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With winter fast approaching, it's advisable to make sure your property is in good condition before the weather takes a turn for the worse. Roofs can often be neglected by home owners, but it's important to check them regularly for damage as a leaky roof can be very unpleasant. The best way to begin your roof maintenance tasks is by looking for any signs of damage or general wear. Tiles can easily be dislodged in strong winds, especially if they are already loose, so be thorough when you inspect your roof to make sure you don't miss anything. Although you can carry out a visual survey of the roof from ground level, you'll get a much clearer picture if you use a ladder to get closer to the tiles. Just make sure you do this safely by using a suitable ladder and having someone present to hold it and ensure it does not slip. As well as looking at the exterior of the roof, it's advisable to spend a bit of time checking out the loft space as well, searching for any signs of damp or water damage. As attics are often used for storage, you may not immediately notice if there is water seeping in, unless you carry out regular checks. If you do find evidence of a leak inside your loft, this will give the roofer you hire a helpful starting point from which to work. Even if you can't see any obvious signs of damage, it is advisable to get a professional opinion every once in a while, just to be certain your roof is still in good condition. After all, a specialist who is used to repairing tiles and flashing may spot something you overlook, which could be the difference between you having a dry, cosy winter in your home or one that is disrupted by a leak. When you inspect your roof, pay particular attention to the flashing around the chimney and any windows you may have installed on the top floor of your property. If the seal around these areas is damaged or broken, water can easily leak inside, so you'll need to repair them before the worst of the winter weather sets in. As working at height can be dangerous, not to mention the fact that replacing tiles and repairing flashing is something of a specialist job, it is best to hire local roofers to do the work for you, as it is safer and you can rest assured that the repairs will be carried out to a high standard. If your roof is in tip-top condition and doesn't need any repair work this year, that doesn't mean there aren't tasks that you should do. One of the most important is to clear the gutters of any debris and make sure there are no broken sections. Water that overflows from a blocked gutter or that escapes due to broken pipe work can cause serious damage to your walls, especially if there is any weakness in the mortar. Telltale signs that water has been leaking from a gutter include damp patches on the wall, or areas where moss is growing. Make sure you use suitable equipment for clearing out your gutters and that you have someone to support the ladder you climb to reach the highest points. If you don't feel confident doing the job yourself, it is better to pay a local handyman to clean the gutters, rather than leaving them and hoping they will be fine throughout the worst of the winter storms. Of course, it isn't only rain and wind that can cause problems for your home, but also the cold. With the cost of utility bills rising every year, many households have become much more conscious of their energy usage. Insulating your loft is one of the best ways to reduce heating bills, with the Energy Saving Trust estimating it is possible to save up to £175 per year on heating costs if a 270 mm-thick layer of insulation is installed in the loft space. The most common and simple form of insulation to use is mineral wool, which is supplied in rolls that can be laid out between the joists, provided they are evenly spaced and are high enough. Lofts that are difficult to access or those with irregular joists are usually insulated using an alternative material, such as blown insulation or loose-fill insulation. While it is possible to fit mineral wool and loose-fill insulation yourself, you will need a professional if you require blown insulation. It's also advisable to hire a local tradesman to do the job if you've never installed insulation before or if you are unsure of the best way to go about it. After all, you don't want to spend money on materials only to find they're not effective because you did not fit them correctly. If you want a professional to check your roof ahead of the winter and carry out any necessary repairs, come to Rated People. We can help you find recommended roofers who operate in your local area.
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