Spotting signs when your roof is leaking
You’d think spotting a leaking roof would be simple, wouldn’t you? The rain pouring through the ceiling is just the most dramatic type of leaking roof. It’s also a fairly unusual occurrence, unless your roof has been seriously damaged in a storm. Far more common is the slight leak, which over time can cause serious damp issues in your home. So what are the warning signs we should all be looking out for?
Discolouration on Walls or Ceiling
Brown water marks are the most obvious tell-tale sign that you’ve had a leak somewhere in the house. These are often circular, but the problem is that they don’t disappear over time. It’s impossible to tell whether a water mark has been there for years, or if it’s a new problem. A more obvious sign that you have a current problem with water getting into the house is a damp feeling when you put your hand on the wall, even if you can’t see the water getting in or running in drips. Mould is another very bad sign of a leak.
Curling or Slipped Tiles
When you look up at the roof, all of the tiles should be even, flat and straight. If there is a tile out of place this could provide an opportunity for water to get in. If you have a felt roof, then the felt should remain flat at all times. If it starts to pucker or curl, this is a sure-fire indication that there is water getting underneath the felt and damaging the roof.
Damaged Flashing
The flashing is the name for the joint between the roof and the chimney, or between different sections of the roof. Traditionally, lead was used for flashing but other materials are often used instead. The flashing seals the joint between house and roof but doesn’t last for ever. If it has started to come loose, lift up or crack, then there is plenty of opportunity for water to get underneath. The weakest area is often around the chimney. If you can’t get up on the roof to check the chimney yourself, call the experts in to take a look.
Dripping Noises
If you’re sure you can hear the sound of dripping water as you drop off to sleep at night, don’t just ignore it or assume one of the kids has left a tap running. Of course the dripping might not be roof related at all, but ignoring this sort of problem is only going to allow it to get bigger – and more expensive – over time.
Dealing With Leaks
If you suspect there’s a leak somewhere in the house, then the main advice is never to ignore it. Damp can be very expensive to fix, but the cost of replacing a slipped tile or unblocking the gutters is minimal. Shop around for a range of quotes from various roofing contractors, asking them what they think the problem is and suggesting how much it will cost to put things right.
