ROOF LEAKS | COMMON CAUSES

Leaking roofs can be caused by an array of factors. Commonly, water ingress first occurs at interface points. The list below, although not exhaustive, aims to provide an insight into some of the most common problems that may cause a roof to leak.

• Chimney stacks | Leaks around chimney stacks are common. Usually, porous masonry or failure of lead flashings, aprons or back gutters is the cause. Our teams are equipped to assist with all lead flashing and chimney repairs.
• Lead Valleys | Often, lead valley linings cause water ingress into properties. Further, failure of mortar at the valley margins can also be responsible. Our teams can undertake complete valley replacements or welded lead repairs. The best method for repair will be identified at point of survey.
• Broken slates or tiles | On older roof areas, broken slates or roof tiles can be responsible for water penetration. Tile and slate repairs are an integral part of the work that we undertake to repair roofs.
• Bay windows, Lead Bays | Bay windows, often found on Victorian terraced properties, are a common source of water ingress. usually, due to the length of mite that they have been installed, it is best practice to consider replacing them. Our teams of skilled headworkers carry out lead bay window repairs and replacements on a regular basis across Yorkshire.
• Blocked Gutters or fall pipes | A common issue which can cause a significant amount of water ingress. Blocked guttering and fall pipes can allow water to build up and find its way into your property. Routine maintenance is key to ensuring that your gutters and fall pipes run freely.
• Lead Gutters | Often, leaks in lead gutters are due to cracks or splits in the lead due to fatigue of the material over time. Remember, lead is a metal and expands and contracts with temperature fluctuations. Such thermal movement  can cause splits to appear and allow water to penetrate the lead. Repairs can be carried out using lead welding equipment or, if the issues are more serious, replacement of the lead gutter lining may be needed.

ROOF POINTING | MORTAR ISSUES

• Cracked ridge tiles | Ridge tiles for an integral part of any roof covering. If the mortar securing them has failed, it is possible that water will find its way into the property at the apex of your roof. Our teams are able to repair and replace ridge tiles in isolation or completely.
• Missing pointing | Often, mortar pointing tends to fall before the main roof material. As such, mortar repairs can be undertaken to valley margins, hip and ridge tiles, verges and chimney stacks.

OTHER ROOF ISSUES

• Poor workmanship | Sadly, at GNR, we are frequently asked to investigate poor workmanship, carried out by alleged tradespeople. Unfortunately, putting work that has already been done right, forms a large part of what we are asked to do. At GNR, we believe in doing things properly and doing them once.
• Storm damage | Roof coverings are vulnerable to damage caused by inclement weather conditions and storms. Commonly, storms can left tiles, cause ridge mappings to blow off and generally cause significant damage. If you have experienced storm damage and need a quote for repair, our teams are on hand to respond quickly to your requirements.
• Nail fatigue | Sometimes referred to as nail sickness, a strange interpretation but there is a reason for both referrals. Over time, nails expand and contract with temperature changes. This constant movement weakens the nails but also makes their fixing points, usually into timber, expand. As a result the nails become loose or fail completely and the slates or tiles may slip. If you are experiencing slipped slates or tiles in isolated locations then a roof repair is possible. However, nail fatigue is likely to continue and complete roof replacement may therefore be imminent.

IDENTIFYING ROOF LEAKS

Once a leak becomes visible inside your home, it can be awkward and frustrating to track and trace its origins. At GNR, our extensive experience allows us to quickly identify possible causes of water ingress and provide you with the best advice to resolve the issue.

Further, a leak is born from water finding its way through a broken slate, tile or other interface. Water, as a result of gravity, will then flow down to the lowest point and begin to pool. Once enough has collected it can find its way into your property and cause staining and, if not resolved, damage to ceilings and other internal finishes.

If you think that you have identified a roof leak, our teams are available to assist you solve the problem.