Seasonal Roof Maintenance Checklist for Farnham Homeowners

Spring — Post-Winter Assessment

Winter is the harshest season for Surrey roofs — freeze-thaw cycles, wind, rain and frost. Spring is the time to assess the damage before problems develop through the year.

• From ground level, scan the roof slope for any slipped, cracked or missing tiles — look for asymmetry or gaps in the tile line
• Check the ridge line — displaced ridge tiles after winter storms are common on exposed properties in Farnham
• Inspect gutters for damage from winter debris and ice — replace any cracked or sagging sections
• Check fascia boards for signs of frost damage or new rot development
• Clear any debris from valleys — leaf matter and debris accumulate over winter and can retain moisture against tiles

NFRC maintenance guidance identifies blocked rainwater goods as one of the most common preventable causes of water ingress, recommending gutters be cleared at least annually and more often where tree cover is significant.Source: NFRC

Summer — Inspection and Maintenance Season

Summer is the best time to carry out repairs because it offers the driest and safest working conditions. It's also when moss treatment is most effective — the biocide works better in dry conditions.

• Book a roof inspection if one hasn't been done in the last 5 years — now is the ideal time
• If moss is visible from ground level, arrange treatment before autumn — summer is the best season for biocide application
• Check flat roofs for blistering, ponding areas or surface cracks — UV exposure accelerates deterioration of older felt roofs in summer
• Check chimney flashings from ground level — binoculars help — for any open joints or lifted sections

Autumn — The Critical Season for Farnham Roofs

Autumn is the most important season for roof maintenance in Farnham, specifically because of leaf fall. The combination of falling leaves and autumn rain fills valleys and gutters, creating blockages that can cause significant damage if not cleared.

• Clear gutters and downpipes in late October to early November — after peak leaf fall
• Clear valleys — use binoculars to check for debris accumulation in roof valleys
• Check that all downpipes are running freely — pour water in at the top and listen for it reaching the bottom
• Properties with significant tree canopy should consider twice-yearly gutter clearance — once in spring, once in late autumn
• Inspect any flat roofs before the wet season — any minor faults will be significantly worsened by winter rain

Winter — Storm Response

Major maintenance work should be completed before winter. During winter, the focus shifts to monitoring and storm response.

• After any significant storm, carry out a visual inspection of the whole roof from ground level — look for displaced tiles, lifted ridges or anything that looks asymmetrical
• Check the loft for any signs of water ingress after heavy rain — wet patches on timber, wet insulation or drips in the loft are all signs that need prompt attention
• Keep the phone number of an emergency roofer to hand — problems discovered in January need a prompt response to limit water damage

The One Non-Negotiable

If there's one maintenance task that makes the biggest difference to a Farnham roof's lifespan, it's annual autumn gutter clearance. Blocked gutters cause water to overflow, saturate fascia boards, track back under tile courses and find its way into the roof structure. It's a £100 job that prevents a £2,000 one.

Last reviewed: 19 July 2026