A leaky roof can be caused by a variety of factors. Loose or damaged tiles, clogged gutters that allow water to build up, storm damage and damaged flashing can all lead to an unwanted leak in your home. In fact, storms have caused damage to homes for over one-fifth of UK residents in the last five years, according to research by Aviva.
Damage to the flashing on your roof is one of the most common reasons for leaks, so if you discover this is where the problem lies, how do you go about fixing it?
Before we get into how to fix it, let’s look at what flashing is and where it’s found on your roof.
What is roof flashing?
Roof flashing is the metal that fits around the edges of your roof, creating a seal in places where the roof meets brickwork. Usually that is around chimneys, vents, skylights and, on the likes of flat roofs, the edge of the roof itself. It is also fitted at the bottom of roof valleys.
Traditionally, it was made of lead. But these days flashing can be made from a variety of metals including aluminium, galvanised steel or copper.
How can I tell if my roof flashing is damaged?
Obvious cracks in the flashing, signs of corrosion or tears are all signs that it’s time to get your flashing looked at by a roofing expert.
If you’ve noticed signs of a leak in your roof, such as a damp patch on a ceiling, drips or leaks – particularly around a chimney breast or skylight – or moisture in your attic, it’s possible that your flashing is damaged and in need of repair.
Sometimes you will be able to see the damage from the ground, but often you’ll need a professional to carry out a roof inspection to identify the point which needs fixing.
How do I repair roof flashing?
Because your roof flashing protects your roof’s most vulnerable areas, you want to make sure that any repairs are done properly. That’s why it’s best to get professional support with roof repair in the Heatons, or wherever you live.
If you attempt to fix it yourself, at best your repair won’t last and in the worst case scenario, you could cause more damage which leads to further leaks and a bigger bill to repair the issue.
If the issue is caught early, a repair can be relatively straightforward. In some cases, we might be able to reattach loose flashing to your roof or fix minor cracks using a specialist sealant. There are, of course, situations where sections of damaged flashing need to be removed and replaced, which is a bigger job.
Depending on the age of your roof, you may discover that it’s time to replace all the flashing on your roof. While this can be a bigger job, it is well worth it to give you peace of mind that you won’t experience leaks from damaged flashing over the winter.
It is also important to keep on top of your roof maintenance because should your home be damaged in a storm, but your insurance company finds you haven’t taken care of the roof, for instance, they might deny your claim.