▲ OUTSIDE GUTTERS STOP RAINWATER SOAKING INTO YOUR EXTERIOR WALLS - LEFT UNCHECKED, THEY CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE A ROOFING PROFESSIONAL IS THE SAFE BET IF YOU DON'T HAVE LADDERS OR A SCAFFOLDING TOWER YOUR ESSENTIAL CHECKLIST for roof repairs HEED THIS ADVICE AND YOU'LL SAVE TIME, MONEY AND A LOT OF BOTHER IN THE LONG RUN 1 2 3 4 5 6 Look at your roof at least twice a year from ground level. Binoculars can help, while a neighbouring property may be a useful vantage point. Where a fuel fire is used, check for smoke exiting through the brickwork or at the base of chimney pots. Repointing may be required. A leaning chimney may be an accident waiting to happen if it collapses, so seek expert advice before it causes any danger to the property or people in it. Roof hips, ridges and flashings can become detached during wind and storms if pointing is not maintained. Look in the gutters for any signs of mortar droppings. Debris on the ground from broken slates, tiles or shingles indicates that there may be a problem - regular checking will prevent this. Installing new guttering or having old guttering repaired to prevent water leaks can save you thousands of pounds in the long run. INSPECTION 280 | MAY 2017 SMOKE SCREEN STRAIGHTEN UP POINT TAKEN IT'S RUBBISH CASH IN