Leaking Roof? What to do, and how to fix it.

Living room ceiling leaking water, illustrating the urgent need for professional roofing repair services offered by PK Roofing and Building.

A leaking roof can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Not only can it lead to unsightly stains on your ceiling, but if left unaddressed, it can cause significant structural damage, resulting in costly repairs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to take when you discover a leaking roof and provide tips on how to fix it, ensuring your home stays safe and dry

Is it an Emergency?

If you have water pouring into your home, then contact us straight away!

07591006922

 

Step 1: Identify the Source of the Leak

Before you can fix a leaking roof, you need to identify where the water is coming from. This can be tricky as water can travel a fair distance from the actual breach before it appears inside your home. Here’s how to locate the source:

  1. Inspect the Roof: Begin by visually inspecting your roof from the outside. Look for obvious signs of damage, such as missing or cracked tiles, damaged flashing, or blocked gutters. If it’s safe to do so, climb up to get a closer look, but only if you feel comfortable and have the proper equipment.
  2. Check the Attic: If you have access to your attic, go up there during or just after a rainstorm. Look for any signs of water, such as wet insulation, damp wood, or water stains. A flashlight can help you spot even the smallest droplets.
  3. Use a Hose: If the weather is dry and you’re struggling to find the leak, you can recreate rain with a garden hose. Have someone spray water on different sections of the roof while you check inside for leaks.

Step 2: Contain the Leak

Once you’ve identified the source of your leaking roof, it’s essential to contain the leak to minimise damage until you can make permanent repairs.

  • Move Belongings: If the leak is above a living area, move furniture, electronics, and other valuables out of harm’s way. Place a plastic sheet or tarp over anything that cannot be moved.
  • Catch the Water: Place a bucket or container under the leak to catch dripping water. If the water is pooling in your ceiling, you might need to poke a small hole to allow it to drain out and prevent the ceiling from sagging.
  • Protect the Area: Lay down towels or old sheets around the leak to absorb any splashes. This will also help to prevent water from spreading and causing further damage.

Step 3: Temporary Fixes for Your Leaking Roof

If the weather conditions aren’t conducive to making permanent repairs, or you need time to gather materials, there are a few temporary fixes you can apply to your leaking roof.

  1. Roofing Tape: Roofing tape can be applied directly over small cracks or holes in your roof. It’s a quick fix that can hold up in the rain until a more permanent solution is applied.
  2. Tarping: If your roof has suffered significant damage, you can cover the affected area with a heavy-duty tarp. Secure the tarp with roofing nails or bricks to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.

Step 4: Permanent Repairs

While some roof leaks can be managed with a bit of DIY, there are situations where it’s best to call in experienced professionals like PK Roofing and Building. Here’s when you should consider professional help:

  • Severe Damage: If the leak is extensive or the damage is widespread, a professional roofer will have the tools and expertise to carry out the necessary repairs safely and efficiently.
  • Recurring Leaks: If you’ve applied temporary fixes but the leak keeps coming back, there could be an underlying issue that requires a professional diagnosis.
  • Lack of Experience: Roofing work can be dangerous, especially on steep or high-pitched roofs. If you’re not confident in your ability to safely carry out repairs, it’s best to leave it to the experts.

Get Your Free Quote Today! Contact Us for Expert Roofing and Building Solutions  

Conclusion

A leaking roof is an issue that no homeowner wants to face, but with the right approach, it can be managed and repaired without too much stress. By identifying the source, containing the leak, applying temporary fixes, and making permanent repairs, you can protect your home from further damage. However, for extensive or recurring leaks, it’s wise to seek professional help. At PK Roofing and Building, we offer expert roofing services across the UK, ensuring your roof is repaired quickly and to the highest standard.

For more information or to request a quote, contact us today and let us help you keep your home safe and dry

Loft Prep for Roof Installation

Leaking Felt Roof Repair in progress with a section of tiles removed, showing 'Protect VP300' underlay installed for added protection. PK Roofing and Building ensures durable and professional roofing solutions.

Loft Prep for Roof Installation: A Simple Guide

Planning to get a new roof? Exciting stuff! But before the scaffolding goes up and the old tiles come off, you might be wondering what to do with everything stashed away in your loft. No worries—we’ve got you covered. This easy guide to loft prep for roof installation will help you get ready without the stress (or the mess).

Why Your Loft Needs Some Attention

While your roofers will mostly be working above your head, they might need to get into the loft too. It helps them check the inside of the roof structure, install insulation, or sort out ventilation.

Having a bit of space up there makes their job easier-and keeps your stuff from getting in the way (or covered in dust).

Curious about what goes into a roof project? Here’s a great breakdown from Homebuilding & Renovating.

It’s Gonna Get Dusty

Let’s be honest—roof work is messy. Even with care and dust sheets, tiny bits of debris and dust have a way of sneaking into every corner of the loft.

If you’ve got boxes of clothes, old electronics, or sentimental bits and pieces up there, they could be in for a dusty surprise. A little prep now means a lot less cleaning later.

What Should You Move?

You don’t need to clear out the whole loft, but it’s smart to take out anything you’d hate to see damaged or dusty.

Here’s a good starting list:

  • Valuable or sentimental stuff – If it’s precious, take no chances.

  • Electronics – Dust and gadgets don’t mix well.

  • Fragile items – Better safe than sorry.

  • Clothes, fabrics, soft furnishings – These trap dust and can be a pain to clean.

Short on storage space? Try Safestore or Big Yellow for flexible, short-term options.

Quick Loft Prep Tips

  • Give yourself time: Don’t leave it until the night before. A bit each day gets the job done without the panic.

  • Get organised: Use this chance to declutter and label boxes. You’ll thank yourself later.

  • Cover what stays: Can’t move it all? Use some heavy-duty plastic sheeting or old blankets to keep dust off what’s left.

Do You Have to Empty the Loft?

Not always. If you’ve got bulky stuff that’s hard to move, it’s not the end of the world. Just let your roofers know ahead of time. At PK Roofing, we’ve worked around all sorts of loft setups—we’ll do our best to protect anything that’s staying put.

Final Thoughts

So, is loft prep for roof installation essential? Not completely—but it’s a smart move. A little effort upfront saves you from dealing with dusty boxes, damaged items, and delays.

Need a hand figuring it all out? Get in touch with PK Roofing. We’ll walk you through what to expect and help make the whole process as smooth (and clean) as possible.