Signs your roof needs repairing
- Damp patches or mould on the top-floor ceiling.
- Peeling paint or crumbling plaster.
- Broken, slipped or moss-covered tiles.
- Blocked gutters, or gutters overflowing when it rains.
- Standing water on the terrace after rain.
The sooner it's dealt with, the less damage there is. A small leak can ruin the insulation, the roof timbers and the ceilings inside the house.
After a storm with strong winds, it's worth looking at the roof from the street or a window. Lifted or slipped tiles are easy to spot and best put right before the next rain.
Waterproofing terraces and flat roofs
On a terrace or flat roof, water is held back by a waterproof layer. This might be a bitumen membrane, laid in rolls with heat, or a liquid membrane, applied with a roller or brush to form a seamless coating. The choice depends on use: a terrace you walk on needs a finish on top to protect the waterproofing.
Drainage matters just as much. The terrace should slope towards the drains, and the drains must be kept clear. The joints along walls, door thresholds and parapets are where water most often gets in.
How we work, and what affects the price
We start by inspecting the roof and tracing the source of the problem. Water doesn't always get in where the stain appears: it can run along beams or walls and show up somewhere else. Then we explain what we've found and propose a solution.
The price depends on access to the roof, the area to repair or waterproof, the type of tile, the condition of the timbers and insulation, and the final finish. In blocks of flats, the roof and roof terraces are usually shared areas, so decisions go through the condominium.
A safety note: working at height needs proper equipment. Please don't climb onto the roof to look at the problem. Take photos from the ground or from a window and send them to us.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find out where a leak is coming from?
It isn't always obvious, because water can travel several metres before it shows. The source is found by inspecting the roof or terrace, the flashing and the gutters. Photos of the stain, and a note of when it appears (in heavy rain, in wind), help a great deal.
Can I replace just a few roof tiles?
Often, yes: the broken tiles are replaced and the flashing repaired. If the timbers or insulation are damaged, or the tiles are generally worn, a larger repair may make more sense. We explain the options after the inspection.
When is the best time to waterproof a terrace?
In dry weather, because the materials need a dry base and time to cure. Ideally, plan it before the rainy season. If the leak is urgent, a temporary repair can be made.
In a block of flats, who pays for roof repairs?
The roof is normally a shared area, decided on and paid for by the condominium. There are special cases, such as terraces for the exclusive use of one flat. Check with the condominium administration.
Does the terrace floor have to come up to waterproof it?
It depends on the state of the terrace. Some systems are applied over the existing floor; others require removing it to treat the base. During the visit we assess what makes sense in your case.