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Gloved hands replacing a slipped tile next to a chimney with lead flashing

Repairs and leak tracing

Roof repair in Leicester, starting with finding the cause

A damp patch is rarely where the leak starts. We trace the source first, then fix that, so the repair holds.

  • Slipped, cracked and missing tiles
  • Lead flashings, valleys and chimneys
  • Flat roof leaks and gutter faults

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

What does roof repair and leak detection involve?

Water travels. It can run along a rafter or under a membrane for a metre before it shows up as a stain on a ceiling. So the first job is to work out where it enters, not where it drips. That usually means looking at the roof from outside, checking the loft from inside, and thinking about how the water could reach the damp spot.

Once the cause is clear, the repair is normally small and specific. It might be re-bedding a ridge, replacing a few tiles or slates, renewing a section of lead flashing, clearing and relining a valley, or patching a flat roof. If the fault is a symptom of something larger, we will say so and explain what the options are, including replacing the roof.

What are the most common roof problems in Leicester homes?

The same few faults come up again and again on roofs in the city and county.

  • Slipped or cracked tiles. Wind, frost and age loosen tiles on 1930s semis and newer estates alike.
  • Failed flashings. Lead and mortar flashings around chimneys, dormers and party walls crack or lift over time.
  • Worn valleys. Terraces and semis often have valley gutters that block with leaves and moss.
  • Nail sickness on old slate. The fixings rust and slates slide out of place.
  • Crumbling ridge mortar. The cement under ridge tiles cracks, letting wind and rain in.
  • Flat roof splits. Extensions and garages with felt or older coverings blister or open at the seams.

Blocked or sagging gutters add to the mix, because overflowing water soaks the fascia and the wall below.

What affects the price of a roof repair?

Repairs vary more than people expect. We give written quotes and we do not guess over the phone, but these are the usual factors:

  • How much of the roof the repair covers and how many tiles, slates or metres of lead are involved.
  • Whether scaffold or a tower is needed, which depends on the height and the roof shape.
  • How hard the area is to reach, for example behind a chimney stack or across a steep pitch.
  • The availability of matching tiles or slates, which can be difficult on older homes.
  • Whether timber underneath has been damaged by long-term leaking.

If your problem is a roof-wide issue rather than a patch, a roof inspection can help you decide how much to spend before you commit.

Many repairs are done in a few hours or a day, depending on the access and the weather. Larger faults such as a chimney flashing or a whole valley take longer. We will tell you when we quote how long we expect the job to take, but wet or windy weather can delay roof work and we will not work unsafely.

On the day, you may hear footsteps overhead and ladders against the wall. We keep the work area tidy and take away the waste. Where it helps, we will show you photos of the problem and the finished repair. That way you can see what was wrong without climbing up yourself.

When should I call about a leaking roof?

Call sooner rather than later. A small leak can soak insulation, rot timbers and cause damp and mould in a few wet weeks. These are signs worth acting on:

  • A brown stain or damp patch on a ceiling or an upstairs wall.
  • Water marks on the chimney breast.
  • Tiles or slates in the garden or on the drive.
  • Moss or plants growing in the gutter or on the roof.

If water is coming in right now, put a bucket down, move belongings and call us. If a section of roof has been damaged by wind, read our storm damage page. You can also start from the home page and tell us what you can see.

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Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

Questions about roofing in Leicester

How do you find where a roof leak is coming from?

We start in the loft, looking for damp timber, stained felt and daylight, and we check the roof outside against what we find. Common culprits are flashings, valleys, ridges and cracked tiles. Water may travel a long way before it appears, so we avoid assuming the cause sits directly above the stain. Photos help to show what we found.

Is a temporary fix worth it?

Sometimes. A temporary cover or sealant can keep water out until the weather improves or until a proper repair can be done. It is not a long-term answer, though, and cheap sealants on flashings often fail within a season. If a temporary fix is all that makes sense today, we will tell you so and say what comes next.

Can you match old slates and tiles on my house?

We will try. Salvaged slates and clay tiles can match older roofs well, and many Leicester terraces and semis have standard sizes. A perfect match is not always possible, especially for rare or weathered tiles. We will say honestly if a repair will look different and suggest ways to blend it in.

Can you repair a flat roof or does it need replacing?

Small splits, blisters and failed joints can often be repaired, particularly on a flat roof that is otherwise sound. If the covering is old, has ponding water or has failed in several places, a new GRP or EPDM roof may be better value. We will explain the difference and show you the condition of the roof.

Will my home insurance pay for a roof repair?

That depends on your policy. Most policies cover sudden damage, such as storm damage, but not wear and tear or poor maintenance. Read your policy and talk to your insurer before work starts. Photos of the damage and a written description of the cause can help your claim, and we can provide both for a job we carry out.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Call or request a quote

    Tell us what is happening with the roof.

  2. Step 2

    Free inspection

    A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

  3. Step 3

    Work done right

    Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

0116 496 0168

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