Roof Leaking After New Roofing Work
If your roof is leaking after recent roofing work, you're understandably frustrated. You paid for the problem to be fixed – not made worse.
Understanding Your Situation
Discovering a leak after having roofing work done is both frustrating and concerning. You've invested money to solve a problem, and now you're dealing with water damage, disruption, and uncertainty about whether your contractor will return to fix it.
The key question is whether the leak is due to defective workmanship, a problem with materials, or an unrelated issue. Understanding this will determine your next steps and legal position.
Common Causes of Post-Work Leaks
Inadequate Weatherproofing
Poorly installed flashing, insufficient overlap on tiles, or missed underlayment are common causes. These defects may not show immediately but become apparent during heavy rain.
Rushed or Incomplete Work
Contractors cutting corners to finish quickly may skip essential steps like proper valley installation or adequate sealing around penetrations (chimneys, vents, skylights).
Material Defects
Occasionally, the leak is due to faulty materials rather than workmanship – though a professional roofer should identify and reject defective materials before installation.
Pre-Existing Damage Missed
Sometimes underlying structural issues weren't addressed during the initial work, allowing water to find new entry points.
What Not to Do Next
- ×Don't delay reporting the leak to your roofer – prompt notification is important for your legal position
- ×Don't attempt DIY repairs without documenting the problem first – you might destroy evidence of poor workmanship
- ×Don't hire another roofer immediately to fix it without giving the original contractor reasonable opportunity to inspect and rectify
- ×Don't ignore water damage to ceilings, walls or belongings – document everything for potential claims
Practical Steps You Can Take Now
1. Document the Leak Immediately
Take photos and videos of the leak, water damage, and the affected roof area from inside and outside. Note the date, time, and weather conditions. This evidence is crucial.
2. Contact the Original Roofer in Writing
Send a clear written notice (email and text) reporting the leak and requesting immediate inspection. Give them a reasonable deadline (e.g., 7 days) to respond and arrange repair. Keep all records.
3. Minimise Further Damage
You have a duty to mitigate losses. Use temporary measures like buckets, towels, or tarps to prevent further damage – but photograph everything before and after any temporary fixes.
4. Get an Independent Assessment
If the original roofer doesn't respond or disputes the problem, arrange for an independent roofing professional or surveyor to inspect and provide a written report identifying the cause.
5. Check Your Contract and Guarantee
Review any written agreement, quote, or guarantee provided. Many roofers offer a workmanship warranty (often 1-10 years). If no written guarantee exists, you still have legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act.
6. Consider Emergency Repairs
If the leak is causing significant ongoing damage and the original roofer won't respond, you may need to arrange emergency repairs. Keep all receipts and documentation – these costs may be recoverable.
Your Consumer Rights
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, services must be:
- •Performed with reasonable care and skill
- •Fit for purpose (i.e., your roof should not leak)
- •Completed within a reasonable time
If these standards aren't met, you have the right to request the work be redone at no extra cost. If the roofer refuses or cannot fix it, you may be entitled to a price reduction or the cost of hiring someone else to complete the work properly.
Avoiding This Problem in Future
The most effective way to protect yourself is to use a roofer who is backed by an independent guarantee scheme. With the Roofing Protection Scheme:
- Optional RPS Protection on eligible work (up to £20,000 over 10 years)
- Members are vetted and must maintain professional standards
- Independent dispute resolution if problems arise
- Protection even if the roofer stops trading
Legal Disclaimer: This guidance is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The Roofing Protection Scheme provides access to vetted roofers and dispute resolution for work carried out by our members only. For legal advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified solicitor or contact Citizens Advice.