Roof leak repair in Milton Keynes

How we trace and fix a roof leak

1. Ask where and when. Which room, which weather, which wind. A leak that only shows in driving rain from the west points at a different place to one that drips every shower.
2. Loft inspection. Torch on the timbers, looking for wet wood, staining and daylight, and following it uphill.
3. Match it outside. The matching point on the roof is found and photographed: a cracked tile, a split valley, failed lead or a gap in the ridge.
4. Water test if needed. On a stubborn leak, sections of roof are hosed in turn while someone watches inside.
5. Fix the entry point. The failed detail is replaced, the wet timber checked, and you get before and after photographs.

Signs of a roof leak

• Brown rings on a ceiling that grow after rain
• Damp or peeling paint on a chimney breast
• Drips or wet insulation in the loft
• Black mould on rafters near the eaves
• Water running down the inside of a wall
• A musty smell in a bedroom after rain

Common causes and the fix for each

• Chimney flashing: Lead replaced and dressed into a raked joint. See our chimney repairs page.
• Valley: Valley re-formed in lead or a new valley liner, with the cut tiles relaid.
• Ridge or verge: Re-bedded or converted to a dry system.
• Perished underlay: On an old roof the felt at the eaves tears and water runs behind the gutter. That is a section relay or a new roof.

How long it takes

Tracing takes an hour or so on most houses. The repair is often done the same visit; anything needing lead or mortar waits for dry weather to be done right.

What affects the price

• What the cause turns out to be
• Access and height
• Lead, tile or slate needed
• Any wet timber or ceiling damage found

See our roof repair cost page for typical ranges, then book the free inspection.

Aftercare

Let the ceiling dry fully before painting, then use a stain block. If a mark comes back after the next rain, call us and we look again.