If you’ve made it through a Huddersfield winter without having to dig your car out of a snowdrift or shout over wind howling down your chimney, count yourself lucky. Between biting cold, torrential rain and the odd sleet storm sweeping in from the Pennines, winter takes its toll on the town. And we’re not just talking about your inside-out umbrella or your central heating bill.
Your roof has been working overtime all season, keeping your home dry and warm while facing everything the West Yorkshire weather can throw at it. Now that spring is here, it’s time to check whether it’s come through unscathed.
Here’s what every Huddersfield homeowner should know about spotting and fixing winter roof damage, before a small issue becomes a costly headache.
1. Start with a visual check (from the ground)
Before you grab a ladder (or preferably, call in someone qualified), start by standing back and surveying your roof from the ground.
Look for red flags like:
- Missing or slipped tiles
- Sagging areas along the ridge or valleys
- Uneven lines or dips in the roofline
- Piles of debris in gutters or at the base of downpipes
Anything that looks out of place probably is. Even a small tile out of alignment can allow water in. Left unchecked, this can lead to rot, mould and insulation damage.
2. Keep an eye out for water stains or damp patches indoors
Sometimes the first signs of roof damage show up inside your home. In post-war semis around Moldgreen or detached family homes in Lindley, you might spot brown stains on the ceiling or walls, bubbling paint or a musty smell. Don’t forget to check in upstairs rooms or loft spaces!
These are all red flags for water ingress, which is often caused by cracked tiles, damaged flashing or gaps in the underlay. If the leak is recent, it might only appear during heavy rainfall, making it easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.
Pro tip: Check your loft or attic space after a downpour. A torch and a careful look can reveal wet patches on timbers or insulation that haven’t made it to your ceilings (yet).
3. Gutters and downpipes might need a clean-out
Huddersfield gutters take a hammering in the winter. Falling leaves, moss build-up and ice can clog the system, causing rain to overflow and run down your walls instead. Overflowing gutters aren’t something you want to ignore! Why? Because blocked gutters are a leading cause of damp patches on internal walls and foundations.
What to do: Look for visible blockages, overflowing water or sagging gutter brackets. If you’ve noticed algae or green streaks down the exterior walls, it’s probably time for a clean (and possibly a realignment or repair).
4. Don’t forget the flashing and chimneys
Roof flashing (that’s the metal seals around chimneys, vents or dormers) is often overlooked, but it’s a common culprit behind leaks. In older Huddersfield homes with chimney stacks (think characterful terraces in Birkby or detached bungalows in Newsome), flashing can lift, crack or corrode over time. Likewise, damaged pointing or missing mortar between bricks on your chimney stack can allow water in.
What to look for:
- Rusting or lifting flashing
- Gaps between flashing and roofline
- Cracked chimney mortar or loose pots
If the chimney looks wonky or you spot debris in the garden after a wind storm, get a professional out sooner rather than later.
5. Moss and algae build-up can cause hidden damage
Huddersfield’s damp winters are ideal for moss growth. You’ll often see thick green patches across tiles after winter, particularly on north-facing slopes that get less sunlight. While it might look harmless (or even charming), moss traps moisture, adds weight and causes tiles to shift or crack over time. It can also block gutters and lead to poor drainage.
What to avoid: Never pressure wash your roof. It can damage tiles and wash away protective coatings. Instead, a professional roofer can assess whether moss removal or treatment is needed (and whether deeper issues are at play).
6. Flat roofs are especially vulnerable
Got a dormer window, garage or extension with a flat roof? You’re not alone. Huddersfield has plenty of properties with flat roofs and they need a special type of TLC. Why? Because flat roofs, even when installed with high-performance materials like Sealoflex, are more prone to pooling water, cracks and UV damage. After winter, it’s important to check for:
- Standing water
- Blistering or cracks in the membrane
- Loose or curling edges
Even if it looks intact, trapped moisture can sit between layers and cause rot. The problem escalates if insulation sits directly below the roof.
7. Book a roof inspection
You might be tempted to do a quick fix yourself, especially if the issue looks minor. But roofing work is more complex (and dangerous) than it seems, particularly on steep slopes or with fragile tiles.
Professional roofers have the tools, experience and insurance to carry out a proper inspection and repair. They’ll also spot hidden issues (like underlay damage or early signs of timber rot) that the average homeowner would miss. Putting your property on the market? A recent roof inspection (complete with paperwork) is a big plus if you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon.
Pro tip: Spring is an ideal time to book. Roofers are less rushed than in peak summer, and weather conditions are finally dry enough to get up there safely.
8. Know when a patch-up isn’t enough
Sometimes, a repair just won’t cut it. In Huddersfield, where many homes still have original roofs from the mid-20th century or earlier, full roof replacements are common. If your tiles are crumbling, the underlay is shot or repairs are becoming more frequent, it might be time to consider a more long-term solution.
Things to consider:
- Age of the roof (over 40 years? Probably time for a closer look)
- How often you’ve had repairs in the last 5–10 years
- How energy-efficient your loft and insulation are
The good news? A full roof replacement isn’t always as daunting as it sounds when handled by a local team who knows Huddersfield’s housing stock inside out.
Spring is your window
Noticed a leak, seen signs of wear or just want peace of mind after winter? Spring is your window. It’s dry enough for inspections and repairs, and early enough to avoid being caught out by summer storms.
Get in touch with DPR Roofing Huddersfield today for honest, expert roof inspections tailored to your property.