In this guide
When water appears inside the house, you do not need to know the name of the roof part that has failed. A clear description of what you can see is enough to start the conversation.
Keep away from unsafe areas
Do not climb onto the roof or onto an extension to investigate. Roof surfaces and rooflights can be fragile even when they look solid; see HSE guidance on fragile roofs. Keep clear of falling materials and any visibly sagging ceiling.
If water is reaching electrical fittings, keep away from them and seek professional electrical advice. Do not touch wet switches or a wet or damaged fuse box. Electrical Safety First’s guidance on water and electrics explains the risk.
Describe the water, not your best guess
Tell the roofer which room is affected and where the mark appears: beside a chimney breast, near an outside wall, below a rooflight or in the middle of an extension ceiling. Mention whether it is an active drip, a new stain or an older mark that becomes darker after rain.
It also helps to say when you first noticed it and whether it happens in prolonged rain, wind-driven rain or every shower. These details help explain the pattern; they do not prove the cause.
Photographs that help
- A wider view of the affected room or ceiling, followed by the visible mark.
- A view of the relevant side of the house, taken from the ground.
- Any visible damaged or missing covering that can be photographed safely.
- Access details such as an extension, shared passage or restricted driveway.
Do not enter an unsafe loft or disturb materials to get a better picture. An ordinary photograph from a safe place is more useful than taking a risk for a close-up.
Mention urgency at the start
Say immediately if water is coming in now. Give the property postcode and a contact number, then explain any immediate risks. Ask about availability for the situation rather than assuming a same-day or out-of-hours visit.
Call 0113 460 2321 to discuss your enquiry, or prepare an email with the details. For the next step, read about roof repairs and diagnosis.