Targeted repair
- Suits a few displaced tiles, a lifted flashing or a single leak
- Keeps the sound covering and timbers in place
- Can often be scheduled once the leak is controlled
- Relies on the surrounding material being sound
Roof Repairs
Emergency Roof Repairs
A roof leak or storm damage needs an assessment as soon as it is noticed, because water can spread quickly. A website cannot promise a response time, so please call us and we will explain what is possible.
Call the team now on 01632 960123
Know the signs
Signs you need an urgent assessment
Some roof problems can wait for a planned survey. Others need prompt attention. Call us if you notice any of the following.
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Water entering the property
Water dripping through a ceiling, running down a wall or pooling on a floor needs an assessment, even when the flow seems small.
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Storm-damaged or slipped tiles
Tiles or slates displaced in a storm can expose the underlay and the timbers below. Keep clear of the area beneath them.
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Loose materials such as ridge or verge
A ridge, hip or verge that looks lifted or moved may be about to come away. Loose material can fall onto people, vehicles and garden areas below.
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Damaged flashings
Flashings around chimneys, walls and roof lights hold water out at the junctions. If they have lifted, bent or pulled away, water can track inside.
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Flat roof leaks
Ponding or sudden leaks on a flat roof, particularly after heavy rain, need prompt inspection before water spreads into the structure below.
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Chimney defects
Cracked stacks, loose pots or damaged cowls can allow water into the chimney breast and the roof space, and loose masonry can be dangerous.
What happens next
What happens after you call
Each situation is different, so the steps below show the usual order rather than fixed timings.
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Report and describe
Tell us where the water is coming in, when it started, and whether bad weather was involved. Photographs taken safely from inside the building or from the ground are helpful.
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Keep the area clear
Keep people and pets away from the area beneath the damage, and move valuables from the room below where you can do so safely. Do not attempt repairs to the roof yourself.
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Assess the damage
We inspect the affected area from safe positions and check the surrounding roof for related faults. Where access beyond that is needed, we say so and explain what is required.
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Explain the options
We explain what we found, what needs doing first, and the longer-term options, so you can see the reasons behind each recommendation.
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Agree the work
You decide how to proceed. We confirm the scope and any approvals in writing before work starts, and we keep you informed while it is carried out.
Urgent
Call us about a roof repair
Call us if water is coming through the roof, or if a storm has left the covering open or displaced. We talk you through what to keep clear of, and arrange an assessment as soon as we can.
Deciding
Repair or replacement
A targeted repair is often enough for a storm-damaged area, but a roof that has failed across a wide area may need more than a patch.
Wider replacement
- Suits widespread storm damage or repeated failures
- Allows the underlay, battens and flashings to be renewed
- Gives a consistent finish across the affected slope
- Involves more planning, materials and disruption
What affects the cost of an emergency repair
We do not publish cost figures on a website, because the cost of a repair depends on what we find. The size of the affected area, the type of covering, access requirements, the condition of the timbers, and whether scaffolding or other equipment is needed all shape the work. Materials that are hard to source can also add to the time and expense involved.
After the assessment we set out the work in writing, separating what is urgent from what can be planned. You can then decide how to proceed with a clear understanding of the reasons behind each item.
Where a storm is the cause, the full extent of the damage can take longer to establish than the first visit allows. We tell you what we can see on the day, what still needs checking, and when we expect to be able to say more. Keeping a note of dates and photographs helps the process, and it is useful if you need to discuss the damage with your insurer.
Related
Related roof repairs
- Chimney repairs and removals Repointing, flashings and stack repairs, and when removal is considered.
- Flat roof repairs Targeted fixes for leaks and worn areas on flat roofs.
- Gutter repairs Clearing and repairing guttering that holds water against the roof.
- Roof surveys A condition check that shows what else may need attention.
Questions
Emergency repair questions
Answers to the questions people ask when water is coming in or the roof has been damaged.
What should I do if water is coming through my ceiling?
Keep clear of the area beneath the leak and of any ceiling that sags or bulges. Move valuables and furniture out of the room if it is safe to do so. Keep electrical fittings away from the water, and call a qualified electrician if water reaches a light or socket. Then call us for an assessment, and do not attempt roof repairs yourself.
What if a storm has damaged my roof?
Storm damage can leave tiles displaced, flashings lifted or gutters torn away. Keep away from the damaged area and tell us what you can see from a safe position. We inspect the roof from safe positions and explain what the storm appears to have affected. If you have home insurance, you may wish to check your policy and inform your insurer.
Do you need photographs of the damage?
Photographs help us understand the problem before we arrive, and they can be useful for insurance purposes. Please take them only from a safe position, such as from the ground or from inside the building, and do not go onto the roof to get a better picture.
How quickly can you attend?
A website cannot promise a response time, because availability depends on the job, the weather and what else is booked. When you call, the team explains what is possible and what to keep clear of in the meantime.
Is a repair enough, or will I need a new roof?
A repair is enough where the damage is localised and the rest of the covering is sound. If storm damage or long-term wear has affected a wide area, the roof may need more than a patch. We explain the difference in writing, so you can weigh up the options.
Where we work
Roofers serving five regional areas
We work across five regional areas: North London, North West London, West London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire. Not sure if we cover your street? Call us on 01632 960123, or see all areas we cover.
Next step
Call us about a roof repair
If water is entering or the roof has been damaged, call us now and we will explain what happens next. You can also use the contact page to request a roof assessment.