Water rarely pours in from a leaking roof, more often it weeps in, which over a sustained period can do a lot of damage. The first sign of a leaking roof may be a wet chimney breast or damp ceilings and walls. Very often it is not clear where the leak is actually coming from, although common places are through complicated roof details, where two or more roofs butt together or where an extension has been added. Sometimes however, it only shows itself at certain times of year or under extreme weather conditions – harsh easterly winds for example.
Unfortunately modern roofing can rely on under-felt to keep the rain out, whereas traditionally it wasn’t used, the roof had to be sound on its own merit. An underlying problem may therefore be hidden for years by felt, which will only show itself when the felt breaks down through damp, heat and the effect of birds.
We use a process of elimination to investigate leaks, stripping back the roof to find the root of the problem. Our objective is to find the fault and properly treat the isolated problem which may be something as simple as a nail in the wrong place or not enough cover on leadwork. However we may discover that the roof has come to the end of its natural life – underlying roof timbers may be rotten, for example. Whatever is found will be discussed with the customer and all the options will be explored.
Andrew Wright Roofing and Access Platform Hire Limited • Garden House • Chapel Lane • Dorstone • Herefordshire HR3 6AP