There is no such thing as a convenient time to have a leaking roof. So when it happens, what do you do about it?
Glasgow weather is a fickle thing and storms can hit the city in the Winter and the Summer. Heavy rain and high winds can allow rain water to find even the smallest gaps in a roofs slate or tiles.
So when you do have a leaking roof, what can you/should you do about it.
Step 1 – Stop the water leak if you can
Depending on what type of home you live in, you should be able to gain access to your attic and the roof eaves (as long as it is safe to do so). If you can access this space and visibly see a leak in your roof then you can minimise the water damage that it causes by placing a bucket beneath it and a plastic covering. Basically anything you can to help prevent water staining carpets, furniture and the internal walls and ceilings of your home.
You can put an old towel beneath the bucket (and even a bin bag beneath that) to help catch any water spray from drips falling from height into the bucket.
Another tip is to attach a piece of string that can run from the source of the water leak down into the bucket. This is a great tip to help stop the loud sound of water dripping into a bucket.
This can all be done ONLY if you can access the leak. Do not go out onto the roof yourself, especially if it is raining. It is too dangerous.
Step 2 – Call in the professionals
This is where we come in. As a professional Roofer in Glasgow for nearly 40 years, we have been working on customers leaking roofs right from our first days trading in 1984. We can inspect your roof, find the fault and consult you on the options for fixing the leaking roof.
We can work on all types of roof from original sandstone building slate roofing to modern tiled roofing, flat roofing and more. Call us now on 0141 944 6100 to discuss your roof leak.
Step 3 – Dry up the damage
There are two benefits to this. The obvious being that drying your carpet, flooring, furniture etc will help stop it from being permanently damaged. A leaking roof can cause mould and rot in carpets and furniture while puddles forming on wooden floors can cause them to warp.
The second benefit comes after the roof repair. If you have dried out the wet ceiling water staining then you can easily keep an eye on it and spot if it returns. Roof repairs is of course about finding the source of the leak and fixing it but there can be times when a leaking roof is actually two leaks combining to form one substantial leak. You would be amazed at how many roofs in Glasgow actually have leaks without the home owner knowing about it. It is only when two or more of these leaks form to create a substantial dripping that can then work its way through the house that homeowners actually notice it.
Step 4 – Calling your home insurance provider
There are so many different home insurance policies out there meaning that you may not be covered but if your home has sustained significant damage because of a leaking roof then you should speak to your insurance provider to ascertain whether or not you are covered.
Step 5 – Preventative measures for the future
Once you have put the whole ordeal of a leaking roof behind you, don’t simply forget about it. Look at ways that you can prevent it from happening again.
- Should you have your roof inspected in the build up to winter to make sure it will handle the winter storms in Glasgow? And another maintenance inspection in the spring once the worst winter storms have passed.
- Gutter Cleaning. A lot of leaking roofs are actually caused by blocked/clogged gutters filled with dead leaves, bird nests, moss and general dirt that cause gutters to overflow and simply trickle down the side of the building. If your homes stonework pointing has failed then this provides easy access for rain water to enter your home.
Regular maintenance on a roof can spot problems early on. If you have your roof inspected in the build up to winter, you stand a much higher chance of getting through the wet winter months in Glasgow without having any roofing problems.
Like those that get their boilers serviced in Autumn before the freezing cold comes to town, you can (and should) have your roof inspected regularly to refit loose slates and fix any other faulty roofing areas such as failed lead flashings, blocked gutters and more.
So if you have a leaking roof and need a professional, qualified Glasgow roofer to come and fix the problem, call Balmore today on 0141 944 6100.
Professional service, skilled roofers and nearly 40 years of roofing experience in Glasgow.
