Close-up of grey roof tiles casting sharp shadows in the sun

Roof guide

Know your roof, before it leaks.

Where problems start, what to look for from the ground, and how to look after a roof through the year.

Where roofs let the rain in

Almost every leak we are called to starts in one of five places. Tap a number to see what goes wrong, what to look for from the ground, and how we fix it.

Chimney and flashing

Most leaks we are called to start where the chimney meets the roof. The lead flashing splits or pulls away, and water tracks down inside the stack.

From the groundstaining on the chimney breast, damp in the bedroom ceiling below, lead lifting at the edges.

Our fixWe dress new lead flashing, repoint the stack and fit cowls to stop rain and birds getting in.

Quick check

Eight signs your roof needs a look

Tick any you can see from the garden or the loft.

Slipped, cracked or missing tilesA gap in an otherwise even line of tiles, or broken pieces on the path.
Daylight in the loftAny light coming through on a sunny day means water can get in too.
Damp patches on upstairs ceilingsBrown rings or bubbling paint, often below the chimney or a valley.
Mortar in the guttersCrumbs of mortar mean the ridge or verge bedding is breaking up.
Lead lifting around the chimneyFlashing pulled away from the brickwork lets rain run inside the stack.
A sagging ridge lineThe top line of the roof should be straight. A dip can mean tired timbers.
Heavy moss build-upThick moss holds water against tiles and lifts them in a frost.
Gutters overflowing in rainWater pouring down the wall shows up as damp inside and green streaks outside.

Nothing ticked. Your roof sounds in good shape. A look every few years keeps it that way.

Looking after a roof through the year

Four small habits that catch problems while they are still cheap to fix.

Autumn
Clear gutters and downpipes once the leaves are down, before the first heavy rain.
Winter
After a storm, look at the roof from the ground for slipped tiles or lifted ridge pieces.
Spring
Pop into the loft on a dry day and look for damp, staining or daylight.
Summer
Long dry spells are the best time for repairs and re-roofs. Book early, diaries fill fast.

Good to know

Anything else, just call. We are happy to give advice over the phone.

Yes. We go up, take photos and send them to you with a written quote. There is no charge and no obligation.

Yes. We use materials that match the original and can help you with any planning or listed building questions before we start.

Yes. If water is coming in, call us. Where it is safe to get up, we make a temporary repair the same day and come back for the permanent fix.

Most terraced and semi-detached houses take one to two weeks once the scaffold is up, depending on the weather and the roof.

Not usually. We need access to the garden or side of the house, and we will check in with you by text at the start and end of each day.

Not sure what your roof needs?

Book a free survey. We go up, take photos and tell you honestly what is wrong and what it will cost.

Book a free roof survey Call 07700 900614