What To Do If You Have a Leaking Roof

As we approach the year’s colder months, the weather may also begin to get wetter. Although it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between the seasons here in the UK, during these months you may discover you have a leaking roof.

While this can happen at any time, the wetter the weather the more likely you are to notice the drip, drip drip of a leaking roof.

If you have made the discovery that your roof is leaking, no matter how small the leak it is important to arrange roofing repairs as soon as possible. Sometimes you may even require emergency roof repairs if the leak is showing signs of being immediately harmful to your property.

However big or small the leak in your roof, Stay Dry Roofing & Guttering Ltd is here to help.

Read on to discover what you should do if you have a leaking roof.

How to tell if your roof is leaking

There are a number of ways to determine whether your roof is leaking, but the most obvious sign is if you notice dripping. Try and establish when the dripping is occurring because this can help you work out the root of the problem.

If the dripping only happens when it’s raining, then you have a problem with the roof. However, if it is happening in all weathers – even when it’s bright and sunny – then you probably have an issue with your plumbing.

The appearance of a water stain on your ceiling is another good indicator of a leak, however, make sure it isn’t coming from a boiler or water tank first.

If your interior or exterior walls are showing signs of mould or damp then this is a good sign that you may have a leaking roof. While the presence of mould, as well as the growth of moss on the side of your home, might just be part of the building that doesn’t receive much sunlight – it might also mean that water is coming through your roof.

What to do if you have a leaking roof

If you’ve established for certain that your roof is leaking, then there are certain measures that you should take.

First, you want to minimise any damage that the leaking water may cause to your floor or any furniture in the room. All you need to do this is a trusty bucket. Place it directly under the leak to catch the water and you can even place a tea towel inside the bucket to prevent that annoying dripping sound.

Next, you should address the build-up of water that will be increasing in your ceiling. To do this simply grab a screwdriver and pierce a hole in the ceiling that can act as a channel to escape through. While creating another hole may seem counterintuitive, it will actually prevent any long-term damage.

The final step is all about protection. Move away any furniture or objects that may be at risk from the water and cover carpets to keep them protected, too.

When to call in the professionals

Once you’ve got the situation under control, it’s time to give the professionals a call. More often than not fixing a roof requires climbing up onto it, something that can be dangerous. With this in mind, you should always get a reputable roofing contractor in to do the job rather than attempt it yourself.

However, if you notice anything out of place, such as a loose tile, then it’s always worth mentioning this to your contractor as it can help with the roofing repairs and keep costs down if they have a good idea of what the problem is before they arrive.

Sometimes, homeowners will try and plug the hole from the inside and leave it at that. While this may resolve the problem in the short term, it’s unlikely to fix the cause of the issue and you’ll likely need professional help for a much larger problem down the track.

At Stay Dry Roofing & Guttering Ltd, we always act quickly and efficiently with our emergency roof repairs helping to address your leaking roof and protect your home. Operating throughout High Wycombe, Beaconsfield and Buckinghamshire our team will always treat your issue in an urgent manner, providing you with a long-term solution that will put your mind at ease. To find out more about our range of roofing repairs, get in touch today.