Your roof should ideally be inspected at least once a year – ideally every six months – to help you detect minor faults before they develop into major issues, spot blockages before they cause damage to the roof and guttering, and identify problems with tiles, flashing and more.
Failing to address the issues quickly enough could see repair costs escalate, so in this blog, we explore how often you should inspect your roof, what you should look for, and when it’s time to get help from experienced London roofers at London Property Services.
Key takeaways:
- Most London properties should have their roof inspected at least once a year, but every six months or after any storm is advised
- Older roofs, flat roofs, and those surrounded by trees may need more frequent inspections
- Regular checks help identify problems before they get too severe
- For a detailed roof inspection, a professional roofer should be booked
How long should a roof last?
How long a roof lasts ultimately depends on how well it is looked after, the type of roof it is, how well it was installed, and the materials used. Assuming the roof has been installed professionally and is well-maintained, you could expect it to last for anything from 10 to 100 years, depending on the roof type.
Let’s explore the main roof types in London:
- Pitched roof (clay or concrete tiles): A London pitched roof can last between 50 and 100 years if made from clay and as long as 40-60 years if made from concrete. Underlying battens and felt may need replacing much sooner.
- Slate pitched roofs: With a good quality slate, you could see a roof last for 100 years if well maintained. Cheap imported slate may not last even half as long.
- Lead roofs: A lead roof can last 100 years if well maintained. It is one of the most durable roofing materials available.
- Asphalt flat roof: A mastic asphalt flat roof is a cheaper alternative that could give you 20-30 years when it is looked after.
- Felt flat roof: Felt flat roofs in London can last up to 20 years before needing to be replaced.
- EPDM flat roof: EPDM is a durable material that could last up to 50 years.
- GRP flat roof: A very popular London roof type that can last approximately 20-30 years.
Why have regular roof inspections?
Your roof is built to last a long time, but poor installation, lack of care and severe weather can dramatically reduce its lifespan. As mentioned in our intro, problems can start small and, if not addressed promptly, will develop into something much more severe. By scheduling regular roof inspections, you can identify:
- Slipped tiles
- Blocked gutters
- Pooling water
- Split flashing
- Cracked ridge tiles
- Moss growth
- Roof sagging
And more.
Failing to identify these problems when they are small could mean you find worse problems next time you inspect it.
These could include:
- Rotting structures
- Water ingress
- Broken guttering
- Heat loss from the property
- Internal damp and mould
How often should you inspect your roof?
While an annual inspection is the norm, having your roof inspected twice a year is advised. You should do this once in the autumn and again in the spring.
- Autumn: After the leaves have fallen, so you can clear blocked gutters and downpipes before any heavy winter rain.
- Spring: To help you catch any damage caused by cold winter weather, storms or high winds.
After any major storm or severe weather, you should always give your roof a quick check to make sure there are no signs of severe damage. A five-minute check could save you thousands of pounds further down the line.
However, the age of your roof also plays a part in how often you should inspect it.
| Roof age | Recommended approach |
| Under 10 years | Usually low risk if well-installed. A ground-level check twice a year is normally enough. |
| 10-25 years | Mortar, flashing, and felt can begin to wear. A professional roof inspection every few years is advised. |
| 25+ years | Higher risk of slipped tiles, brittle mortar and ageing underlay. Annual professional inspection recommended. |
How often should you inspect a tile roof?
A tiled roof in good condition should only require a ground-level visual inspection twice a year, as well as a more detailed inspection after major storms. A professional inspection every few years is recommended, but if you spot slipped, cracked or missing tiles, you should organise a roofer to attend asap.
How often should you inspect a flat roof?
Inspect your flat roof at least twice a year and ideally after heavy rain or snowfall. Check for standing water, blisters and cracked seams.
Flat roofs need more attention than pitched roofs because water cannot drain away as quickly. On a pitched roof, water runs down the surface towards the ground; on a flat roof, water can pool. This strains the roof surface and may lead to significant damage. Felt, GRP and rubber flat roofs can all be prone to splitting, UV damage and pooling when problems aren’t addressed quickly enough.
Does a new roof need to be inspected?
Yes. Even a brand-new roof should be checked, as poor workmanship is often a common cause of roofing issues. A new roof typically won’t need professional attention for several years, but checking it twice a year lets you confirm everything is okay.
What can you safely check on a roof yourself?
You won’t always need a professional roofer to spot many of the early warning signs. You can conduct an inspection yourself to identify some problems early on.
From ground level or from an upstairs window, look for:
- Missing, slipped or cracked tiles and slates
- Sagging along the ridge or roofline
- Overflowing gutters, or gutters blocked with debris
- Moss or plant growth on the roof surface
- Damaged or lifting flashing around chimneys and valleys
From inside the loft, you can also spot problems with your roof. Look for:
- Daylight coming through the roof where it shouldn’t
- Damp patches or water staining on timbers and felt
- A musty smell
If you notice any of these issues, it’s worth booking a professional roof inspection to identify the causes and make repairs.
Can I use a drone to inspect my roof?
Yes, drone roof inspections are a common alternative to traditional roof inspections. With a drone, high-resolution images of the entire roof are captured without the cost and disruption of scaffolding. Drones can safely reach steep or hard-to-access areas, letting you or a professional roofer assess the roof without going near it.
Drone surveys can be useful for:
- Tall or hard-to-access properties
- Avoiding the cost of scaffolding for a routine check
- Producing clear photographic records for insurance or sale purposes
For a hands-on assessment of flashing, mortar or the roof’s underside, a physical inspection is still the most thorough option.
How London Property Services can help
Regular roof inspections are one of the cheapest forms of home maintenance, and potentially one of the most valuable. A twice-yearly inspection from the ground, combined with professional inspections every few years, will help you catch the small problems before they become troublesome and expensive. At London Property Services, our team of experienced roofers can conduct roof leak repairs and inspections in London, as well as general roof maintenance, to ensure your residential or commercial property remains in its best condition. Book your roofer today or contact us on 020 7186 0270 to explore our services.
