Emergency roof repair in Epsom

If water's actively coming in, the first job is to stop it getting worse, not necessarily to complete the permanent repair there and then. We'll make the roof safe and watertight, with whichever temporary fix is suitable for what's gone wrong, usually a tarpaulin or sealing a slipped tile or lifted flashing, then come back to finish the proper repair once the roof is dry and it's safe to assess properly. Call us and tell us what you're seeing: where the water's showing, whether it's getting worse, and whether anything's visibly moved or come off the roof.

What counts as an emergency?

Water actively entering the building, roofing that's come loose and could fall, storm damage that's left part of the roof exposed, or a blocked gutter filter sending water back under the covering are reasons to call straight away. A roof leaking slowly but steadily, or a loose tile that hasn't moved further, can usually wait for a normal appointment, though it's worth getting looked at soon.

If you're not sure which category you're in, call us and describe it. It's a quicker and more useful first step than guessing. Anything above single-storey height, or a roof that can't be safely reached with a ladder, needs scaffolding or tower access before a permanent repair can go ahead, which affects how quickly the final fix can happen even once the temporary one is done.

What happens if you put a roof on in the rain?

Roofing work, including repairs, is normally done in dry conditions because most materials (felt, EPDM, flashing sealants, mortar for ridge tiles) need to bond or cure properly, and that doesn't happen reliably on a wet surface. In a genuine emergency we'll still make a roof safe in poor weather, using a temporary covering like a tarpaulin that doesn't rely on bonding, and schedule the permanent fix for the next dry spell.

It's the safer approach: a repair rushed through in the rain is more likely to fail again soon after.

Who's the right person to call for a leaking roof?

Someone who can get to you quickly and is honest about what's a genuine emergency fix versus what can wait. Be cautious of anyone who turns up uninvited after a storm offering to look at your roof, a known approach used by rogue traders exploiting people in a rush. If you're calling around, ask what the call-out involves, whether there's a call-out charge on top of the repair, and get a price before work starts wherever the situation allows it.

Questions people ask

What happens if a roof leak is left untreated?

Water finds the lowest point, so it spreads: soaked insulation, stained ceilings, damp timber, and over time rot in rafters or battens underneath. An emergency call-out exists to stop that process early, before a cheap fix turns into a much bigger repair bill.

How much does emergency roof repair cost?

Expect a call-out charge, typically in the region of £150 to £300 for a same-day or out-of-hours visit, which covers making the roof safe and watertight. The temporary fix is usually included in that; a permanent repair is quoted separately once the roof's properly assessed, and costs the same as it would for a non-emergency repair of the same job.

Is it normal for a roof to leak more in heavy rain?

Yes, and it's a useful detail when you call us. Heavy or wind-driven rain can force water past a joint or flashing that copes fine with light rain, or overwhelm a partly blocked gutter or outlet, so a leak that only shows up in a downpour often points to a specific, findable cause rather than general wear.

Am I liable if a roofer gets hurt working on my roof?

A roofer working on your property should hold their own public liability insurance to cover injury on site, it isn't something you need to provide as the homeowner. It's reasonable to ask whoever you hire about their insurance before work starts, particularly for anything involving a ladder or roof access.