Mildenhall Roofers carries out all types of roof repairs for homeowners in Tuddenham, from a single slipped tile to storm damage affecting a whole roof section.
Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
A roof rarely fails all at once. The damage almost always starts small, and the warning signs are there if you know what to look for. Catching a problem early is the difference between a straightforward repair and a much larger, more expensive job caused by water that has been working its way in for months.
This page is aimed at homeowners in Tuddenham who want to understand what the signs actually mean and what is causing them, so you can make a confident decision about what to do next.
The most obvious external sign is a tile or slate that has slipped out of position or fallen off altogether. A single displaced tile leaves a gap where rainwater can enter the roof structure directly. On older roofs, the nibs (the small lugs that hook a tile onto the batten) can snap off over time, especially after frost, causing tiles to slide down or drop.
Cracked or broken tiles are sometimes visible from ground level, particularly after a storm. A crack does not have to go all the way through a tile to let water in. Surface crazing on concrete tiles is worth watching because it allows water to soak in rather than run off, and in a cold snap that trapped moisture can freeze and open the crack further.
Moss and lichen on the roof surface are not just cosmetic issues. Moss holds moisture against the tile face and along the joints. Over time this encourages deterioration of both the tile and the pointing or mortar beneath it. Ridge tiles are particularly vulnerable because the mortar bedding that holds them is exposed on all sides to the weather.
Sagging or dipping sections of a pitched roof are a more serious sign. This usually points to a problem with the roof structure itself, such as a rotten or broken rafter or damaged boarding, rather than just the covering. It needs prompt attention.
Water stains on a ceiling or upper wall are the most common internal sign. A yellowish-brown ring on a ceiling usually means water has been pooling on the plasterboard above. The entry point on the roof is often not directly above the stain - water travels along rafters and joists before it drips, so the visible mark indoors can be some distance from where it is actually getting in.
A damp or musty smell in a loft space is worth investigating even without a visible stain. Condensation from a broken or displaced tile, or from failing felt beneath the tiles, can soak into timbers without pooling. Black mould on loft timbers is a sign that moisture has been present for some time.
Light visible through the roof from inside the loft is an obvious indicator of a gap or failed felt. If you can see daylight, rain and wind-driven moisture can also get through.
Understanding the cause matters because the right repair depends on it. The main causes of roof failure on domestic properties are:
Lead flashing is the most common source of roof leaks on houses with chimneys, dormers or extensions. A well-fitted lead flashing, properly dressed into the mortar joints and secured with lead wedges, should last many decades. But if the original installation was poor, or if existing lead has simply aged past its useful life, water will find the gap.
The repair involves cutting out the old pointing where the lead is dressed in, re-dressing or replacing the lead itself, and re-pointing the joints with an appropriate mortar. Silicone sealant is sometimes used as a quick fix, but it tends to fail within a few years and is not a substitute for proper lead work.
A chimney in poor condition is both a source of leaks and a potential safety risk if masonry is loose. Common repairs include re-pointing the brickwork, repairing or replacing the flaunching around pot bases, and re-bedding loose or leaning chimney pots. If the chimney is no longer in use, capping it off properly prevents rain entering the flue and reduces the ongoing maintenance requirement.
Individual slates and tiles can usually be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof, using a technique that involves lifting the surrounding slates to access the fixings. On a tile roof, most plain tiles and interlocking concrete tiles can be sourced new, though matching an old colour or texture can take some searching. Natural slate is harder to match exactly, but reclaimed slate is often available and weathers in well.
When a significant area of slates or tiles is failing, a full or partial re-roof may be more cost-effective than patching each one individually. A proper survey will tell you which is the right call.
A flat roof that is blistering or ponding water needs attention before the felt splits completely. Patching is possible on a roof where most of the felt is still sound. Where the felt has deteriorated across the whole surface, a full strip and re-felt is the right approach. EPDM rubber membrane is an increasingly popular alternative to felt on flat roofs because it is more flexible, handles temperature extremes better and lasts considerably longer than traditional mineral felt.
As well as Tuddenham, we carry out roof repairs across the surrounding area. If you are unsure about the condition of your roof, a professional survey is a sensible first step.
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Call any time. Calls are answered day and night and passed straight to our roofers.
