An 8-point winter roof checklist for Peterborough homeowners: what you can safely check from the ground and the loft, typical repair prices, and when to book a free drone survey.
Most storm damage we see in Peterborough starts as a small problem that was already there: one slipped tile, a loose ridge or a cracked lead flashing. Winter wind and rain then turn a £200 repair into a ceiling stain, wet insulation and an insurance claim.
Need a roofer in Peterborough?Free drone roof survey (worth £250) and a fixed price the same day.
If you need a hand, our roofing team in Peterborough can check it for you. This checklist shows what you can safely check yourself from the ground and the loft, what each problem usually costs to fix, and when it is worth calling a roofer.
Stay safe: never climb onto the roof or lean a ladder against a gutter. Everything below can be checked from the ground, a window or the loft.
Quick answer: when should you check your roof?
Check it in October or November, before the storm season, and again after any named storm or very high winds. A small repair done now is cheaper and faster than an emergency repair in January, when roofers are busiest.
The 8-point winter roof checklist
1. Slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates
Stand back on the pavement or in the garden and look along each slope. Gaps, tiles sitting out of line, or broken pieces in the gutter or on the drive are the usual signs.
Typical repair: £170 – £460 for a few tiles.
2. Ridge and hip tiles
The ridge is the row of tiles along the top. Look for gaps in the mortar, tiles that look lifted, or bits of mortar on the ground. Mortar-only ridges are the tiles most often blown off in storms.
Typical repair: £500 – £1,400 to re-fix or replace a ridge with a mechanical dry-fix system. BS 5534 requires ridges and verges to be mechanically fixed.
3. Lead flashings around chimneys and walls
Use binoculars or a zoomed phone photo. Lead should sit flat and tight against the brickwork. Lifted, split or missing lead is a common cause of leaks around chimney breasts.
Typical repair: £400 – £1,050 to replace chimney flashings.
4. Gutters, downpipes and valleys
Blocked gutters overflow, soak walls and can push water back under the bottom row of tiles. After heavy rain, look for water spilling over the edge, sagging sections or damp patches on the walls below.
See our gutters, fascias and soffits page for repairs and replacements.
5. Flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers
Look for standing water a day after rain, blisters, cracks or seams lifting at the edges. Old felt roofs usually fail first in winter, because water freezes and opens up the joints.
If a flat roof keeps needing patches, an EPDM rubber roof is often better value than another repair. Read our EPDM flat roof guide.
6. Inside the loft
This is the most useful check of all. On a dry day, with a torch:
- look for daylight coming through the roof;
- look for damp or dark patches on the timbers, felt or insulation;
- check around the chimney breast and the water tank;
- smell for damp or mould.
Take photos with the date. They help if you ever need to make an insurance claim.
7. Ceilings and top-floor walls
Brown rings, bubbling paint or a musty smell on the top floor usually mean water is already getting in. Don't wait for the next storm. Small leaks spread along timbers before they show.
See roof leak repair for how we trace and fix leaks.
8. Trees, aerials and satellite dishes
Overhanging branches scrape tiles and fill gutters. Loose aerials and dishes can be pulled off in high winds and damage the tiles around their fixings.
What to do if you find a problem
| What you found | How urgent | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Water coming in now | Same day | Call us on 0800 193 9030 for an emergency roof repair |
| Missing tiles or a lifted ridge | Within 1-2 weeks, before the next storm | Book a free drone survey |
| Old felt flat roof with patches | Before winter if possible | Ask for an EPDM replacement price |
| Blocked gutters | Before heavy rain | Clear them, or ask us to check the gutters and fascias |
| Nothing obvious, but the roof is 20+ years old | No rush | A survey gives you peace of mind and a record of its condition |
Want a price for your home?Free drone roof survey (worth £250) and a fixed price the same day.
Why a drone survey is the easiest roof check
A drone lets us see every slope, ridge, valley and chimney in minutes, without scaffolding or anyone walking on the roof. You see the close-up photos yourself, so you know exactly what needs doing and what doesn't.
We offer a free drone roof survey with every roofing enquiry, then a fixed written price, with no extras added later. If you want a detailed written report, we'll tell you the cost first.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a roof be checked?
Once a year is sensible, ideally in autumn, plus after any storm with very high winds. Older roofs and flat roofs benefit from a check every year without fail.
Can I check my roof myself?
Yes, from the ground, from windows and from inside the loft. Never climb onto the roof or lean a ladder against plastic gutters. Leave anything at height to a roofer with the right access equipment.
Will my insurance pay for storm damage to my roof?
Usually only for sudden damage caused by a storm, not wear and tear. A roof that has been checked and maintained makes a claim much easier. Read our storm damage insurance claim guide.
How much does a roof repair cost in Peterborough?
Small repairs such as replacing a few tiles usually cost £170 – £460. Ridge and chimney lead work costs more. See our roof repair page and the new roof cost guide for full price ranges.
Book your free winter roof check
Upsize Roofing is the roofing division of Upsize Property Renovation Ltd, a Peterborough contractor trusted on public sector frameworks. We call back within 15 minutes during opening hours, carry out a free drone survey, and give you a fixed written price with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.
Get my free roofing quote or call 0800 193 9030.
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