. Do not climb onto a roof to remove snow or ice. The surface may be fragile or slippery and loads may be difficult to judge. Keep people clear if there is concern about stability and obtain appropriate professional or emergency advice.
Is a Small Ceiling Stain Worth Checking Before Winter?
Yes, if it is new or changing, especially after rain. An old mark from a repaired leak may simply remain visible. Tell us when it changes and what repairs have been made so we can discuss whether it needs another look.
Does Gutter Cleaning Prevent Every Winter Leak?
No. Clearing debris helps where a blockage is the cause, but joints, downpipes, outlets and the size or alignment of the gutters may also need attention. If the overflow keeps returning, ask us to investigate why.
Can Roofing Repairs Be Done During Winter?
Yes, when access is safe and conditions suit the materials being used. We assess the particular job and weather. High winds, ice or heavy rain can delay work, even when it was planned in advance.
Should I Replace a Roof Simply to Avoid Winter Problems?
Let us assess the roof first. A local repair may be enough for an isolated defect. If deterioration is widespread, we can explain whether replacement would be more practical and why.
What Should I Prepare Before Calling a Roofer?
Have the property address, a short description of the issue, safe photographs and details of previous repairs ready. Explain whether there is active water entry or a risk from loose material. Do not take risks to collect measurements or photographs.
References & Sources
We have linked to the sources used in this guide so you can read more. They were checked on 27 September 2026. Manufacturer guidance applies to its own products, and published prices are examples rather than our quotes. Check the requirements for your project before arranging work. Links open in a new tab.
- Met Office Top Tips to Be WeatherReady ↗ Advice on preparing for severe weather. We still need to assess conditions at your property before deciding whether roof access is safe.
- Historic England Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of Rainwater Systems ↗ Advice on inspecting and maintaining gutters, downpipes and outlets, including considerations for historic buildings.
- IKO Roof Maintenance Guidelines ↗ Maintenance advice for the manufacturer's applicable waterproofing systems. Your roof's condition, surroundings and guarantee terms should guide the inspection schedule.
- Health and Safety Executive Fragile Surfaces ↗ HSE explains why roofs and rooflights may be fragile, and why precautions are needed even for a short maintenance job.
- Energy Saving Trust Roof and Loft Insulation Guide ↗ Advice on roof insulation, ventilation and heat loss. The potential improvement depends on your home and the work proposed.