A roof leak is stressful — it usually happens in the worst weather, often at night, and the water damage accumulates quickly. This guide tells you exactly what to do from the moment you discover the leak to getting it permanently repaired.
Before calling anyone, limit the internal damage. Place buckets or containers under any active drips. Lay towels or plastic sheeting over flooring and furniture. If a ceiling is bulging with retained water — a bowed, damp-stained patch — carefully puncture the lowest point with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way rather than waiting for it to collapse. This sounds counterintuitive, but a controlled release causes far less damage than a sudden ceiling failure.
Move any electrical items, valuables or irreplaceable items away from the affected area. If water is near a light fitting or electrical socket, turn off the relevant circuit at the fuse board and don't turn it back on until the area has dried completely.
Water reaching electrical fittings presents a serious risk, and the circuit should be isolated at the consumer unit until inspected by a competent person.IET Wiring Regulations BS 7671 safety guidance
Water rarely enters a roof directly above where it appears on the ceiling — it travels along rafters and joists before finding a low point to drip from. Common sources in Ipswich properties:
For an active leak, call us on 01473 807630 — we're available 24/7 for emergencies across Ipswich and Suffolk. We can advise over the phone on whether it's an emergency requiring same-day attendance or something that can be managed safely until the next business day.
Don't attempt to go on the roof yourself. A wet roof is extremely slippery, and a significant proportion of serious roof-related injuries occur when homeowners attempt emergency repairs without the correct equipment.
We cover Ipswich and Suffolk 24/7 for emergency roof repairs. Call us and we'll advise immediately.
⚡ Call 01473 807630 NowBefore cleaning up, photograph everything: the internal damage, any water staining, any damaged belongings. If you can safely identify the point of entry on the roof exterior, photograph that too. This documentation is essential for an insurance claim.
Most home insurance policies cover sudden and unexpected roof damage from storms or other external events. Gradual deterioration — a roof that has been failing for years — is typically not covered. The distinction matters: if your roof was damaged in a recent storm, get a report from us documenting the storm damage specifically.
In some emergency situations — typically where access is difficult in bad weather — a temporary weatherproofing measure is carried out first, with the permanent repair following in better conditions. This is legitimate and sensible. Heavy-duty roofing tarpaulins correctly secured will keep most properties dry for days or weeks. The key word is "temporary" — any contractor who presents a tarpaulin as a finished job is not a contractor to use again.
We aim to carry out permanent repairs on the first visit wherever possible. We carry the most common tile profiles, lead materials and flashing supplies on our vehicles, so for the majority of emergency call-outs in Ipswich we can complete the permanent repair the same day.
A roof that leaks has usually been failing gradually for some time before the water found its way inside. When the emergency repair is done, ask your roofer for an assessment of the wider roof condition. Is the leak an isolated event or part of a pattern of deterioration? Are there other areas of concern that should be addressed before the next winter?
We provide written condition reports as standard for emergency call-outs. It costs nothing additional and gives you clear information for planning and budgeting.
It depends on the cause. Sudden damage — a storm taking off tiles, impact damage — is typically covered. Gradual deterioration due to wear and age is not. If you've had a recent storm and the timing is clear, document it thoroughly. We can provide written reports for insurance claims.
An active drip can saturate ceiling plasterboard within hours. Over a winter, even a slow seep can cause thousands of pounds of damage to ceiling, wall plaster, insulation and stored belongings. The rule is simple: deal with a roof leak immediately, not when it's convenient.
Temporary sealant products can slow a minor leak for a short period — weeks, perhaps months. They are not a permanent fix and should not be treated as one. Most sealants degrade quickly under UV and thermal cycling, and a sealant applied over a failed flashing or cracked tile doesn't address the underlying cause.
No call-out fee on any job across Ipswich and Suffolk. Free surveys, free quotes — you only pay once you have agreed the work in writing. Call 01473 807630 any time.
Yes. We carry £5m public liability insurance on all work in Ipswich and the surrounding Suffolk area. We are also registered with the NFRC — details available on request before any job starts.
All our roofing work in Ipswich carries a 10-year written workmanship guarantee. This covers the labour and installation — separate to any manufacturer guarantee on materials. We provide the guarantee document on completion of every job.
Call us on 01473 807630 or use the contact form. We'll arrange a free survey at a time that suits you, usually within 48 hours across Ipswich and IP1. You'll receive a written, itemised quote with no obligation and no call-out fee.
Whatever your roofing question, we're happy to help. Call us for a free survey and honest assessment.
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