Winter Roof Maintenance Checklist for Lancashire Homeowners
- Daniel Cunliffe
- Oct 6
- 4 min read
Lancashire roofs have been through it lately - weeks of rain, heavy winds, and now the cold creeping in. The problem is, all that weather takes its toll. Loose tiles, blocked gutters, and worn seals can quickly turn into leaks once frost sets in.
Before winter properly arrives, it’s worth giving your roof a once-over. A quick maintenance check now can save you from far bigger repairs later - or an emergency callout in the middle of a storm.
Below are the key takeaways every Lancashire homeowner should know before diving into the full checklist.
Key Takeaways:
A pre-winter inspection helps prevent leaks, frost damage, and costly repairs.
Gutters, tiles, flashing, and skylights are the top problem areas to watch.
Simple maintenance steps now can extend your roof’s life and protect your home all winter.
Professional inspections are worth it if you’re unsure or spot early signs of damage.
1. Check for Loose or Missing Tiles
After a storm, even one slipped tile can lead to leaks once frost sets in. Walk around your home and look for cracked, curling, or missing tiles.
You don’t need to climb up - use binoculars or a zoomed-in phone photo if needed.
If you spot anything loose or broken, get it repaired before the next freeze. Water that seeps under a tile can expand when it freezes, forcing tiles further apart and worsening the damage.
For peace of mind, our roof repair specialists can sort small fixes before they turn into big jobs.
2. Clean Your Gutters and Downpipes
Blocked gutters are one of the biggest causes of winter leaks. When rainwater can’t drain away, it overflows and seeps into the edges of the roof - or freezes into heavy ice dams that strain the guttering.
Remove leaves, moss, and debris so water can flow freely. Make sure downpipes are clear too, and that they direct water away from your home’s walls and foundations.
If heights aren’t your thing, our gutter cleaning team can handle it safely - no ladders or mess left behind.
3. Inspect Flashing and Seals
Flashing is the metal or lead material around chimneys, vents, and skylights that keeps the weather out. When it starts to crack or lift away, water finds its way in fast.
Look for rust, cracks, or gaps. If flashing looks uneven or pulled away from the surface, it’s best to get it resealed before the freeze-thaw cycle makes it worse.
These small fixes can save you from expensive ceiling repairs down the line.
4. Trim Overhanging Branches
Tree branches hanging over your roof might look harmless, but in a storm or under the weight of snow, they can scrape tiles or even fall and crack them.
Trim back any branches that hang directly above your roof or gutters. It’ll also help reduce how many leaves end up clogging your gutter system later in the season.
5. Check Attic Ventilation and Insulation
Good ventilation stops condensation building up inside your roof space, and decent insulation keeps your home warm without melting the snow on your roof too quickly.
When attic heat escapes unevenly, it melts snow that refreezes at the edges - creating “ice dams” that trap water behind them.
Make sure your loft vents aren’t blocked, and check insulation for damp patches or sagging. Damp insulation means there’s already a leak somewhere above that needs sorting.
6. Inspect Skylights and Velux Windows
Condensation or drips around skylights usually point to worn seals or flashing.
if you’ve noticed fogging, leaks, or damp plaster nearby, it’s worth getting it checked before winter properly arrives.
As certified Velux window installers, we can reseal or replace units so they stay watertight and energy-efficient right through winter.
7. Look for Internal Leaks
Check your ceilings and loft after heavy rain - especially around chimneys or roof edges.
Brown marks, bubbling paint, or damp insulation are all early signs of water getting in.
The sooner you find the source, the cheaper it is to fix. And if water’s already dripping through, don’t wait - our emergency roofing team can respond quickly across
8. Book a Professional Roof Inspection
Even the most careful DIY check can miss the smaller details.
A professional inspection picks up the subtle things - like lifted flashings, early rot, or gaps around roofline joints - that might not show from the ground.
We offer quick, affordable roof inspections across Lancashire, ideal for pre-winter checks or after a storm. It’s the easiest way to make sure your roof is ready for whatever the weather brings.
Final Thoughts
Winter’s tough on Lancashire homes - but most leaks, damp patches, and emergency callouts can be avoided with a bit of prep.
A one-hour inspection or clean-up now can save you hundreds later in repairs.
If you’d rather leave it to the experts, give us a call on 07922 564912 or request a quote through our Roof Repairs page.
