What you should do when your roof leaks

If it’s never happened to you before, a leaking roof can be quite unsettling. There are several steps you can take to make the experience as stress-free as possible.

Water through the ceiling

The first sign of a suspected roof problem is usually water pouring or trickling through the ceiling. If the water is still flowing, put a bucket underneath and maybe clear the immediate area of furniture and put down old towels to protect the carpet or flooring.

Severe water ingression

If water is pouring through the roof like a torrent – maybe you are in the middle of a big storm – and there is a danger to life or you are worried about the ceiling collapsing, call the emergency services.

Is it raining?

If it’s raining and your ceiling is leaking, it could be a problem with your roof, especially if the problem goes away when the rain stops. Don’t be tempted to heave a sigh of relief and forget about it when the sun comes out. When it rains again, the problem will come back – maybe worse. Leaks never sort themselves out; they have to be fixed. It really makes sense to call in your local reliable roofing professional.

What could be causing my leaking roof?

A missing tile or two
Tiles become dislodged by rain and wind. It only takes a couple to be dislodged for water to work its way through the roof to your upper ceiling. This can happen over a period and you will be unaware until your ceiling is breached by the water. That’s why it’s a good idea to have your roof checked regularly, to prevent this from happening.

Chimney flashing has dislodged
Flashing needs to be inspected regularly to make sure it is watertight. Water could be getting in this way.

Gutters are choked with leaves and other matter
If your house is near a large tree that loses its leaves, it doesn’t take long for your gutter to be overcome. Instead of water being able to be channelled into the downpipe, it collects elsewhere and could soak through the brickwork and then your roof and ceiling. Gutters should be regularly inspected and cleared to avoid this happening.

Your roof has been patched in the past
Roofs can be successfully repaired but there does come a time when they need to be replaced as they do have a life span. Towards the end of their useful life is usually when they start letting in water. We are happy to advise on the best course of action.

Once you have sorted out the immediate problem with your leak, give us a call and we will advise you further. We can then arrange to do a site visit and recommend a course of action. It could be as simple as replacing a few tiles or we could recommend a new roof. Whatever we suggest, it is always without obligation, so whether you it’s a quick roof repair or a roof replacement, do consider giving us a ring today.