Ely Roofers carries out roof repairs in Lakenheath, handling everything from cracked tiles and failed flashing to leaking flat roofs and storm-damaged ridges.
A roof repair job starts with finding the source of the problem, not just the symptom. A damp patch inside the property is often a poor guide to where water is getting in - it can travel several metres along timbers or felt before it drops through a ceiling. A proper inspection means physically getting onto the roof and checking the likely failure points: the flashings, the ridge, the verge, the valley, the tiles themselves, and the condition of the felt underneath where it is visible.
Common repairs on pitched roofs include replacing cracked or slipped tiles and slates, repointing or re-bedding ridge and hip tiles, repairing or replacing lead flashing around chimneys and skylights, and fixing failed mortar on verges. On flat roofs, common repairs include patching split felt sections and fixing lifted seams on EPDM rubber membranes.
Tiles and slates crack, slip and break for several reasons. A sharp impact - a falling branch or hail - can crack a tile directly. More often, slates slip because the nails holding them have corroded and given way, or the nibs have broken. Matching the replacement material to the existing roof matters; a heavier or thicker tile on old battens can cause problems over time. On most jobs we can source a close match and blend new tiles into the existing roof surface.
The mortar bedding ridge and hip tiles has a finite lifespan. It expands and contracts with temperature changes and eventually cracks. Once cracked, water gets behind the tiles and works its way into the roof structure. Repointing (applying new mortar over the existing bed) is appropriate when the mortar has cracked but the tiles are sound and in position. Full re-bedding - lifting the tiles, clearing the old mortar and starting fresh - is needed when the mortar has completely failed or the tiles have shifted significantly. Dry-fix systems, which use proprietary clips and a flexible mortar rather than a solid sand-and-cement bed, are less prone to cracking and worth considering on an exposed roof.
Lead is one of the most reliable roofing materials when installed correctly. It fails when it has been laid in runs that are too long to expand and contract freely, or when it has been secured with the wrong fixings and has lifted. A flashing that has simply lifted at one edge can often be dressed back and re-sealed with lead mastic; a section that has cracked, corroded or been badly installed needs replacing. Valley liners fail in similar ways - mortar valleys crack and lose their seal, while metal liners can lift, corrode or be displaced by debris.
Chimney stacks are one of the most common sources of roof leaks. The flaunching (the mortar cap that holds the pot) cracks and lets water in. The pointing between the bricks weathers and opens up. The lead flashing where the stack meets the roof lifts or cracks. Each of these is a repair rather than a replacement job in most cases, and sorting them early avoids the much larger cost of water damage to the roof structure and ceilings below.
Felt flat roofs are the most common type on bay windows, single-storey extensions and garages. They degrade through UV exposure, temperature cycling and pooling water. When a felt surface splits or blisters, a patch repair is possible if the timber deck underneath is dry and solid. If the deck has softened with moisture, it needs replacing as part of the job - applying a new surface over a damaged deck is a short-term fix. EPDM rubber is a more durable alternative to felt and is the better choice for a replacement when the felt surface has reached the end of its useful life.
Wind, fallen branches and sudden severe rain can leave a roof needing immediate attention. In these situations, making the roof temporarily weathertight is the right first move - a securely fixed cover over an open area while a proper repair is arranged is better than a rushed permanent repair in poor conditions. If you are dealing with an urgent problem in Lakenheath, call us and describe what you can see. We will tell you honestly what needs to happen first.
Costs depend on the type of repair, the materials involved and whether scaffolding is needed. Typical UK ranges:
Get a written, itemised quote before agreeing to any work. The quote should specify exactly what is being done and what materials are being used - not just a single total figure.
This is the section most homeowners skip, and it is where the most money can be saved over the long run. A repaired roof that is neglected will develop the next problem faster. A roof that is checked and kept clear will last significantly longer. None of this requires specialist knowledge or equipment - just a set of observations you can make from ground level, and occasional access for a roofer to deal with what needs professional attention.
You do not need to get on a roof to spot the early signs of a problem. From the garden or pavement, look for:
A quick look twice a year - once in autumn before the worst weather arrives, and once in spring - will catch most problems before they develop into leaks.
Blocked gutters are a direct cause of roof edge and fascia deterioration. When a gutter overflows, water runs back against the fascia board and soffit, saturates them, and eventually gets into the wall or the roof structure at the eaves. Clearing gutters of leaves and debris in autumn is one of the simplest and most effective forms of roof maintenance. Check that downpipes are running freely at the same time.
Moss on a roof is not just cosmetic. It retains moisture and, as it grows under tile edges, it can lift them slightly and allow wind and rain to get underneath. On older roofs where the felt is already fragile, persistent moss growth accelerates the deterioration. A biocide treatment applied by a roofer will kill the moss so it dries out and can be cleared. Pressure-washing a roof is not recommended - it can dislodge tiles and damage pointing. Let a dead moss dry and brush or blow it away gently instead.
After a period of high winds, do a visual check from ground level. Look for tiles on the ground or in the gutter. Look at the ridge line - ridge tiles are among the first to shift in a storm. Check the flashing around the chimney if you can see it. If anything looks displaced or if you notice a new damp patch inside after heavy rain, arrange for a roofer to inspect. A small problem caught quickly is almost always cheaper to fix than one left through a winter.
After any repair work, ask the roofer to show you photographs of the completed job. You should be able to see that old mortar or failed material has been removed, that new materials sit flush and correctly lapped, and that the area around the repair is tidy. New mortar will look noticeably paler than weathered mortar for several months - this is normal. If you notice any new damp patches inside the property in the weeks after a repair, contact the roofer promptly so they can investigate.
Even a sound roof benefits from a periodic inspection by a roofer who will get up and look closely. They can spot deteriorating felt, early mortar failure, corroding fixings and small cracks that are not visible from the ground. Catching these early means a simple repair rather than a structural problem. There is no set rule on frequency, but for roofs over 20 years old, every three to five years is reasonable.
Any of these warrants a roof inspection. The longer water is finding a way in, the more likely it is to cause secondary damage to timbers, insulation and ceilings.
Standard like-for-like repairs do not require planning permission in most cases. If your home is listed or in a conservation area, any change to the materials or appearance of the roof may need consent before work starts. If in doubt, check with the local planning authority before the work begins rather than after.
If you have noticed a problem or just want a professional eye on your roof before winter, call Ely Roofers. We will get up on the roof, take photographs, and give you an honest account of what needs doing now and what can wait. Call us to arrange a roof survey in Lakenheath.
No obligation · We usually respond within 2 hours
Storm damage, active leak, damaged ridge - we aim to be on-site within 24 hours.
