Has anyone had a roof leak? How did you fix it?

[nicelyneurotic]

Just noticed water running down a bedroom wall and no roofers seem to be working until January!

Has this ever happened to you? Was it easy to fix? Not what the correct process is and I'm scared it will get worse and worse until Jan. I think it's from some new windows we had put in but not sure.

[MuswellHillDad]

Had a leak a few years back between Xmas and New year. Went to a builders merchants and bought some bitumen tape (like a huge sellotape made of black tar). I found the crack in our roof with watering can and dried the surface with hair dryer (obviously not in the rain!) and then applied the tape.

I worked until I could get roof fixed up later that year.

However, finding the leak is not easy as it only takes the tiniest of cracks possibly in a spot you can't see.

Good luck.

[Thegoatprophecy]

Iv'e spent most of today in my loft tracking down a leak, after poking around I saw it was coming down the side of the chimney. Ive just put some plastic sheeting and towels down for now to stop it soaking the ceiling any more. Have you tried ringing your insurance company as mine had a list of emergency contacts for this sort of thing, as obviously they dont want it to get worse in case its a claim..

[Liara]

I have fixed a number of them.

First thing to do is to check for broken tiles. If there are any, then replace them.

If the issue is a join between the roof and a wall/window, then bitumen tape can sort it, at least in the short term. Are the windows roof windows?

[nicelyneurotic]

Thank you. The windows are in a loft conversion and I've just noticed a damp patch by them so that could be the problem. But honestly, I have no idea as the main leak is on the ceiling of the room directly below the loft room. Perhaps there are two leaks? Or is that too much of a coincidence?

The loft is under guarantee but the company is closed until 6 Jan! Worried that if I get another company to look at it my guarantee will be invalid.

Thanks for all your replies, I was just having a little panic.

[Lottie4]

As suggested, I'd ring your insurance company for guidance. They may be able to suggest what to do, or how the property be protected as they won't want water causing damage to the rest of the property.

[nicelyneurotic]

Thank you, I'll give them a call

[thetigerwhocametoteax]

We've had two leaks in our old house in the last year, its an old stone cottage with a grey slate roof. The first was due to a loose slate, the second due to a small hole in the pointing in the chimney, apparently rain can get in tiny holes and trickle a long way along, especially with the weather we've had lately. We've a lovely local builder who popped over and fixed both leaks in an hour or so. One on christmas eve last year, once yesterday - both times cost £25 - he's a star! Ask around if anyone knows someone reliable and local? It might just be a little job hopefully.

[nicelyneurotic]

Thanks again everyone. I really panicked but am happier now I know it's relatively common and can be fixed.

Hope it doesn't get any worse!