If you heavily rely on your garage for storing a vehicle or any other possessions, it is essential that you keep this garage’s roof in good condition. Failing to heed this could lead the roof to start cracking, tearing and leaking, putting the contents of that garage at risk.

All the same, it’s understandable if you keep postponing the job of even checking that roof, let alone treating it. That’s why we’ve put together the following checklist to keeping it intact.

Look out for early warning signs of damage

Your garage might only be one storey, but climbing up a ladder to check its roof could still feel unsafe. There’s always the option of instead scrutinising it through binoculars, perhaps from an upstairs window of the house, or just asking us to inspect that roof for free.

Besides, certain signs would be discernible from inside the garage. If its ceiling has a damp patch, for example, that could include a slipped tile or, if the roof is flat rather than tiled, a tear, Which? warns.

Does your garage roof have asphalt shingles?

Have you concluded – perhaps due to advice directly provided by one of our roofing professionals – that the roof needs replacing rather than merely repairing? In that case, there would be cause for concern if that roof has asphalt shingles. Those are heavy but would need wholly removing from the roof.

DoItYourself.com cautions that ripping those shingles off yourself would call for “a lot of work and a lot of carting” as you transport them to a container – you might need someone to help you with it.

Check the timbers

Once the roof has been cleared of its covering, an asphalt shingle one or otherwise, the roofing timbers that were underneath will need inspecting. Any that look even slightly suspect should be replaced, but rest assured that only the actual roofing sheets typically need replacing.

Nonetheless, it pays to be diligent here; if any particular timber is of doubtful condition, we urge you to get it replaced soon.

If the job looks beyond you, seek help from elsewhere

You shouldn’t be under any illusions about the difficulty of replacing a garage roof. It’s a time-consuming job, too – and, if you don’t have a contractor helping you, there’s the ever-present risk of making rookie mistakes. For this reason, don’t be afraid to seek assistance from professionals.

We can provide suitable professionals if you want anything from a minor repair to a full roof replacement in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, Middlesbrough or anywhere else in the North East.

Does your garage roof have asbestos?

Keep in mind that corrugated asbestos-cement sheeting consists of white asbestos, the least dangerous form of asbestos, The Telegraph explains. However, since asbestos can be lethal, it would pay for you to remain cautious.

At Vantage’s, we hold all of the relevant certificates legally necessary for removing asbestos from garage roofs – you can learn more about this service by giving us a ring on 0191 497 8980.