A leaking roof during a storm can quickly escalate from a minor nuisance to a major problem. While it’s natural to panic, staying calm and knowing what steps to take can help minimise damage until professional help arrives.
First, grab a bucket, pan, or large container to catch the dripping water. Use towels to soak up any that’s already on the floor. If water is spreading across the ceiling but hasn’t yet dripped through, you can carefully puncture a small hole with a screwdriver to relieve the pressure and prevent further damage to plaster or paint.
Move any furniture, electronics, or valuables out of the way. If that’s not possible, cover them with waterproof sheeting or bin bags to protect them from water damage.
It may be tempting to take a look, but climbing onto a wet roof in the middle of a storm is extremely dangerous. Wait until the weather clears, and let a professional roofing company carry out a safe inspection.
Once the leak is under control, call a trusted emergency roofing team. At Environ Roofing, we respond quickly to roofing emergencies in London and will assess and patch up the damage as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Take photos or videos of the damage and any affected belongings. This will help support your home insurance claim, particularly if the leak has caused internal damage.
A temporary patch isn’t a long-term fix. Once the storm has passed, schedule a full roof inspection. Storm damage often reveals hidden issues that need to be properly repaired to prevent future leaks.
Dealing with a leaking roof during a storm can be stressful, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Quick action, temporary containment, and calling in a reliable emergency roofing team like Environ will help protect your home from further damage. If your roof has sprung a leak, don’t wait; get it checked before the next storm rolls in.
It depends on the construction, but the minimum weight a flat roof must be capable of bearing is 300lbs. This refers to a concentrated weight where a load is positioned on just one area of the roof. So, for example, a commercial flat roof can approximately support a 300lb HVAC unit in a 2.5×2.5ft single space.
If you opt for a flat roof anywhere on your property, remember that it comes with a need for proper maintenance. Low-slope roofing London-wide should be checked every six months or so, or after spells of bad weather, to spot any signs of damage. No matter how small, these should be addressed before they escalate. Remove any debris (leaves, twigs and so on) regularly to avoid these blocking the gutters and allowing water to pool and stand on the roof.
If there are trees in the close vicinity, keep them cut back to reduce the amount of foliage that falls on your flat roof. And check internally for signs of moisture, dampness or water damage on a regular basis. Spotting problems early means resolving them will be cheaper in the long run.
Building a flat roof can be done in three ways. The simplest and most cost-effective choice for levelled roofing London-wide is to construct a warm roof where a roofing membrane is placed over the insulation that keeps the timber structure warm. Another option is to create a cold roof where insulation is positioned between the rafters under the ply roof covering. This is commonly applied to flat-roofed extensions.
The third method is the hybrid roof that contains diverse elements. Their designs require a gap of ventilation above a warm roof to prevent excess moisture within the roof structure.
If you’re looking for flat roofing local contractors, don’t just select the first firm you come across. Find a roofing company that’s been in business for a while and can demonstrate a good track record in installing, repairing, and replacing flat roofs specifically. Ask for recommendations from your own network or from a local trade association. If you need refurbishment work done to 50% or more of your roof, you’ll need a roofing contractor who can self-certify their work under the Competent Person Scheme. Otherwise, the Building Control department at your local authority will need to approve the job before it begins.
Ask whether they are covered by liability insurance and how long they’ll guarantee the work they will carry out. And never just opt for the cheapest quote unless you’re quite sure they’re the best company for the job. You can’t afford to compromise on your roof as the structural integrity of your property depends on it.
Ensuring your flat roof will comply with building regulations before installation can save property owners time, money and stress. First, the roof must have a slope of around 1:80, with water draining away to one or two roof edges. Waterproofing must be extended up to the adjacent walls with at least 150 mm from the surface of the roof.
Contractors must install ventilation in cold roofs. For warm roofs, the deck must be bonded with a VCL. The roof should have the capacity to withstand strong winds and be sturdy enough to take an individual’s weight. Finally, check whether planning permission is needed. Typically, this is only required if you live in a conservation area or a listed building, or are making significant changes to an existing roof.
If you’re looking for top roofing solutions at competitive rates, check out our range of roofing services at Environ Roofing Company London. To get started, call one of our representatives today!