Roof leaking? What to do right now

First, keep everyone safe

Never climb onto a wet or storm damaged roof yourself. Tiles, slates and moss are slippery, and damaged sections may not take your weight. If tiles or ridge pieces have fallen, keep people and cars clear of the area below until it has been checked.

If water is coming through near light fittings or sockets, switch off the circuit at the consumer unit. A ceiling that is bulging with water can give way, so keep out from underneath it.

Limit the damage inside

Put a bucket or bowl under the drip and lay towels around it. Move furniture, electronics and rugs away. If you can reach the loft safely, look for the wet spot and place a container there too, which stops water spreading across the ceiling below.

Take clear photos of the damage inside and, from the ground, of any visible damage outside. Insurers often ask for evidence and the date the problem started.

Common causes of a sudden leak

After strong winds, the usual culprits are slipped or missing tiles, loose ridge tiles and lifted flashing. During heavy rain, blocked gutters and valleys can overflow back under the covering. Chimneys are another frequent source, where lead flashing or mortar has cracked.

Knowing the likely cause helps, but a roofer still needs to trace the leak. Water often travels along timbers and appears some distance from where it gets in.

Dealing with your insurer

If you plan to claim, contact your insurer early and ask what they need. Most want photos, a description of when the damage happened and a report or quotation from a roofer explaining the cause. Keep receipts for any emergency work and do not throw away damaged materials until you know whether the insurer wants to see them.

Policies commonly treat sudden storm damage differently from gradual wear, so a clear explanation of the cause from the roofer can make the conversation much simpler.

What an emergency roofer will do

The priority is to make the roof safe and stop more water getting in. That can mean refixing loose materials, securing a damaged area or fitting temporary protection until a full repair can be carried out in suitable weather.

Once the immediate risk is dealt with, the roofer should explain what caused the problem and what the permanent fix involves, so you can decide on next steps with the full picture.

Preventing the next leak

Many sudden leaks start as small, slow problems. Clearing gutters and valleys each autumn, looking along the roof from the ground after big storms for slipped tiles, and checking the loft for damp patches or daylight can all catch issues early.

Chimney flashing and ridge mortar are worth a periodic check too, since both weather over time and are common entry points for water once they crack.

Getting help from Stonecroft Roofers

We help homeowners across Surrey and Hampshire with urgent leaks, storm and wind damage and missing or fallen ridge tiles. Call us, describe what you can see and where, and we will advise on the next step and arrange to assess the roof.

After making the area safe we give a clear quotation for the permanent repair, with no pressure to go ahead until you are ready.

Frequently asked questions