Roofs across the Medway Towns—Chatham, Gillingham, Rochester, Strood and Rainham—face a mix of strong winds, coastal weather and ageing property structures. These conditions create a set of roofing problems that are especially common in the area. Knowing what to look for can help you stop small issues from becoming major, expensive repairs.
Lose Or Missing Tiles
One of the most frequent problems in Medway is loose or displaced roof tiles. The coastal winds that sweep across the towns can easily shift tiles, especially on older roofs. When tiles loosen, they expose the roof to rainwater and damp, which can quickly find its way inside.
Signs to look out for include:
Cracked or slipped tiles
Damp patches in loft spaces
Tiles appearing in the garden after bad weather
Granules or debris building up in gutters
Even a single tile out of place can allow water to penetrate the structure, so early repair is essential.
Leaks After Heavy Rain
Leaks are extremely common across Medway homes and usually show up after prolonged or heavy rainfall. These leaks can be caused by worn tiles, failing flashing, or deteriorated roof felt—particularly on older roofs.
Water marks on ceilings, musty smells, or damp around chimneys often indicate that water is getting in somewhere. Because even small leaks can spread through insulation and timber, it’s important not to ignore early warning signs.
Flat Roof Wear and Deterioration
Flat roofs are widely used in Medway, especially on home extensions, garages and commercial units. Over time, weather exposure can cause these surfaces to crack, blister or sag.
Common indicators of flat roof problems include:
Pools of standing water
Bubbling or cracking in the roof surface
Sagging or uneven areas
Damp or stains inside the room below
Flat roofs tend to age faster than pitched roofs, making regular checks worthwhile.
Chimney Damage and Deterioration
Many Medway homes—particularly in Rochester and older parts of Chatham and Gillingham—still feature traditional brick chimneys. These structures naturally weaken over time. Mortar crumbles, flashing deteriorates and, in some cases, bricks begin to loosen.
Because chimney issues often start subtly, homeowners don’t always notice the problem until leaks appear around the chimney breast indoors. Regular checks help prevent more serious structural concerns.
Blocked or Failing Guttering
Guttering problems are another widespread issue in Medway, especially on tree-lined streets and properties exposed to heavy weather. When gutters become blocked with moss, leaves or debris, water overflows and can seep into walls, fascia boards or the roofline.
Warning signs include:
Overflowing gutters during rain
Damp patches around exterior walls
Sagging or separated guttering
Simple maintenance can prevent long-term damage.
Moss Growth on Roof Tiles
Due to Medway’s damp, coastal climate, moss growth is extremely common. While it may appear harmless, moss traps moisture and can eventually lift or weaken tiles. It can also contribute to blocked gutters, creating further drainage issues.
Regular cleaning or moss treatment can protect the roof’s lifespan.
Ageing Roofs in Older Medway Properties
Medway is home to many older properties, particularly around Rochester High Street and parts of Chatham and Gillingham. Roofs on these properties may simply be reaching the end of their life. When repairs become frequent or the roofline starts to sag, it’s often more economical to consider a replacement rather than continued patchwork repairs.
When Should You Get Your Roof Checked?
Most homeowners benefit from a roof inspection once a year. However, if your property is exposed to strong winds, tall trees or is part of an older housing area, more frequent checks can prevent bigger issues from developing.
Need Roof Repairs in Medway?
At Anticc Roofing & Building, we work across the entire Medway area, providing roof repairs, maintenance and replacements for homes and businesses alike. Whether you’ve spotted early signs of damage or suspect a hidden issue, our team can assess your roof and give honest, expert advice.
Contact us today for a free survey or quotation.
Get A Quote
