Flat roof leaks rarely show where the water gets in. This guide follows the process we use on garages and extensions, from the first look indoors to the final repair and tidy-up.
Many homes in Lawrence Weston have a flat roof somewhere: an attached garage, a porch, a rear extension or a bay top. When one leaks, finding the cause is more detective work than repair. Water spreads across the deck and drips where it finds an exit, which is almost never beside the hole.
Starting inside
We look at the ceiling and walls beneath the roof. A stain gives us a rough position and a direction. In a garage, we check the underside of the deck or any exposed boards. Damp, soft or dark areas show the water's path, and we map it before going outside. Ask yourself when the drip appears. After a long spell of rain points to a different problem from a leak in a short, sharp shower.
Reading the surface
Outside, we look at the covering for splits, blisters and cracks, and for ponding where water lies after rain. We check the edges, the outlets and any pipes or vents that come through the roof, since each is a possible entry. On concrete-tiled houses with a flat garage roof, the junction between the two is a common culprit and gets a thorough look.
- Splits and open seams in the covering
- Blisters that have burst or lifted
- Edge trims loose or cracked
- Outlets blocked or poorly sealed
Confirming the cause
Sometimes the cause is obvious. Sometimes we test by checking the deck, clearing an outlet and watching where water runs, or opening a small area of covering to see what lies underneath. We do not guess and then patch at random. If a section of deck is soft, we say so, since sealing over rot only hides a growing problem.
The repair
For a localised fault, we clean and dry the area, cut out the failed section and lay new covering with proper laps, edge details and a sealed upstand. The repair is finished to match the surrounding roof as closely as the system allows. Where the roof is breaking up in many places, we recommend a larger repair or a renewed covering, and explain why.
Stopping the next leak
Keeping outlets clear, checking the roof after storms and not walking on the surface all help. Falls matter too. A roof that holds water will find its way through eventually, so we look at whether the slope can be improved at the same time. We tell you what the roof needs now and what can be watched.
Keep a note of any new stains and the weather when they appeared. That small record helps us a great deal on a return visit, and it often points straight to the part of the roof that needs another look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a leaking flat roof be repaired without removing the covering?
Often yes, if the fault is local and the deck underneath is sound. We open only the area that needs it. If the covering is failing across the whole roof, a larger repair is more honest than repeated patching.
Why do leaks appear after rain stops?
Water collects in the deck, insulation and timbers, then drains slowly into the room below. A flat roof can keep dripping for a while after the rain stops, which makes it harder to judge when the leak started.
What if the garage roof is made of an older material?
We check what an existing roof is made of before disturbing it, and adjust how we work if needed. We talk through the plan with you before work begins, so you know how any older material will be handled.
Talk to our team about flat roofing in Lawrence Weston
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.