Roof repairs for Arnold homes

The mortar bedding under them breaks down with age, frost and wind movement. Once it cracks, the tile can shift, and rain gets in. Rebedding the ridge or fitting a dry-fix system usually puts it right. We check the whole line for weak spots, because one loose piece rarely stands alone. Look for pieces of mortar in the gutter or on the path as an early sign.

We would not advise climbing onto a roof without proper training and equipment. Falls from low roofs still cause serious injuries. Using the right clips and nails also matters for staying power. A roofer can reset tiles safely and spot the cause, which a quick fix on its own may not cover. Ridge and verge work may also need a second person to hold the ladder for safety.

Each has a place. Traditional mortar looks neat but can crack over time. Dry-fix systems use clips and fixings, need less maintenance and cope well with movement, though they look slightly different. We explain both and the way each suits your roof. Dry-fix systems also cope better with the movement caused by wind.

Signs include daylight at the edges, damp patches on timbers, a musty smell and drips during wind-driven rain. Old felt can go brittle and tear. A look from inside the loft helps, and we check it on a visit. If it has failed in a small area, a local replacement may be enough. We can show you the felt from the loft side where it is safe to do so.

Waiting rarely helps. Water spreads damp through insulation and timbers, and winter frost makes small cracks larger. A temporary repair may hold until the weather improves, but you should plan the proper fix. We tell you honestly whether the leak can wait a short time or needs prompt attention. A temporary measure such as a tarpaulin is only a short-term answer.