What to do if you think your roof is leaking
Roof leaks can gradually cause serious damage. Even a small opening lets water collect, and that leads to bigger problems over time.
Insurers generally will not pay for damage caused by wear and tear, and leaking roofs usually fall into that category. So get the leak repaired quickly, before it gets worse and costs more to fix.
Finding and fixing a leak
The source of a leak is not always easy to spot, because water can travel a long way before it shows up indoors. Before you start looking, protect the property from further damage.
- Put buckets or other containers under the drips to protect floors, carpets and furniture.
- Move electronics and anything else sensitive to water to a dry place.
- Clear other belongings out of the way so they do not get wet.
Once the area is secure, look for the source of the leak. This may mean going into the roof space. Common causes include:
- Missing or damaged tiles or slates.
- Holes in the underlay that let water in or allow tiles to slide out of place.
- Blocked gutters that overflow.
- Flat roofs or valley gutters where water builds up and seeps through.
- Flashing and roof joints, including those around skylights and chimneys, that have been damaged by frost and now let water in.
- Damaged soffits and fascias that let water reach the roof timbers.
When you have found the source, you can make a temporary fix with roofing cement or a tarpaulin until a professional carries out a permanent repair. Home emergency cover can pay for urgent work. Even so, contact a professional roofing contractor promptly to inspect and repair the leak, because roof problems can escalate fast.
Preventing future leaks
A temporary patch is a short-term measure, not a lasting solution. Give us a call and we will inspect your roof, identify weak spots and any other issues, and recommend a durable roof repair.
Once the immediate problem is dealt with, take steps to stop it happening again:
- Keep gutters clear of debris so they do not overflow.
- Trim trees near the property so leaves and other debris do not block drainage.
- Check the roof regularly, especially after a storm.
- Pay closer attention to the roof as winter arrives and the weather gets worse.
Many people do not want to go up ladders or into the roof space, or do not have the experience to spot problems. We can do a lot of this work for you and keep your roof free of leaks.
H Roofing Solutions carries out roof repairs and installations across central Scotland. We respond the same day to urgent leaks and storm damage, give a 20-year written workmanship warranty on qualifying re-roofing projects, and take no upfront payments.