It is imperative that a loft conversion has a roof that is structurally sound, weatherproof, and free of damage. Checking the roofing for damage, before you start your loft conversion project, is a good idea. You may also find value in checking the roofing for damage, on a periodic basis, after you've completed your project. Doing so may help you to find problems and fix them before they become major and expensive.

When checking the roofing for damage, you'll need to look for dampness, leaks, and deterioration. Weather puts a lot of stress on your roofing. Rain, snow, sleet, wind, and even heat can cause damage over time, leading to warping, decay, and other types of roof deterioration. As such, it is important to make sure your roofing is weatherproof before you move on in the loft conversion process. As you are investing time and money into your project, you want to be sure roof damage won't make your investment a poor one.

For a roof with a chimneystack, checking for roofing damage involves looking for pot cracks and damage. You'll also want to be sure the pot is sealed. The pot mortar should be checked for lifting and cracking as well. The brick mortar pointing should also be checked to ensure that it is sound. The chimneystack should be exactly vertical and metal flashing should be in tact with flat edges. If you have a television aerial mounted, it should be secured in place.

For slate roofs, checking the roofing for damage involves ensuring that the slate tiles are in good condition and fixed well in place. In situations in which roof pitch is fairly shallow, the slates may be very vulnerable in high winds. In such conditions, breakage and loosening can occur. If you find your slate roof in a poor or vulnerable condition, you may do well to contact a professional for help.

For felt roofing, weather can also be problematic. Weathering can lead to a lifting of the seams of felt roofing, as well as cracked edges and blistering. If your felt roofing is damaged, you'll want to correct the problem before moving on with your loft conversion project.

Metal corrugated roofs are not very common in residential housing. They are usually used for commercial property roofing. If your property does have metal roofing, however, you'll want to ensure that the flashing and junction is in tact and well bonded to the walls. When checking the roofing for damage, you'll also want to be sure that there is no tearing or lifting.