A leaking roof can cause a lot of damage in a short time, so it pays to act quickly and calmly.
The recent spell of wet weather across the North East has led to a noticeable rise in homeowners contacting us about leaks and water ingress. A leaking roof can be worrying, but there are a few steps you can take to reduce further damage while arranging a proper repair.
The first signs often include damp patches on ceilings, slow drips, or marks appearing on internal walls. These problems can be caused by slipped tiles, damaged flashing, blocked gutters, or worn felt. Addressing the issue quickly helps prevent the water spreading into insulation, electrics, or structural areas.
If you spot a potential leak, try to contain the water with a bucket or towel to protect flooring and furniture. Avoid climbing onto the roof yourself, especially during wet or windy weather. Instead, take a photo from ground level if possible, as this can help us identify the likely cause.
At Legge Roofing, we carry out roof inspections across North Tyneside, Newcastle, and the wider region. We’ll pinpoint the issue, explain what’s required, and recommend the most effective repair. If you’re concerned about a leak or want your roof checked after the recent storms, get in touch and we’ll take a look.
Contact us today on 0191 2459915
What to do about a leaking roof right now
- Contain the water. Put a bucket or bowl under the drip and lay towels down to protect floors.
- Stay safe with electrics. If water is near light fittings or sockets, switch off the electrics to that area at the fuse box.
- Move valuables. Get furniture, electronics and anything precious out of the way.
- Take photos. Photograph the damage inside. Your insurer will want to see it.
- Do not go on the roof. Wet roofs are dangerous, especially in wind and rain.
- Call a roofer. For active leaks we aim to respond the same day.
Common causes of a leaking roof
Most leaks we find come from a handful of places:
- Slipped, cracked or missing slates and tiles
- Lead flashing that has lifted or split around a chimney or wall
- Worn lead valleys where two roof slopes meet
- Old felt flat roofs on extensions, garages and dormers
- Loose ridge tiles where the mortar has cracked
Water can travel along timbers before it drips, so the stain on your ceiling is not always directly below the problem. That is why we trace leaks back to the source rather than patching where the damp appears.
How we fix a leaking roof
First, we make the roof watertight. Then we inspect it properly, photograph the damage and give you an itemised written quote for the permanent repair, usually within 48 hours. If you are claiming on insurance, the photos and quote help support your claim. Citizens Advice has useful guidance on making a home insurance claim.
How to stop a leaking roof happening again
Most leaks start as small problems that could have been caught earlier. A quick check from the ground after every big storm, and a proper look in the loft with a torch a couple of times a year, will catch most issues before water gets in. Old felt flat roofs are worth replacing with EPDM rubber or GRP fibreglass before they fail, and mortar ridges that keep cracking can be swapped for a dry ridge system that needs no repointing.
If your roof is older and you are seeing problems in different places each year, it may be time to think about a new roof rather than more repairs. We will always tell you honestly which makes more sense.
See our emergency roof repairs, roof repairs and roof maintenance pages for more.
Call Legge Roofing on 0191 245 9915 or request a free quote online. We will come out, take a proper look and give you straight advice in writing.