When we think of a leaking roof, the picture that pops into our heads is usually that of water pouring through a ceiling. While the signs of damage can be much more subtle, there’s no doubt that a leaking roof is a cause for concern and something that needs resolving. As a building and repair company in Derby, we’re often asked the question, ‘How do I stop a leak in my roof?’ In this blog, we discuss what to do if you have a roof leak, how to stop it temporarily and why hiring a professional roofer is the best solution.
What causes a roof to leak?
Many things can cause a leak in your roof. General wear and tear is the most common culprit, but broken/loose roof riles can lead to water trickling. Bad weather is another factor that can cause damage to a roof, mainly if there’s been a lot of rain or strong winds.
How do I find the leak in my roof?
If you suspect you have a leak in your roof, it’s a good idea to identify the problem so you can see the extent of the damage. Start by seeing if you can spot any signs of water on the walls and ceiling, such as watermarks and damp patches. If you have access to your loft, pop up and see if you notice a musty or mouldy smell or excess moisture. Circling the area with chalk (if you have any) will help you mark the original location and indicate how far the water is spreading.
A good time to investigate a leaking roof is after rainfall, as visible water can help you to pinpoint where the drip is coming from. Just don’t attempt to climb onto the roof yourself. Not only is this extremely dangerous, but you could accidentally cause more damage, which could bump up the cost of repairs.
Can I stop a leak in my roof?
Unfortunately, a roof leak won’t heal itself. The longer you ignore it, the worse the damage will be, which means bigger repairs in the long run. Because mending roofs and working at height is dangerous business, it’s best to leave the work to a professional roofer, however, you can do some first aid to try and minimise the damage. This won’t necessarily stop the leak, but can it help to keep costs down:
Catch the water
Try and contain the water in a bucket by placing it under the leak. This will also give you an idea of how much water is collecting.
Release the built-up water
This can sound a bit daunting but it’s a good idea to pierce a hole and create a channel for water to escape from. This will help you to control the flow of the leak too.
Move furniture out of the way
It goes without saying, but moving any furniture or belongings out of the way is also a good idea so they don’t suffer any water damage. You could also cover your carpet with plastic sheeting if you have any to hand.
Take photos
If you plan on claiming repair work through your insurance company, it’s worth taking some photos, as you may need to provide them as part of your claim. ASK Building and Repairs can help you with this, as we have plenty of experience in completing work under home insurance policies.
Although you could apply a generous amount of roof patch to the leaking area, this will only serve as a temporary fix to stop the leak from causing any further damage. If you want to stop a leak in your roof, we’d always recommend speaking to a professional who can assess the damage and repair your roof safely.
Why should I use a professional roofing service to stop a leak in my roof?
If you’re a confident DIYer, the thought of fixing a cracked roof tile that’s causing a leak might seem simple, but it’s a dangerous job that’s best left to the professionals. Not only will they have the correct equipment, they’ll also be able to identify any other structural issues that need attention before they cause problems in the future.
Hiring a qualified roofer will also give you peace of mind that the repair has been done properly. The last thing you want to do is cause more damage to your roof by accidentally breaking tiles and worsening the water leak. Ultimately, having a leak in your roof can be very stressful, and professional roofers are very experienced in solving the problem quickly, safely and with minimum disruption.
Contact ASK Building & Repairs in Derby
If you have a leak in your roof and would like to find out more about getting it fixed, please give ASK Building and Repairs a call on 07773 019 410 or send an email to info@askbuildingandrepairs.com. We’ll happily come out to your property to take a look at the problem and provide you with a no-obligation quote that will cover all aspects of the repair.