Introduction
Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home, quietly shielding everything inside from the elements. Yet because it’s out of sight, it’s often out of mind—until a problem becomes obvious. Many homeowners assume that if everything looks alright from the garden or driveway, there’s nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.
At Arundel Roofing Repairs, we’ve carried out countless inspections across Arundel and Hampshire where serious roofing issues were completely invisible from the ground. In this article, we’ll outline five important things that only a trained roofer can spot when up close on the roof—things that, if left unchecked, could lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
Hidden Tile Damage
From street level, your tiles might appear to be in perfect order. But a closer inspection often tells a different story. Cracks, chips, and loosened tiles can be hard to detect without climbing up, especially when the roof has layers or is partially obscured by trees or angles.
What a roofer sees:
- Small cracks caused by weather expansion and contraction
- Dislodged or slipping tiles not yet visible from below
- Missing nails or damaged tile fixings
- Hairline fractures that can let in moisture over time
These minor defects can quickly become major leaks if not spotted early. Regular roof inspections by professionals like Arundel Roofing Repairs help prevent issues before they escalate.
Faulty Flashing
Flashing is the metal or lead material used to seal joins around chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys. When installed correctly, it keeps water from seeping into vulnerable areas. But from the ground, you can’t see whether flashing has lifted, corroded, or cracked.
Common problems identified on inspection:
- Flashing lifted by wind or temperature changes
- Gaps forming due to rust or poor fitting
- Lead flashings sagging or separating from masonry
- Seals breaking down around junctions and penetrations
Faulty flashing is one of the top causes of roof leaks. Yet, it’s nearly impossible to assess properly without getting on the roof.
Blocked or Failing Guttering Systems
Guttering and downpipes play a vital role in channelling rainwater away from your roof and foundation. From below, a homeowner might notice overflowing water—but may not be able to see what’s causing it.
A roofer can detect:
- Leaves, moss, and debris clogging gutter runs
- Sagging or poorly aligned guttering
- Loose brackets that may detach in heavy rain
- Downpipes disconnected or blocked internally
If left unattended, blocked gutters can cause water to back up under tiles or pool near foundations, leading to both roof and structural problems. At Arundel Roofing Repairs, we always inspect the full drainage system as part of our roofing checks.
Deteriorating Underlay and Battens
The underlay and timber battens beneath your tiles are essential for waterproofing and structural support. However, these critical layers are completely invisible from the ground—or even from inside your loft in many cases.
Signs only a roofer will notice:
- Underlay exposed due to broken tiles
- Damp patches or mould forming beneath the surface
- Warped or rotted battens
- Insect damage weakening timber supports
These issues typically occur over time, often without immediate signs. But once they develop, they compromise the entire roof structure. Catching them early can save you from a complete re-roof later on.
Subtle Sagging or Unevenness
You may not notice if your roofline is starting to dip or bow slightly, particularly if it happens slowly over the years. A professional roofer, however, is trained to assess the shape and alignment of the roof from multiple angles.
Potential red flags:
- Dips in ridge tiles or central sections of the roof
- Uneven load distribution from past repairs
- Weight of moss, debris, or heavy materials creating stress
- Signs of structural timber weakness
Roof sagging isn’t just an aesthetic issue—it could be a sign that the internal supports are failing. Early diagnosis by a professional, like those at Arundel Roofing Repairs, allows reinforcement work before things collapse.
Conclusion
What you can’t see from the ground can hurt your roof—and your wallet. Many serious roofing issues start with small signs only detectable by a trained eye. From subtle damage to materials, to structural warning signs hidden beneath tiles, a regular professional inspection is the best defence against long-term problems.
At Arundel Roofing Repairs, we help homeowners across Arundel and Hampshire stay ahead of roofing issues with detailed roof assessments and preventative maintenance. Don’t wait for visible leaks or storm damage to take action.
Contact Arundel Roofing Repairs today to schedule an expert inspection and make sure your roof is protecting your home as it should—top to bottom.
Call us on: 01903 947 196
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