You probably don't think about your roof all that much. Most people don't—until water starts dripping through the ceiling or stains show up out of nowhere. By the time you spot those signs, the damage usually isn't new. It's been building up quietly, sometimes for months.
A quick look now and then can help you spot problems early—before small issues turn into big, expensive ones.
Broken or Missing Tiles
Next time the weather's clear, have a proper look at your roof from the ground. Any cracked, curled or missing tiles? Even just a few? It's easy to brush it off, but missing tiles open the door for water to get in, and it won't stop there. Rain gets underneath, wood starts to rot, and that's when things really go downhill.
Think of the tiles like armour. Once the top layer's gone, the rest is exposed.
Grit in the Gutter
Found sandy bits in the gutter or at the base of your downpipes? That gritty stuff is tile granules—and your roof shouldn't be shedding loads of it.
Tiles lose granules over time, sure. But if you're scooping out more than usual, it could mean your roof's protective layer is wearing thin. Those granules shield the tiles from sun and rain. Without them, the surface wears down fast.
It's one of those signs people miss until the tiles start to look patchy or discoloured.
Streaks or Green Patches on the Roof
Seen dark marks running down the roof? That's often algae. It's not the worst problem on its own, but it holds damp against the tiles—and that shortens their life.
Moss is more of a problem. It grows thick in shaded spots, and when it spreads, it lifts the tiles slightly. That's all it takes for water to get underneath.
Once the water's in, it doesn't take long for timber underneath to start softening.
Sagging Bits That Don't Look Right
Your roof should look level, more or less, across the top and middle. If it dips in the middle or looks like it's bowing anywhere, something's not right underneath.
That sort of sag usually means the timber supports have been damaged, often by damp or rot. It's not the sort of thing to ignore or “keep an eye on”. Once it starts giving way, it can go from bad to worse quickly.
If you spot it, get it looked at fast. That's not a DIY fix.
Marks on the Ceiling or Damp on the Walls
Some roof issues show up indoors before you notice anything outside. If you spot a brown ring on the ceiling or a faint water mark that seems to come and go depending on the weather—it's probably not a coincidence.
Even if it looks dry now, the water's already made it through the roof, insulation, and loft space. Left alone, it'll keep coming back and cause more damage each time.
It's cheaper to fix the leak than to deal with mould, peeling paint and soaked plasterboard.
Heating Bills Creeping Up?
If your energy bills are getting higher and you've ruled out the usual suspects, the roof might be to blame. Gaps, poor insulation, or tiles that have shifted can let warm air escape during the winter—and let heat pour in during the summer.
The result? Your boiler or AC works harder, and the costs go up. It's not always easy to link it to the roof at first, but it's worth checking—especially if the loft hasn't been inspected in a while.
Light Coming Through the Loft
Pop into your loft on a sunny day and switch off the lights. If you can see daylight sneaking in through little gaps or cracks, water can get in the same way.
It's one of the simplest checks you can do—and one of the most obvious signs that the roof covering isn't doing its job. Even tiny holes can let in enough rain to cause damage over time.
And let's be honest—most of us don't check the loft until something's already dripping.
Don't Wait for It to Go Wrong
The cost of fixing a small patch or swapping out a few tiles is nothing compared to what happens when water gets into the structure. Wet insulation, damaged plaster, ruined ceilings—those problems rack up quickly.
Think of it like a leaky tap. Ignore it, and eventually, you're not just fixing the tap—you're replacing flooring too.
A Quick Check Could Save You Thousands
Roofs don't fall apart overnight. The signs are there—you just need to catch them early.
A quick look in spring, another before winter, and maybe a professional once-over every few years. That's all it takes to avoid the big repair bills and keep your roof going for decades.
It protects your whole home. Might as well look after it. If you are looking for roofing and property improvement in Huntingdon, St Neots, Bedford, Cambridge and surrounding areas, visit us at Acorn Property Improvements Ltd.
