New Roof Leaking

What's happening?

A new roof should not leak. When it does, the cause is almost always in the detail, not the main tiles: the flashing to a chimney or wall, a valley, the ridge or hip, a nail hole through the underlay, a lap that was not sealed, or a roof window or vent pipe that was cut in. Sometimes a leak that was already there is only now visible because the new roof showed up a problem the old one hid, such as a chimney or a gutter. Wind-driven rain finds weaknesses that ordinary rain does not. A leak soon after a roof is finished is a snag for the contractor to fix, and what you do in the first days decides how smoothly it goes.

What usually causes it?

• Flashing at a chimney, wall or roof window that was not dressed or sealed correctly
• A valley or hip detail that does not shed water in heavy rain
• Underlay laps, tears or nail holes under the tiles
• A cut-in vent, flue or soil pipe without a proper collar
• Ridge or verge details that let in wind-driven rain
• A leak from a chimney, gutter or wall that the new roof has not cured

Is it dangerous?

Low as a leak, but water going into a ceiling and timbers is damage that grows. Catch it, switch off lights under a wet ceiling and keep photographs.

Can I fix it myself?

Photograph the leak, the stain and the date, and note the weather. Catch the water and protect the ceiling and contents. Tell the roofer in writing, by email or message, so there is a record. Do not let another roofer start work on the roof until the original contractor has had the chance to look, because that can undo a guarantee.

When should you call a roofer?

Call the roofer who fitted it first. If they will not respond, ask a different roofer to inspect and report, and ask your insurer or the roofer's trade body for help. Check any guarantee or insurance-backed warranty you were given.

What will the roofer actually do?

• Inspect the roof and trace the entry point, with a hose test where needed
• Re-dress or replace the flashing, collar, valley or lap that is leaking
• Check and patch the underlay and any nail holes
• Check chimney and gutters that may be feeding water in
• Test with water and agree a clear repair note, with photographs

Who fixes this

• Roof leak repair
• Full roof replacement
• Roof inspection

Questions people ask

Sources & References

1. GOV.UK: consumer protection and your rights
2. Consumer Rights Act 2015
3. NFRC: choosing a roofing contractor
4. TrustMark: complaints process