Wind-driven rain is the real test of a roof. In The Downs, where villas stand exposed and trees shed debris, a leak that only appears in a downpour has a specific cause that can be found.
Many roofs near the Downs stay dry in ordinary showers and then drip when a storm sweeps in across the open ground. That pattern is a clue. Rain forced sideways and upwards under the covering will find gaps that falling rain never reaches, and mature trees add blockages that make matters worse.
Why this pattern points to wind-driven rain
In a gale, rain does not fall, it travels sideways. It gets under the edges of slates and tiles, behind lifted flashings and into small gaps near the ridge. A leak that appears only with a strong wind from one direction usually sits on the face of the roof that takes it.
Gutters, valleys and leaf blockages
Trees near the roof drop leaves, seeds and twigs into gutters, hoppers and valleys. When the outlet blocks, water backs up and runs over the edge or under the first row of tiles. A downpour then does what a shower could not.
Clearing the blockage helps, but we also look for why it filled, and whether the valley lining or the gutter has been damaged by what collected there. A blocked channel left for a season or two can rot the timbers beneath it and cause a leak that looks unrelated. That is a common surprise.
The likely places to look
Villa roofs have more junctions than a plain slope: chimneys, bay tops, dormers, valleys and verges. Each is a place where one surface meets another, and each depends on flashing or sealing staying tight in the weather. Wind and age work on those joints first.
- Lead around chimneys, bays and abutments
- Valleys and hidden gutters behind parapets
- Verges and ridge bedding on exposed gables
- Slipped or cracked tiles and slates
Checking safely from inside
Look in the loft with a torch for daylight, wet timbers, dark stains on the felt and damp insulation. Note which wall or room the water comes through, and the wind direction at the time. Do not go on the roof or use a ladder to it. Photographs and notes give us a head start.
The line the water takes through the loft often leads straight back to the fault, so a few photographs taken in daylight and again in the rain are very useful to us. That detail often settles the question in one visit. Please keep the notes.
Putting it right
Once we have traced the water to its source, we repair that, which might mean new lead, refixed tiles, a re-lined valley or cleared and repaired gutters. We are honest about whether the roof as a whole is failing. Water travels along timbers before it drops, so the repair is aimed at the true cause.
If the roof is old and failing in several places, we say so and explain what is urgent and what can wait, so you can plan sensibly. A phased approach is sometimes the honest answer, with the most exposed areas dealt with first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does only one wall of my house leak?
The wall facing the prevailing weather takes the worst of the wind-driven rain, so any weakness on that side shows first. We look at the roof above and the junctions closest to the damp patch.
Could trees be causing the leak?
Indirectly, yes. Leaves block gutters and valleys, and branches can crack or displace tiles. We check for both when we look at the roof, and advise on what needs clearing or repairing. We check the side that takes the brunt.
What should I do while waiting for a repair?
Protect what is below with a bucket or sheet, move belongings and electrics away, and note when it drips. Keep an eye on the ceiling for bulging. Then call us so the source can be found before damp spreads.
Talk to our team about roof repairs in The Downs
Every roof is different — the fastest way to get an accurate answer is a quick chat with our team.