Roof Leak & Roof Repairs in Bridgwater
Practical diagnosis and repair of leaking roofs on older and character homes across Bridgwater and the surrounding area.
A leaking roof doesn't necessarily mean you need a new one. Water can find its way in through a failed valley, damaged flashing, slipped or broken tiles, deteriorated mortar or one troublesome detail that has finally given way.
I specialise in finding the source of these problems and carrying out careful, practical repairs. Smaller roof leaks can be surprisingly difficult to get dealt with, particularly when the job is too involved for a quick handyman repair but too small to interest a larger roofing company.
Based in Wembdon, I work across Bridgwater and the surrounding villages.
Leaking valleys
Roof valleys are particularly vulnerable to leaks because they carry a concentrated flow of rainwater from two roof slopes.
Older lead valleys can eventually split or fail, while problems can also develop around the edges of the valley, mortar bedding, tiles and the junctions with the surrounding roof.
Finding the actual cause matters. A visible damp patch inside the house isn't necessarily directly beneath the point where water is entering.
I can investigate leaking roof valleys, identify the likely source of water ingress and carry out appropriate repairs to the valley and surrounding roof.
Leadwork & flashing repair
Lead flashing around chimneys, abutments, valleys and other roof junctions is designed to keep water out while accommodating movement in the building.
Over time it can split, lift, become poorly dressed or simply reach the end of its useful life. Previous patch repairs can also conceal the real problem.
Where possible, I favour repairing the defective detail rather than replacing sound roofing unnecessarily.
Tiles, slates & smaller roof repairs
Storms, age and previous work can leave individual tiles or slates slipped, cracked or missing. Ridge and hip tiles, mortar details and other localised areas can also deteriorate while the remainder of the roof remains perfectly serviceable.
I undertake smaller roof repairs including slipped or damaged tiles and slates, ridge and hip repairs, localised mortar repairs and investigation of troublesome roof details.
Chimneys & roof junctions
Chimneys are a common source of leaks, but the chimney itself isn't always the culprit.
Water may be entering through failed flashing, deteriorated mortar, damaged masonry or the junction between the chimney and roof covering.
I take a diagnostic approach: understand where the water is getting in first, then repair what actually needs repairing.
Roof leak diagnosis
Roof leaks aren't always obvious.
Water can travel along rafters, battens and other parts of the roof structure before appearing inside the house some distance from where it entered.
Rather than simply treating the most obvious external defect, I'll investigate the roof and the internal evidence where accessible, looking for the most likely route of water ingress before deciding on the repair.
Careful repairs to older roofs
Older houses often contain a mixture of original materials and repairs carried out over many decades. Understanding what is already there is important before introducing another material or another layer of repair.
My approach at Housewright is straightforward: retain sound material wherever practical, use appropriate materials and methods, and make the repair no bigger than it needs to be.
I carry out the work myself and take on one project at a time wherever possible.
Housewright & Co.
Roof leak diagnosis | Roof repairs | Lead & valley repairs | Chimneys & flashing
Based in Wembdon, Bridgwater, repairing older and character properties across the surrounding area.
Dave Harrison 07792 592678