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The Summit Journal

Straight talk from up on the roof

No jargon, no scare tactics — just honest guides on keeping your home dry, spotting trouble early, and knowing when a repair beats a replacement.

Beautifully finished pitched roof with new tiles
Featured · Storm Season

After the storm: a 5-minute roof check every homeowner should do

High winds don't always rip tiles clean off — sometimes they just nudge them loose, and the leak shows up weeks later. Here's how to spot the early warning signs safely from the ground, what's worth a closer look, and when it's time to call a roofer rather than risk the ladder.

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Latest Articles

From the toolbox

Maintenance

Why blocked gutters cause more damage than you think

A handful of leaves can lead to damp walls, rotten fascias and even foundation problems. Here's the chain reaction — and how to stop it.

Materials

Slate vs concrete tile: which roof is right for your home?

One looks stunning and lasts a century; the other is kinder on the budget. We weigh up cost, lifespan, weight and kerb appeal.

Diagnostics

Damp patch on the ceiling? How to trace where it's really coming from

Leaks rarely start where they show. We explain how water travels along timbers — and why the stain is often nowhere near the hole.

Leadwork

Chimney flashing: the £300 fix that prevents £3,000 of damage

Cracked lead around the chimney is the most common leak we find. Here's why it fails — and why catching it early saves a fortune.

Guttering

Fascias & soffits explained (and when uPVC beats timber)

The boards behind your gutters do more than you'd think. We break down what they do and when it's worth swapping wood for low-maintenance uPVC.

Flat Roofs

GRP vs EPDM: choosing the right flat roof for your extension

Both beat old felt by miles — but which suits your garage, dormer or extension? We compare lifespan, finish and cost in plain English.

Read something that rang a bell?

If a post made you glance up at your own roof, book a free survey. We'll take a proper look and tell you honestly whether it needs anything.