Roof Leak Guide: How to Find & Fix Leaks
When correctly fitted by a trusted, professional roof installer, your roof should achieve a long lifespan, encountering minimal issues.
However, sometimes even the best roofs face issues. Leaks are one of the most common issues that a roof can encounter, and they can be caused by a range of different factors, including everything from structural faults to weather conditions.
In this article, the B&S Roofing team have shared their comprehensive guide to roof leaks.
Keep reading to find out more about the most common causes of roof leaks, how to identify a leak in your roof and, most importantly, how to fix it.
How to identify and find a roof leak
It’s important to note that, if you do suspect your roof of having a leak, you need to fix it as soon as possible. This is because, if left unaddressed, roof leaks can rapidly develop, into a far more extensive and costly issue.
The issues caused by serious roof leaks can include:
- Mould
- Rotting timbers
- Staining in the ceilings of your room
- Faulty insulation
- Weakened property structures
- Compromised property value
That’s why it’s imperative that you find the source of your roof leak immediately.
Although it might sound simple, in reality, water usually travels some distance, before it appears as a clear sign in the roof (e.g. as a damp patch). So, don’t assume that the leak is directly above this area.
To track down the leak, follow these steps:
- Start by looking in your rooms – Search for damp patches, discolouration or peeling paint throughout your ceilings and the highest parts of your walls.
- Check your loft or attic – Thoroughly search for any signs of water staining or mould. Also, check the top of the area for any signs of daylight coming through, as this is a clear indication that there is a gap in the roof.
- Check again when it’s raining – If safe to do so, check your roof again when it is raining. This way, you can get a better sense of where the water may be coming from.
- Assess your roof from outside – Finally, check over your roof from the outside. Look over the roof for any signs of missing tiles or slates, cracked flashing, damaged or blocked guttering.
Once you’ve found the cause of the leak, you can better understand how to fix the issue.
However, if you can’t find the cause, then get in touch with a roofing specialist, and they will provide you with expert guidance about the best next steps to take.
Common types of roof leaks and how to fix them
Some of the most common causes of roof leaks are:
- Damaged or missing tiles or slates – In this instance, you will need to replace the affected area, which will usually resolve the issue.
- An issue with the flashing – Flashing consists of lead or metal piping, which is positioned around chimneys, skylights and roof joints. Over time, they can crack or lift up, which would lead to water seeping in. If this is the case, then the affected flashing would need to be replaced.
- Blocked gutters or valleys – This would mean that the water isn’t able to drain, and is trapped standing on the surface of the roof. This can be fixed by clearing debris from the roof, and checking that the water is able to resume flowing correctly.
- Issues with a flat roof – Flat roofs are typically more susceptible to leaks. Common causes include drainage issues, splits in felt, or water blisters. If these issues occur, we recommend consulting a roofing repair specialist, as they will be able to advise you on whether patching or a larger repair job would be the most suitable solution.
- Faulty fittings around roof penetrations – Common examples include vents, pipes and skylights. If these are causing the leaks, you may need to reseal the impacted fitting.
DIY VS Professional roof repairs
Although it may be tempting to save some money and conduct a DIY repair yourself, this is not always advisable.
With DIY repairs, it’s highly likely that this approach will only result in a temporary fix. A DIY-er can rarely fully understand the underlying cause of the issue, and identify the best steps to take to fully resolve the issue.
Furthermore, if you don’t have the right equipment or training to work at height, this can be dangerous to attempt.
What’s more, in some cases, conducting the repair work yourself may void your property insurance, or your roof’s warranty.
In comparison, by enlisting a professional roofer, you can have the issue efficiently and comprehensively repaired by a trained expert. They will provide a long term, dependable solution to the issue, and be able to provide guidance for preventative measures (to stop the issue from recurring), and even provide a warranty for their service.
The importance of roof maintenance
Enlisting a professional roofing specialist to arrange an ongoing roofing maintenance schedule is the most effective way to minimise the risk of roof leaks arising.
With these comprehensive, proactive maintenance sessions, the roof can be thoroughly inspected, and any issues quickly resolved before they are allowed to develop. Not only does this minimise the risk of emergency repairs or emergency leaks, but it also extends the lifespan of your roof as long as possible.
At B&S Roofing Nottingham, our fully accredited, highly experienced team offer a wide range of services, including roof repairs and maintenance. To find out more, or to enlist our team to restore your roof, don’t hesitate to get in touch.