Whether it’s just a little drip that’s been causing a little concern and a patch of damp for a while, or a full-blown crash that’s letting the outside in, flat roof leaks need to be taken seriously. That said, there’s no need to panic – with a little calm thought and a head that’s as level as the roof itself, everything will be OK!
Here’s our expert guide on everything you need to do if your flat roof leaks.
Immediate Damage Control
A flat roof leaking is a sign that your roof needs immediate attention, but don’t panic – it’s not the end of the world and there’s plenty of professional help available. It’s true that if handled badly, it can become costly and create an additional unwanted strain on top of whatever else is happening around you, but panic simply doesn’t help. Stay calm and practical, and it will all turn out fine.
Are you calm then? Great! Let’s continue.
Safety First
Safety first is our motto when it comes to dealing with any sort of problem – so much so that we’re going to be mentioning it a few times. When it comes to the first stages of a flat roof leak, safety is about making sure you don’t put yourself in a position where something might fall on you or that you’re doing something precarious in order to try to make things right. No standing on the corner of tables with a leg in the air trying to wedge a bucket between some shelves, that sort of thing!
It’s also worth remembering that larger leaks can lead to wet, slippery floors. Mop that up and avoid the area if needed.
Advice
- Cordon off the area to children, vulnerable people, and pets.
- Remove any valuables that might become damaged by the leak.
- Use buckets under drips to catch water.
- Cover larger areas or furnishings with tarpaulin or protective sheeting to protect what’s underneath and divert water.
Call the Professionals
It’s always best to call out a professional roofer. Not only will they be able to make appropriate repairs, many of which can be undertaken immediately, but they are trained and properly equipped for safety.
More than that, though, a professional roofer will be able to identify the cause of your flat roof leak. This means any repairs undertaken will be done properly, ensuring that the problem is fixed and not just temporarily botched!
Investigating the Leak
With the damage contained, the next stage is to work out what’s going on.
Safety First
Do not immediately grab a ladder and get out onto the roof!
Working on a flat roof can be dangerous – and don’t be fooled into thinking that because the roof is level, it’s safe. While DIY fixes are possible, even the most proficient DIYers should undertake the same safety precautions as a professional.
If you don’t have the experience of working on your roof in the best-controlled circumstances, checking out a leak in less-than-optimal conditions (like when it’s raining) is a bad idea. The risks include:
- Injury or death
- Accidentally harming another person
- Additional damage to the roof
- Damage to other structures
If you do feel competent to check out the damage, remember to never go out onto a roof alone, wear protective gear, and ensure all ladders are properly secured.
Advice
- Look for any signs of obvious and immediate damage, then consider:
- Areas of mould and moss
- Ponding
- Damage to flashing
- Cracks and gaps due to sun damage or shrinkage
- If you have a loft area, investigate there for signs of leakage or mould.
Or simply:
Call the Professionals
When it comes to investigating the problem with your flat roof, the best person to have is a professional who has the experience to know what’s what. Not only should you call in a professional on the day, but it’s a great idea to arrange for a regular survey of your roof so that these problems don’t occur again. A regular inspection by an experienced roofer will flag issues long before they become damaging flat roof leaks.
Solving the Problem
You’ve found the leak; now it’s time to fix it.
Call the Professionals
No safety first? No advice? The truth is that if you don’t have the skills and experience to fix a flat roof, you’re going to do more harm than good. Unfortunately, at PFR, we spend far too much of our time repairing roof damage caused by well-meaning DIY roofers – or worse, inexperienced and unreliable roofing companies.
Getting the professionals in right away is going to save you money in the long run. By taking immediate action, you will prevent further damage to your roof that’s inevitable if you try to ignore it. Call the experts without delay.
Finding the Right Flat Roofing Contractor
It’s key that you get the right flat roofing company to sort your flat roof leaks. A mistake here can be even worse than trying to fix it yourself with a bit of Blu-Tac and some Sellotape!
When choosing a roofing expert, look for:
- Up-to-date licensing and insurance
- Specific flat roof experience (pitched roof expertise is a different set of skills)
- Positive customer testimonials and reviews
- Friendly and understanding interactions
- An unambiguous and detailed estimate
- A clearly defined timeline and scope of work
- A proven history of success
Of course, we at Proactive Flat Roofing tick all the boxes. Our team of experts have been fixing flat roof leaks for many years and we have seen it all. We will undertake a comprehensive analysis of your flat roof and make sure you get the right things fixed in the right way.
If you don’t have a flat roof leak today, that’s excellent – get in contact with us to help it stay that way. Our thorough survey and 23-point roof condition report are available on a no-cost, no-obligation basis—meaning it’s free to have us come and check your roof out! With regular flat roof surveys and professional maintenance, that emergency moment is far less likely to ever occur.