Don't Let the Storm Win: Newstone Roofing's guide to Spotting Roof Leaks in the Southwest & Wales

As the stormy weather approaches the Southwest and Wales, your roof is about to face a tough challenge. Heavy rain, strong winds and driving rain are common in our region, and they can quickly turn a small roof defect into a major leak.

At Newstone Roofing Company, your local experts for Bristol, Bath, Chepstow, Stroud and surrounding areas, we want to help you protect your home. Detecting a leak early is the key to preventing expensive long-term water damage.

Here are the critical signs to look out for during and immediately after the upcoming storms:

Inside your home: The Tell-tale Signs of Water Ingress

Whilst the leak might be on your roof, the first visible evidence is often inside your property. Inspect your upper floor and attic regularly, especially during and after heavy downpours.

1. Look for Ceiling and Wall Stains

Water Stains: These often appear as brown, yellow or discoloured patches on your ceilings or the top of your walls. Even a small stain indicates water is getting through, potentially travelling across rafters from a leak far away.

Peeling or Bubbling Paint/Wallpaper:

Excess moisture causes paint to lose adhesion, leading to bubbling, blistering or peeling. This is a clear sign that water is building up behind the surface.

2. Inspect Your Loft or Attic:

Dripping or Puddles: If you hear dripping sounds or see actual puddles or streaks of water inside your loft, you have a leak. Place buckets or containers to minimise the spread of water and never touch wet electrical equipment.

Wet Insulation: If the insulation in your loft is damp, matted or discoloured, it's soaking up water that has penetrated the roof deck.

Light Shining Through: In the daytime, turn off the lights in your attic. If you can see light 'peeking through' any holes or cracks, water will certainly get in during a storm.

3. Follow Your Nose: Musty or Damp Odours: A persistent musty smell, particularly in your attic or upper rooms, suggests dampness and the potential growth of mould or mildew. This is a common indicator of a long-standing, slow leak.

   
   

Outside Your Home: Identifying Exterior Damage.

While we strongly advise against climbing onto your roof during or after a storm for safety reasons, a ground-level check can reveal a lot. Use binoculars for a closer look or check from an upstairs window.

1. Check Your Roof Surface

Missing or Damaged Tiles/Slates:

Strong winds often rip off or crack tiles. Look for missing pieces on the ground around your home, especially after high winds. Even a single missing tile exposes the vulnerable underlayment. Granules in Gutters:If your roof is shingled, finding excessive shingle granules (which look like coarse sand) in your gutters or on the ground means the protective surfae of your shingles is wearing away, leaving them exposed.

2. Inspect Vulnerable Areas

Flashing Issues:

Flashing (the metal seals around chimneys, skylights and vent pipes) is a common point of failure. Look for visibly loose, bent or damaged lead (metalwork) or missing sealants around these features.

Clogged or Damaged Gutters:

Gutters and downpipes are designed to channel water away. If they are blocked with debris, water can back up onto the roof, seep under the tiles, or overflow and run down the walls, causing leaks.

Found a Leak? Here's What to Do Next

Your safety is the priority. Never attempt a repair yourself during a storm or climb onto a wet or damaged roof.

1. Contain the Water:

Use buckets, towels or plastic sheeting to minimise the water damage inside your home.

2. Move Belongings: Safely move furniture, electronics, and valuable items away from the leak area.

3. Call Newstone Roofing Company:

If you suspect or confirm a leak, contact us immediately. We offer Emergency Roof Repair services across the Southwest and Chepstow areas to assess storm damage quickly and professionally.

Contact Newstone Roofing Company for urgent repairs or a post-storm inspection today.