A leaking roof is something that most homeowners want dealt with as quickly as possible.
Water entering a property can damage ceilings, walls, decorations and belongings, while a persistent leak may allow moisture to affect areas that cannot immediately be seen.
If you discover a leak, there are several sensible steps you can take while avoiding the temptation to put yourself at risk.
Protect the Inside of the Property
Your first priority should be limiting the immediate effect of the water.
If it is safe to do so, move furniture, electrical items and valuable possessions away from the affected area.
A suitable container can be positioned beneath a drip to collect water temporarily.
If water is close to electrical fittings or you have any concern about electrical safety, do not take unnecessary risks.
Never Climb Onto a Wet Roof
Trying to find a leak yourself by climbing onto the roof can be extremely dangerous.
Wet roofing materials may be slippery, and a damaged area may be less secure than it appears.
Most homeowners will gain little by attempting to inspect the roof from close range themselves.
Instead, look from a safe position at ground level for any obvious signs such as missing tiles or displaced materials.
Look for Internal Clues
The location and appearance of the damp can provide useful information.
You may notice:
- staining on a ceiling
- damp around a chimney breast
- water near an external wall
- moisture within a loft
- dripping following heavy rain
These clues can help explain the circumstances of the leak, but they do not necessarily identify the exact point at which water entered.
Water can travel before becoming visible indoors.
Consider When the Leak Appears
Does the problem occur every time it rains, or only during particularly strong wind?
Does it appear after prolonged rainfall?
Is it close to a chimney, flat roof, extension or other roof junction?
This information can be useful when explaining the problem to a roofer.
Possible Causes of a Roof Leak
There are many potential causes, including:
- cracked tiles
- missing tiles
- displaced slates
- damaged lead flashing
- valley problems
- deteriorated flat roofing
- ridge damage
- faults around chimneys
- overflowing guttering
Professional roof repairs should therefore be based on identifying the relevant fault rather than guessing from the symptom.
Could the Guttering Be Responsible?
It is worth remembering that water around the roofline does not always mean the roof covering is leaking.
Blocked or damaged gutters can overflow during rain.
Water may then run down walls or find its way behind roofline components.
Checking whether gutters are overflowing from ground level during rainfall can sometimes provide a useful clue.
5 Star Roofing & Building provides professional guttering services including repairs and replacement.
What About Lead Flashing?
Leaks that appear around chimneys or roof junctions can sometimes involve flashing.
Lead is used to create weather-resistant details where different surfaces meet.
If it becomes damaged or deteriorated, it may need professional attention.
The company’s leadwork service covers flashing repairs, renewal and associated roofing details.
Flat Roof Leaks
If the leak is beneath a garage, extension or another flat-roofed section, the covering itself may need assessment.
Modern felt and fibreglass systems can provide effective waterproofing when correctly installed, but any roof covering can eventually become damaged.
The felt and fibreglass roofing service includes both new installations and repairs.
Arrange an Inspection
Once the immediate situation inside the property is under control, the next step is establishing why the leak occurred.
This is important because a short-term attempt to stop visible water does not necessarily solve the underlying problem.
An inspection can determine whether the work needed is a small localised repair or something more extensive.
Don’t Assume the Worst
Discovering a leak does not automatically mean you need a new roof.
Many leaks arise from individual faults that can be repaired.
Equally, if an ageing roof has developed numerous problems across a wider area, an inspection may show that a more substantial solution should be considered.
The scale of the work should follow the diagnosis — not the other way around.
Roof Leak Help Across Cornwall
5 Star Roofing & Building provides a wide range of roofing services throughout Cornwall.
The company’s principal Cornwall coverage includes Truro, Falmouth, Newquay, St Austell, Penzance, Camborne and Redruth. You can find more information on the Areas We Cover page.
If your roof is leaking, call 0800 699 0309 to discuss the problem and arrange a free, no-obligation quotation.
Related reading: What causes a roof to leak?
