bloody hell - does this sound like we've got holes in our roof?

[Dottydot]

It's throwing it down and dp and I can hear really really loud cracking noises above our bedroom - randomly spread and every few seconds. We heard a few last time it rained - do you reckon our roof's leaking?

We bought the house a few months ago and one of the selling points was the new roof - but no certificates as a 'friend of the previous owner' had done it a couple of years ago

The noises seem too loud to be raindrops and they're not steady, but I can't think it can be anything else.

So I'm up worrying and if it's still raining during the day tomorrow we'll have to stick a torch up the loft and have a look - it's a tiny hatch and not boarded.

Sigh. Any ideas of how much roofs (rooves?) cost to fix..?

it can cost a lot to fix a roof depending on how much of it needs fixing I know coz Dh supplies the trade.
If the leak was bad you'd tell through the ceiling, it might not cost too much if its just a couple f tiles.
If your Dp is handy and not scared of heights then free.

Thanks for replying at this unearthly hour!

The noise is so loud it sounds like the ceiling's going to cave in (drama queen) but it doesn't look damp - no cracks or bulging and the ceiling itself isn't leaking at all.

sigh. It's just the noise. Can't think what else it can be. But why would it be so loud?

Neither dp or I are any good with heights/roofs/stuff! But we know a nice builder who's on holiday but back on Tuesday - will try and persuade him to take a look.

Really don't know what would cause the noise other than leak tbh, a possum perhaps.
I would def have a nose up there in the morning. Good luck.

If it is leaking, you barely need to go into loft - it will smell very damp as soon as you poke head through hatch.

Go up and have a look Keep the ligths off and look for daylight Don't attempt to get up there if it is wet as the floor could collapse.Also don't turn on the main light in the room below as it will just fuse if the water collects.Do you have insurance?

Stick you head through the hatch and look. It was obvious where my roof was leaking from as I could see the wetness on the chimney breast and also a few of the beams.

If new roof, could be new timbers settling, or moving a bit if it's windy? How is it now?

one of our ceilings did this before the plaster sheared off onto our heads

I'd prod the plaster ceiling (i.e. from below) and make sure it is sound

And then look in the roofspace. It is hard to tell if thigns are leaking, but you could always lay down sheets of newspaper which would be obviously damp in the next storm

MP - it was thoughts like that that kept me awake all night......

Dp's dad is going to come and have a look tomorrow, bless him.

Fingers crossed (and cheque book very nervous...)

OK, I've checked the ceiling with ds's sword and it's fine - sounds nice and solid and no cracks.

Hmm. Will have to wait until dp's Dad has a look tomorrow. It's been lovely and sunny here today - pray for no rain tonight and a roof that magically repairs itself...

"I've checked the ceiling with ds's sword and it's fine"

As recommended by all good DIY programmes!

do you mean that you think actual raindrops are landing on your ceiling?

if so for it be a loud noise that must mean you have no insulation at all?...

as drop landing on a bit of spongy insulation wouldnt make any noice at all

good point - and our builder told us we've got loads of insulation in the loft 'cos it kept falling down every time we opened the hatch.

So what is it then? It only happens when it's raining (I think) and it really loud - like a sharp creak noise that could be a really big drop landing on something noisy.

(Sherlock Holmes emoticon)

Just wondering- are you absolutely sure it's in the ceiling?
Wondering if old guttering is filling up and straining at the fixings?

yes guttering sounds possible.

guttering? not sure - will add to suspect list.

Dp's dad checked out the roof via the loft today and can't see any holes/gaps and no dampness in the loft, so it looks like the roof's OK after all.

The noise is going to drive me loopy loo though when it's raining at night...

Will accost builder when he's back from hols tomorrow and see if he'll have a look.

Is the down-pipe in one piece? That could explain noise during rain.

Hmm. I have no idea what a down pipe is, but will ask someone who does and investigate!

LOL- it's just the pipe that goes from the gutter to the drain (ground level). Hope the rain has stopped anyway... at least you'll get some sleep.