There is never a good time for a roof to leak. Whether it happens suddenly or gradually, your response should always be rapid to prevent the problem from worsening. 

When a roof leaks, it is sometimes hard to think clearly and establish your next steps. That’s why we’ve put together this article to explore the main reasons why a roof might leak and what you can do about it. 

Why is my roof leaking? 

There are multiple reasons why a roof might be leaking, including missing or damaged tiles, incorrect installation, age-related deterioration, damage from foliage, clogged gutters, and more. 

Because the culprits are so varied, getting a professional opinion should be the number one priority if you notice anything amiss. That doesn’t mean you can’t do a bit of diagnostics yourself first though to give your chosen roofing company something to work with before they arrive.  

How to spot a roof leak

You should ideally give your roof and loft space a semi-regular visual inspection to stay familiar with its condition. This way, you’ll spot faults more quickly. 

The two biggest signs of a roof leak are: 

• A roof leaking in one spot: A roof leak will most commonly appear around a specific point. This can include around chimneys, where different sections meet, at roof edges, skylights, near gutters, or in areas where tiles are missing or damaged. 

• A roof leaking when it rains: A roof leak may only be spotted when it’s raining. This can be indicative of damaged tiles, faulty seals or joins, or holes. 

These are the two most common ways to spot a roof leak. Let’s take a look at the most common causes. 

Causes of roof leaks 

This section is not a comprehensive list of all the possible roof faults but it should give you a good starting point for pinpointing what might be wrong with yours. As always, an expert opinion will give you the clarity that you need for the appropriate cause of action. 

• Damaged or missing roof tiles 
• Ageing roof 
• Faulty seals around windows and skylights 
• Clogged gutters
• Poor loft ventilation
• Overhanging tree branches causing damage 
• Damaged flashing 

Unless the cause is obvious to the untrained eye, you will require a professional to carry out a thorough diagnosis. 

How to fix a leaking roof 

Fixing a roof without the proper training or equipment can be very dangerous. In addition to risking life and limb, you may also make the problem worse through your attempts to fix it. That’s why a leaking roof should always be diagnosed and fixed by a trained professional, such as a member of the WeatherTIGHT team. 

Roof leak prevention 

Even the most high-quality and well-installed roof will wear over time or encounter problems. The best actions you can take to decrease the chance of a roof leak are: 

• Opt for a high-quality and trained installer
• Regularly visually inspect your roof and loft to ensure you notice changes quickly 
• Clean gutters from debris on a regular basis 
• Cut back tree branches that have the potential to damage tiles
• Make sure your loft or attic has adequate ventilation to prevent condensation
• Replace damaged or missing tiles quickly 
• Consult with a professional such as WeatherTIGHT Systems for any maintenance, repair or installation needs 
• Ensure you have an annual professional roof inspection

If you stay vigilant and do your part to keep your roof in top condition, you can reduce the likelihood of roof leaks and problems further down the line.

Here at WeatherTIGHT Systems, we have over 20 years of experience serving London and Kent with comprehensive roofing services. Our comprehensive approach includes installation, repairs and inspections to ensure a high-performance roof for your home or business. Get in touch for more information.