Flat roof repairs in West London: repair or recover?

Most terraced houses in Chelsea, Fulham and Kensington have at least one flat roof. It is usually over a rear extension, a back addition or a dormer. When it leaks, you must decide if a repair is enough or if the roof needs a new covering.

Signs that a flat roof needs attention

• Water stains on the ceiling below the roof.
• Water that stays on the roof for days after rain. Roofers call this ponding.
• Blisters, splits or cracks in the covering.
• Edges or flashings that are loose or lifted.
• Moss and leaves that block the outlets and gutters.

When a repair is enough

If the damage is in one small area and the rest of the covering is sound, a repair is usually enough. Typical repairs are a split in the felt, a lifted flashing or a blocked outlet. We charge for the time on site at our published specialist rate.

When the roof needs a new covering

A new covering is the better choice when the covering fails in many places, or when the roof has had many repairs and still leaks. It is also necessary when the deck under the covering is soft or rotten. We strip the roof back to the deck, replace the rotten boards and lay a new covering.

Mineral felt, asphalt or fibreglass

• Mineral felt. Layers of bitumen felt, with a mineral finish on the top layer. It is the most common covering on London extensions.
• Asphalt. Mastic asphalt, laid hot. It is common on older London roofs and balconies.
• Fibreglass. A layer of resin and glass fibre, laid in one piece with no joints.

The right covering depends on the roof, the access and what is on the roof now. We give our recommendation after we see it.

Check the roof before winter

Leaves block the outlets in autumn, and the water then sits on the roof. Our winter check clears the gutters and checks the roofline in one visit.

To arrange a visit, see our roof repairs in West London.