Spring Healthcheck Your Home

The winter takes its toll on your home, so spring is a good time to do a little inspection. However, you can use our list all year round to ensure you've got it all covered, and save yourself expensive repair bills later on.

By Sarah Warwick

Take A Look At The Roof

Are there any missing tiles, exposing roof timbers to the elements? Or are they cracked, with the possibility of flying off and injuring someone in windy weather? Have any moved out of place? Are the flashings - at the joins between roof and walls, in valleys and around chimneys - in place and do they look sound? You can check from the ground first of all - binoculars will help - then from a ladder if you have one that's long enough and are confident of all the requirements for its safe use. If you spot any problems, repairs should be made urgently, and unless you are a highly competent DIYer with the right equipment, call in a professional.

Check The Gutters

Leaves and debris from the roof can fill up gutters so they no longer do their job of channelling the rainwater that falls on your roof away from your walls. Remove whatever has accumulated in there so the water can flow freely once again. Make sure, too, that gutters aren't sagging. If they are, inspect the brackets and make any repairs.

Visit The Loft

From your loft space, you'll be able to make a second check on the state of the roof. Look out for any watermarks on roof timbers, and any daylight showing through from above. Again, be safe and call in a professional unless you are entirely confident of your skills when it comes to roof repairs.