Leaking extension roof

6 replies

Retrievemysanity · 15/10/2023 19:20

Had a single storey extension with flat roof and roof lantern put in the kitchen in 2021. About 6 months ago, we noticed a small water stain on the ceiling in one corner under the roof lantern. Kept an eye on it for a bit and nothing further developed and it’s been dry since.

Forgot about it until this Friday when we had heavy rain it was really noticeable that there was a leak somewhere because the water mark had spread loads and the ceiling was wet to the touch. Bit odd as we’ve had heavy rain before this (but after first sign of leak) with no issue. Anyway DH has been up there and can’t see anything obvious, all looks the same on all sides of the lantern, no obvious holes. Anyone got any knowledge about these things? Do we need a roofer? Or anything else we can do. Had horrendous experience with builders/ tradespeople and feeling a bit stressed about having to call someone out!

OP posts:

ClematisBlue49 · 15/10/2023 19:33

Was the building work guaranteed? As it has happened so soon after the extension was built and there is nothing obvious that has caused damage to the roof, I would expect the builders to come back and fix it at no cost.

If you really don't want the builders back, then you'll need to get a roofer. It doesn't sound to me like something you can fix yourself. It may just be something wrong with the seal and relatively cheap to fix.

PushingPeopleAway · 15/10/2023 19:34

Yes, roofer. Hopefully it’s an easy fix but water can get into the tiniest crack.

https://www.aliwood.co.uk/inspiration/article/why-is-my-roof-lantern-leaking#:~:text=Check%20the%20perimeter%20of%20your,as%20heavy%20rain%20or%20snow.

Aliwood Roof Lanterns

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https://www.aliwood.co.uk/inspiration/article/why-is-my-roof-lantern-leaking#:~:text=Check%20the%20perimeter%20of%20your,as%20heavy%20rain%20or%20snow.

Acecarad · 15/10/2023 19:35

I had the same issue with a 6 year old fibreglass roof supposed to be guaranteed for 20 years, but roofer couldn't be found when there was an issue. We sealed it with a 10 year bitumen based sealant. I think it was called Tomson's. Took about 3 hrs and no more leaks do far. We couldn't see the holes first, but got down on our knees woth magnifying glass where the leak was and could see pinhead holes. Like yours it didn't leak on the day of the heavy rain but the day after

Original poster

Retrievemysanity · 16/10/2023 08:51

Ah, thanks all. The original builder won’t be back, he’s gone to ground I think after taking on too many jobs and leaving them halfway through so looks like we will probably need to get a roofer. Urrrggghh!

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DrySherry · 16/10/2023 12:55

We had this in two large lanterns - they started to leak a couple of years after the installation. The guy that put them in came back and said he fixed the problem but then 2 months later - leaking again. Too fed up with him to ask a third time. My brother in law bought sealant from screwfix and ran it round all the joins. So far no leaks, cost £20 in sealant. Fingers crossed it won't start again.

Diyextension · 16/10/2023 13:55

If your husband has been up there already, then get a decent tin of sealer and get him to apply it to any potential areas that might be the cause, its a bit of trial and error till you find the right spot. Also it could be a seal on the lantern have a good look at that too.

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