Work carried out on roofs to check for damage by failing Flashing and Leadwork can reveal problems before they start to leak inside but before serious damage is done.
Reading the Lead Condition
Lead undergoes thermal fatigue i.e. cracking due to repeated expansion and contraction in temperature changes. Hairline cracks, splits to folds and signs of corrosion or local pitting indicate near end of life.
Checking Mortar Joints and Pointing
By prodding the pointing between the masonry and the lead, a roofer can check whether it has come loose or is crumbling, and pulling away from the masonry. If the mortar joints fail, water can run behind the lead within the wall of the building.
Inspecting Upstand Height
Check upstands are inspected for height and for signs of outward bowing. For general guidance on the maximum height of upstands see illustration. An upstand of less than 75mm height may allow wind driven rain to penetrate, and need to be checked for bowing.
Examining Chimney Flashing and Soakers
Chimneys, often with back gutters, side soakers and front aprons, all of which need to be checked individually for faults such as a failing soaker which can remain hidden under many layers of slate until symptoms of damp penetrate inside.
This guidance on traditional roofing materials including lead applies particularly to properties with chimneys and coastal locations.
Checking Step Flashing at Wall Junctions
Step Flashing is typically applied to the joint between a roof and a wall of a building. This type of flashing is usually made up of individual pieces of flashing that are stepped up the slope of the wall. Each of these pieces of flashing must be inspected to ensure that they are still in place within their respective mortar joints and that none of them have been lifted. If you are looking for Roofers Emsworth, see https://www.randsroofing.co.uk/roofing-services/roofers-emsworth/.
By detecting problems early on, what could become expensive repairs can be kept to a minimum.
