While many people feel that their house roof will last forever (many can last for years and years), the chances are that they could receive a very expensive shock in the future. It is surprising that people do not arrange regular checks of their roofing because it really is the first defence against the elements, and a faulty roof could have serious consequences on the house as a whole.

The life span of a roof will vary from climate to climate, and also the age and style of housing - something which many people fail to appreciate. If is strongly recommended that you do a quick check of your roof twice a year (many choose the autumn and spring) - a quick check with a torch light and an outside review will probably be sufficient, although you may require the assistance of a tradesman if there are suspicious areas, or leaks.

If left untreated a leaking roof can have a major impact on other parts of the house including :-

· The rafters. Constant leakage will soon cause the major beams and rafters of the house to decay, with potentially frightening results. A weakened support within the home has the potential to cause knock on effects to other areas of the house, and while this may take years to happen, it is something we should all be aware of.

· The walls and ceiling. Very often small stains may appear on the walls or ceilings, which can often result from leaks in the roof area. It should be noted that a roof may only leak periodically, perhaps when it is windy, or only in the face of very strong storms. Even if the leak is only periodical, you should still look further into the problem as these issues can soon snowball.

· Roofing shingle. Roofing shingle, or slate, is common place in Europe and parts of the US, acting as a dependable shield against the elements. In the perfect situation the material is nailed to wooden supports which hold the shingle in place. The shingle lies on top of each other forming a water-tight seal, although strong winds and general decay can cause small cracks, which if untreated can lead to larger problems. You may need to replace single shingles or areas of the roof on a regular basis.

It is also essential that you instigate a regular check of your house guttering, as any overflow may end up causing problems with the overall structure of the house, as well as putting undue pressure on the gutter piping. A simple blockage of leaves can soon become serious, leaving other parts of the house open to more wear and tear from water decay.

While ultimately there is a safety aspect to repairing and maintaining your roofing, it can also have a major impact upon the value of your home should you look to sell in the future. A new roof can cost thousands of pounds and has the potential to scare off many would be buyers if problems are left unresolved.

There have been some major advances in roofing technology over the last few years, therefore when replacing your roof, you may wish to consider some of the newer styles available, which include :-

· Asphalt shingles.

· Wood shake and shingles.

· Tiles

· Slates.

· Metal roofing.

It is vital that you choose a type of roofing material which best suits the area and environment which you live in - something that will compliment the elements and maintain the protection required for years to come.