Common Roof Problems in Exposed Devon Locations

Devon's exposed locations - coastal, hilltop, moorland-edge - are beautiful but brutal on roofs. Constant wind, driving rain, and salt air create problems you won't see in sheltered valleys.

Why Exposed Locations Are Different

Wind Loading

Roofs on exposed sites face:

• Higher average wind speeds
• More frequent gusts
• Turbulence from terrain changes
• Suction effects (wind lifting tiles)

A roof that's fine in central Exeter might lose tiles annually on the coast.

Driving Rain

Devon's south-westerly storms bring rain horizontally. Exposed walls and roofs get the full force, while sheltered properties only see vertical rain.

Result: Water penetration through gaps that would stay dry elsewhere.

Salt

Coastal properties (within 1-2 miles of sea) get salt spray. This accelerates corrosion of:

• Metal fixings
• Flashing
• Gutters
• Lead work

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Common Problems

Lifted and Missing Tiles

Why it happens: Wind gets under tile edges and lifts them. Once one goes, the next is exposed.

Signs:

• Tiles on the ground after storms
• Visible gaps in tile rows
• Neighbours' tiles appearing in your garden

Prevention:

• All tiles should be clipped or nailed, not just edge tiles
• Regular inspection after storms
• Consider tile clips on vulnerable slopes

Slipped Slates

Why it happens: Old nails corrode. Wind and rain work them loose. The slate slides down.

Signs:

• Exposed gaps in slate courses
• Slates sitting lower than neighbours
• Slates in gutters

Prevention:

• Re-nail or reclip as part of maintenance
• Consider roof renovation with modern fixings
• Annual inspection from ground or loft

Ridge and Hip Failure

Why it happens: Ridge tiles are pointed with mortar. Exposed to weather from all sides, mortar fails faster.

Signs:

• Ridge tiles rocking
• Visible gaps in pointing
• Mortar debris in gutters
• Birds nesting under lifted ridges

Prevention:

• Dry ridge systems (mechanical fixing, no mortar)
• Regular pointing inspection
• Prompt repair when damage spotted

Flashing Problems

Why it happens: Lead and zinc work takes the brunt of driving rain. Movement and expansion/contraction stress joints.

Signs:

• Staining on walls below roofline
• Damp patches inside at roof junctions
• Visible lifting or cracking

Worst spots:

• Chimney abutments
• Roof-to-wall junctions
• Valley flashings
• Soil pipe flashings

Gutter and Fascia Damage

Why it happens: Wind force on gutters. Salt corrosion. Impact from debris.

Signs:

• Gutters pulling away from fascias
• Joints leaking
• Plastic becoming brittle
• Paint peeling on timber fascias

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Location-Specific Issues

Coastal (Exmouth, Dawlish, Budleigh)

Main threats:

• Salt corrosion
• Sand abrasion in high winds
• Strong consistent wind from sea

Solutions:

• Marine-grade fixings (stainless steel)
• More frequent painting/treatment
• Robust gutter brackets
• Consider metal roofing for outbuildings

Hillside (Pinhoe, Whipton, Stoke Hill)

Main threats:

• Funnelled wind through valleys
• Increased exposure above tree line
• Faster drainage causing gutter overflow

Solutions:

• Oversized gutters
• Extra tile fixing
• Check for turbulence effects (unusual wind patterns)

Near Trees

Main threats:

• Falling branches
• Leaves blocking gutters
• Moss and algae growth
• Reduced drying (shade)

Solutions:

• Regular gutter clearing (twice yearly minimum)
• Consider gutter guards
• Moss treatment every few years
• Tree maintenance to remove dead wood

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Storm Preparation

Before winter storms:

Roof Check

• Walk around property, look up
• Binoculars helpful for detail
• Look for loose or lifted tiles
• Check ridge line is straight
• Inspect visible flashings

Gutters and Drainage

• Clear all debris
• Check downpipe connections
• Ensure drains are clear
• Check gully grids aren't blocked

Vulnerable Spots

• Secure loose items that could blow onto roof
• Check aerial/satellite fixings
• Ensure loft hatch is secure (wind pressure)

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After a Storm

Immediate Actions

1. Check for obvious damage from ground - Missing tiles, lifted ridges, debris
2. Check inside - Water ingress in loft, damp patches
3. Don't go on the roof - Leave that to professionals
4. Photograph everything - For insurance

Temporary Fixes

If you have water coming in and can't get a roofer immediately:

• Bucket under the drip (obvious but effective)
• Tarp over the area from loft side (safer than going on roof)
• Stuff towels into gaps as temporary measure

Getting Repairs Done

After storms, roofers are overwhelmed. Tips:

• Get on the list early
• Have photos ready for quote
• Consider temporary repairs from a handyman while waiting for roofer
• Check your insurance - many policies cover storm damage

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Preventive Maintenance

Annual Inspection

In spring, after winter storms:

• Visual check from ground (all elevations)
• Loft inspection for daylight gaps or staining
• Gutter check and clean
• Check flashings

Every 5 Years

• Professional roofer inspection
• Re-pointing of ridge if mortar
• Check all fixings
• Consider drone inspection for inaccessible areas

Upgrades to Consider

For properties repeatedly having problems:

• Dry ridge system (replaces mortar pointing)
• Additional tile clips
• Stainless steel fixings throughout
• Upgraded guttering (larger capacity)

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When to Worry

Minor (monitor):

• Single loose tile
• Minor moss
• Slight gutter sag

Moderate (address soon):

• Multiple slipped tiles
• Ridge pointing failing
• Flashing lifting

Urgent (immediate action):

• Visible daylight in loft
• Water penetration
• Structural movement
• Large section of tiles missing

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Worried about your roof after a storm? I can do ground-level inspections, check your loft, clear gutters, and arrange proper roofer access for major work. Call 01392 964094 or get a quote.