Just like a good Easter hamper, spring in Huddersfield is a mixed bag. One day, you’re outside enjoying blue skies and daffodils. The next, you’re battling anything from April showers to storms with actual names. The good news? There are usually plenty of sunny days suitable for a DIY roof check. And no, that doesn’t mean balancing on a ladder like an over-ambitious Easter bunny. A simple ground-level inspection will tell you everything you need to know.
Why bother? Spring is a great time to spot any damage left behind by winter. Loose tiles, sagging gutters, damp patches – they’re all easier to spot once the worst of the weather has passed.
Here’s how to check your roof safely this Easter holidays, without climbing up there yourself:
Start indoors: look for signs of a leak
The first clues that something’s wrong with your roof often show up inside. Water finds its way in through the smallest cracks, often long before you notice any damage outside.
Where to check:
- Loft or attic – Grab a torch and check for dark patches, damp insulation, or trickles of water. A musty smell in the loft is another sign of trouble. Even if there’s no visible leak, moisture trapped in insulation or timber creates the perfect conditions for mould.
- Ceilings and walls – Yellow stains, peeling paint or bubbling wallpaper mean moisture is coming through.
- Chimney breast – Cracks in chimney flashing lead to damp patches around fireplaces.
Pro tip: If you can’t find the source of a leak, wait for a rainy day. Check again and look for fresh watermarks.
Step outside and inspect the roof from the ground
The Easter Bunny might be able to hop up there for a closer look, but for the rest of us, a ground-level inspection works just fine. Stand back and scan the roof for anything out of place.
What to look for:
- Missing or slipped tiles. Even one out of place leaves your home vulnerable.
Cracked or broken slates. Frost weakens older tiles and makes them prone to breakage. - Lifted ridge tiles. These are the ‘spine’ of your roof and are usually the first to go in strong winds.
If you have binoculars, use them to check for details. We’re talking dark patches, gaps or misaligned slates. Yorkshire’s mix of slate, clay and concrete roofs all react differently to winter weather, so any change in the usual pattern is worth investigating.
Pro tip: Have a snoop and look at your neighbours’ roofs. If others on your street have lost tiles or needed repairs, yours may have taken the same beating.
3. Check gutters and downpipes
After a long, wet winter, gutters clog up fast. Easter showers and melting frost add to the problem and can cause water to spill over and soak into walls and damage foundations.
Signs of trouble:
- Gutters sagging or pulling away from the house.
- Watermarks or moss growing on walls.
- Downpipes that are leaking, cracked or disconnected.
Pro tip: If you’re outside during an April shower, watch your gutters. Water should flow smoothly into the downpipes, not pour over the edges.
4. Check for roof debris on the ground
Not every roofing issue is visible from a distance. Sometimes, the evidence is right under your feet. After a storm, check driveways, gardens and patios for:
- Broken roof tiles or slates. Yorkshire’s winter winds shake loose more than just TV aerials. If you find tile fragments in your garden, it’s a sign your roof has taken a hit.
- Bits of mortar from ridge tiles or chimneys. Look for big chunks or small, crumbly pieces.
Pro tip: If you share a roof with neighbours (like in a terrace or semi) ask if they’ve noticed anything missing. Wind damage often affects multiple homes in the same row.
5. Inspect the chimney from the ground
Signs of chimney trouble include:
- Crumbling mortar between bricks.
- Leaning or unstable chimney stacks.
- Rusted, cracked or missing flashing.
Pro tip: Even if your chimney isn’t in use, damaged flashing and weak mortar let in water. Small cracks can turn into bigger problems if ignored. If you still use your chimney, check for loose chimney pots. They take a battering in winter and can become a serious hazard in strong winds.
6. Keep an eye on moss, lichen and algae growth
Huddersfield’s damp, shady climate makes roofs a breeding ground for moss and lichen. While it might look quaint, it’s not harmless. Moss traps moisture, weakens tiles, rots wooden battens and causes drainage issues.
Where moss causes the most damage:
- North-facing roofs (they tend to stay damp longer).
- Around roof valleys where rain naturally collects.
- Near chimneys (bricks absorb and hold water, making nearby tiles vulnerable)
Pro tip: Don’t try to scrape moss off yourself as you might damage tiles. A professional roofer can remove it safely without damaging your roof.
Book a professional roof inspection this Easter
Easter isn’t just about bank holiday lie-ins and hot cross buns. It’s also a great time to book a professional roofing inspection. Why hire an expert? A quick DIY roof check helps spot early signs of trouble, but for peace of mind, a professional inspection goes further.
At DPR Roofing Huddersfield, we’ve spent over 30 years protecting homes throughout Huddersfield and beyond. We know Yorkshire weather, Yorkshire homes and most importantly, Yorkshire roofing.
Give us a call today for:
- Full roof inspections. We’ll check for leaks, missing tiles and any hidden issues that you might not be able to spot yourself.
- Gutter maintenance. Clearing blockages, fixing sagging sections and ensuring proper drainage.
- Flashing and chimney repairs. These issues often start off small and invisible. An inspection from a pro will get gaps sealed before they cause bigger problems.
- Storm damage assessments. Has your home taken a battering? Call us and we’ll get straight onto replacing tiles, repairing ridges and fixing other winter-related wear and tear.
Don’t let small problems turn into expensive repairs. A quick, expert inspection now saves money, protects your home and gets your roof in top condition for the year ahead.