Leaking Roof Repairs

Roof leak repairs

A damp patch on the ceiling is only where the water finally showed up. It may have run along a rafter or down the felt for a metre or more first. That's why so many leaks come back after a quick patch: the wrong spot was fixed.

We find the cause before we quote. Then we fix it properly, whether that's one cracked tile, perished lead round a chimney, a blocked valley or a split in a flat roof.

Signs of a roof leak

Brown or yellow stains on a ceiling, often spreading after rain
Damp or peeling paint on a chimney breast
Drips or wet insulation in the loft
Mould or a musty smell in an upstairs room
Water running down an inside wall after heavy rain
A damp patch under a roof window or skylight

Sound familiar? Get a quote

How we do it

Done properly, step by step

01
Ask the right questions

When does it leak: every time it rains, only in driving rain, or after snow? The pattern points to the cause.
02
Check the loft and the roof

We look from inside and out to follow the water back to where it gets in.
03
Explain what we found

You get photos of the cause and a written quote to fix it.
04
Fix the source

Tiles, lead, valleys, flashings or flat roof coverings repaired or replaced, depending on the cause.
05
Make good

We tidy up and show you the finished repair.

The most common causes

Slipped, cracked or missing tiles and slates. Lead flashing round a chimney or against a wall that has split, lifted or been sealed with mastic instead of being dressed properly. Valleys blocked with leaves and moss, or with failed linings. Cracked mortar on ridges and verges. Old felt that has perished. Failed seals round roof windows, vents and soil pipes. Splits and blisters in a flat roof.

Leaks that only happen sometimes

A leak that only appears in driving rain from one direction usually means wind is pushing water under a tile or a flashing. One that appears after snow can be melt water backing up behind a gutter or valley. Leaks that show up a day after the rain has stopped often come from water sitting on a flat roof. Telling us when it happens saves time finding it.

Flat roof leaks

Flat roofs leak differently. Water can travel a long way under the covering before it shows inside, and patches on old felt often fail within a season. We'll tell you whether a repair will hold, or whether the roof needs a new covering. See our flat roofing page for more.

Prices

What affects the price

Every roof is different, so we don't put prices on a website and then add extras later. Lee looks at your roof and gives you a written quote, free, with everything included.

Get your free quote

What's causing the leak, and how much needs replacing
Whether the leak has damaged timbers or membrane underneath
Access to the area, and whether a scaffold or tower is needed
Pitched or flat roof, and what it's covered with
Whether lead or flashing work is involved

Checkatrade reviews

What customers say about our leak repairs work

9.81/10 from 220 verified reviews

★★★★★10/10
"Excellent service, cannot recommend highly enough. We had an emergency leak 2 days before going away on a holiday and Lee was at ours within 24 hours. He did a thorough investigation prior to fixing the problem. Very professional and explained everything well. Will definitely be using this company again"
Emergency leakIpswich, IP4 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★10/10
"We contacted Lee about a leak in our conservatory roof and he came to have a look within a couple of days and offered competitive quotes for a repair or a replacement. As we eventually planned to replace the roof we went with that option. The guys were friendly and professional, the roof was completed very quickly and the new skylight looks fantastic. If anyone is looking for any roof work I wouldn't hesitate to recommend LM Roofing."
Conservatory roof replacementsouth-west of Colchester, CO5 · Checkatrade, verified
★★★★★10/10
"I'd been worrying about a small roof leak for a while. Called Leigh on the Tuesday, he texted me the quote Wednesday, job very professionally done by Friday. Leak fixed and rotten bargeboard replaced with a new painted one at the same time. Good price, quick response, no faff - excellent. Firm deserves its great reputation."
Small roof leak and rotten bargeboardMaldon area, CM9 · Checkatrade, verified

Where we work

Leak repairs across Ipswich, Colchester and beyond

We're based in Colchester and cover Suffolk and north Essex. Find your area for local information and reviews, or put your postcode in the quote form.

Roofers in Ipswich Roofers in Colchester

FAQs

Leak repairs: your questions

Something else? Call Lee on 07864 367325. He's happy to talk it through.

Why is my roof leaking when no tiles are missing?

It's often the lead flashing round a chimney or wall, a blocked or worn valley, cracked ridge mortar, or perished felt under the tiles. We find the actual cause before quoting.

My roof only leaks in heavy rain. Why?

Usually wind-driven rain getting under a tile, slate or flashing that's slightly out of place. It's worth fixing before it gets worse and rots the battens.

Can you find a leak from inside the loft?

The loft is where we start: stains on timbers and wet insulation show where the water is travelling. We then check the roof outside to find where it gets in.

Is a leaking roof covered by insurance?

Sudden storm damage often is, gradual wear and tear usually isn't. Check your policy. We can provide photos and a written quote if you're making a claim.

How soon should I get a leak fixed?

As soon as you can. Even a small leak soaks insulation, rots battens and stains ceilings, and the repair gets bigger the longer it's left.

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