1Inspect the roof
Remove tiles / slates
3Install new tile or slate
4 Repair flashing
206 HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES
LEAKING ROOF
1Inspect the roof
• Look at your roof from the ground, using binoculars if necessary, to
see if you can spot any slipped or missing tiles or slates.
• Go to the loft with a flashlight and inspect the roof from the inside.
• If the roof is lined, check the lining for damp stains.
• If the roof is unlined, look for rays of daylight between tiles.
• Check roof timbers for dampness.
• If the source of the leak is at a junction between the roof and
other parts of the building, such as a wall or chimney, inspect the metal strips( flashing) that seal the join from the outside.
• Once you have identified the source of the leak, make a temporary
repair from inside( see box) if you can. Then call a roofing contractor to make a permanent repair.
TEMPORARY ROOF REPAIR
Use the lower edge of the plastic sheet to drain water away from the roof
Secure sheeting Push the lower edge of the plastic out over the lower edge of the hole, so that it directs water down the roof. Secure it with strong waterproof tape.
Push the plastic under the damaged area
Patch the hole Cut a sheet of strong plastic, at least 12 in( 30 cm) larger than the hole. Slide it between the roof battens and the tiles surrounding the missing or damaged tile.
2
Remove tiles / slates
• Wedge up the tiles or slates that overlap the damaged one, then rock
it loose and slide it out carefully.
• Buy a matching tile or slate from your local construction store.
3Install new tile or slate
• Slide the new tile or slate into place on a builder’ s trowel until the two nibs on the back of the tile or slate hook on to the roof battens.
• Remove the wedges that were propping up the surrounding tiles or slates.
4 Repair flashing
• If flashing has deteriorated, it needs to be replaced by a roofing contractor. Cracks or shrinkage, however, can be repaired relatively easily.
• If the edge of the flashing has come away from the wall, push it back into the mortar course and apply new mortar to secure it.
• If the flashing is cracked, cover it with aluminum self-adhesive flashing tape, following the manufacturer’ s instructions.