Our services
Roof leak repairs in Sussex and Surrey
Roof leaking in East Grinstead, Crawley or elsewhere in Sussex and Surrey? We trace the leak to where the water is actually getting in, which is often not directly above the drip, and fix the cause rather than the symptom. Free survey, fixed written price and our twenty year workmanship guarantee. If water is coming in now, call 07939 862 818. For everything else call 01342 445004.
Why leaks are hard to find
Water rarely falls straight down. It gets in at one point, runs along the underlay, a rafter or a batten, and drips out somewhere else entirely. That is why so many leaks are patched in the wrong place and come back after the next storm. Finding the true entry point is most of the job.
The most common causes we find
| Where | What goes wrong | Typical sign inside |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney | Split or lifted lead flashing, porous pointing | Damp on the chimney breast or beside it |
| Valley | Blocked, split or worn valley lining | Stain where two roof slopes meet |
| Slipped or cracked tiles | Rusted nails, rotten battens | Damp patch in the middle of a ceiling |
| Abutment | Flashing failed where roof meets a wall | Damp along a wall, often upstairs |
| Roof window | Failed flashing or seal | Water around the window lining |
| Ridge | Open mortar joints | Damp along the top of the loft |
| Flat roof | Split membrane, failed upstand or outlet | Stain on the extension ceiling |
| Condensation | Poor loft ventilation | Damp everywhere, worse in cold weather |
Condensation is worth calling out. Sometimes what looks like a leak is moisture from the house condensing in a badly ventilated loft. We check for it, because fixing tiles will not cure it.
Leak getting worse? Call or WhatsApp 07939 862 818 now, or the office on 01342 445004.
How we trace a leak
- Listen to the history. When does it leak: in heavy rain, in wind from one direction, or only when it is cold?
- Look in the loft. Water stains on timbers and underlay usually lead back towards the entry point.
- Inspect the roof. Close up where it is safe, and by drone where it is not.
- Test where needed. On difficult leaks we may water test specific areas in a controlled way.
- Explain and photograph. You see what we found and why we think it is the cause.
What the repair involves
Depending on the cause, we replace and refix tiles, renew lead flashing, reline a valley, rebed or dry fix the ridge, reseal a roof window flashing, or repair or replace part of a flat roof. You get a fixed written price before any work starts. If the cause turns out to be wider failure of the roof, we will show you the evidence and price both a repair and a longer term option.
Leak damage inside
Once the roof is fixed, let the ceiling dry out before redecorating. Small stains usually just need a stain blocking primer. If plasterboard has sagged or insulation is soaked, it may need replacing. We will tell you what we saw from the loft side.
Leak repairs near you
See roofers in East Grinstead and roofers in Crawley, or our main roof repairs page.
Where does water usually get in?
| Leak location | What fails | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chimney | Lead flashing, soakers, flaunching, brickwork | New lead, repointing, reflaunching |
| Valley | Worn lead, debris, slipped valley tiles | Clear, relay or reline the valley |
| Roof window | Flashing kit, seals, condensation | New flashing kit or replacement window |
| Ridge and hips | Cracked mortar, loose tiles | Rebed or dry fix with mechanical fixings |
| Main slopes | Slipped or cracked tiles, torn underlay | Replace tiles and repair underlay |
| Flat roof | Split membrane, upstands, outlets | Patch, reseal or replace |
| Walls and abutments | Missing or failed flashings | New lead or cover flashings |
Warning signs of a roof leak
- Stains on ceilings that spread after rain
- Damp patches near the top of walls or around a chimney breast
- Drips in the loft or wet insulation
- Rotten or blackened timbers in the roof space
- Mould in upstairs rooms
- Water running down the outside of walls from gutters
Why sealant is rarely the answer
Sealants and paint on coatings can stop a drip for a while, but they do not fix the cause and often trap water. They also make a proper repair harder, because the old material must be cleaned off first. We use the right materials for the detail: lead for flashings, matching tiles for slopes, and compatible products for flat roofs.
What affects the cost of a leak repair?
As a guide, a minor leak repair usually costs between £150 and £400, while larger repairs to valleys, chimneys or flashings are typically between £400 and £1,200. The cost depends on where the leak is, how far the damage has spread, the materials needed and how the roof is reached. A leak caused by one slipped tile is a small job. A failed chimney or valley is more involved. We find the cause first and price the repair after a free survey. Read roof repair cost. Your exact price is confirmed in writing after a free survey.
Leaks on local homes
Period homes in East Grinstead often leak around old chimneys and in valleys on complex roofs. In Crawley, we often trace leaks to flat roofed garages and porches, and to postwar concrete tiled roofs with tired underlay. See chimney repairs in East Grinstead and flat roofing in Crawley. Read our guide roof leaking? What to do right now.
Frequently asked questions
Leaks that appear only with wind from one direction are usually at a flashing, verge or chimney facing that way. Leaks in cold weather without rain often point to condensation.
The loft gives strong clues, but we confirm on the roof as well before we quote.
Active leaks get priority. If water is coming in now we aim to make it safe the same day, then return for the permanent repair.
Insurers usually cover sudden storm damage, not gradual wear. We give you photographs and our honest view of the cause.
Yes. Leak repairs carry our twenty year workmanship guarantee.
Contain the water, keep away from wet electrics and stay off the roof. Our guide on what to do when your roof is leaking has the full checklist.
Yes. In cold weather a poorly ventilated loft can drip. We check for this.
Yes, on felt, EPDM and GRP roofs.
We fix the roof. We can advise when the ceiling has dried enough for redecoration.
Get your leak traced
Call 01342 445004, or for water coming in now 07939 862 818. You can also WhatsApp photos of the stain and the roof, or book online.
Book a free roof survey
Leave your name and number and we will call you back to arrange a free survey. Photos help us quote faster and spot anything urgent.
Free survey & fixed quote
Need a roofer you can trust?
Call us or send the quote form and we will come out, inspect the roof properly and give you a fixed price in writing. No obligation.