Hi, I am Charles the owner of Go Local Roofing, a roofing company in Redhill. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping countless homeowners throughout Surrey, maintaining and repairing their roofs, and one area I’ve found that often causes issues is the dormer roof. Loft conversions and dormers can add much needed extra room to your home, but they also come with their own set of challenges—most notably, leaks.
Dormer roofs are susceptible to leaks for several reasons. They introduce additional angles, seams, and roof-to-wall junctions that make them more complex than a standard sloping roof. Because of these factors, water can find its way into your home if the dormer isn’t properly sealed or maintained. In this blog post, I’ll explain some of the most common places dormer roofs leak, why it happens, and what you should do if you find a leak.
Common Places Dormer Roofs Leak
There are several key areas where dormer roofs tend to develop leaks, and from my experience, these are the top culprits:
1. Roof Valleys
Dormers often create roof valleys, which are the areas where two roof planes meet and form a channel. These valleys are meant to funnel water down the roof, but if they become clogged with debris, damaged, or improperly sealed, they can allow water to pool and seep into your home. Over time, this can cause leaks inside your property.
I’ve often seen valleys that have not been maintained properly, leading to serious water damage. Regular cleaning and inspections are essential to ensure that water is flowing smoothly through the valleys and not collecting or getting trapped.
2. Dormer Flashing
Flashing is a material (usually metal) installed around dormer edges where the roof meets the dormer walls. Its job is to create a watertight seal that prevents leaks. However, over time, flashing can corrode, crack, or become loose due to weather exposure, leaving gaps where water can penetrate.
In my experience, flashing problems are one of the most common reasons dormer roofs leak. If the flashing was not installed properly to begin with, or if it has deteriorated over time, it needs to be replaced or repaired to ensure the dormer remains leak-free.
3. Shingles or Tiles Around the Dormer
The shingles or tiles surrounding your dormer are also a potential source of leaks. If these tiles are cracked, loose, or missing altogether, water can easily seep into the gaps and find its way into your home. Over time, even a small amount of water can cause significant damage to the underlying roof structure, leading to more extensive repairs.
From my years of working with roofs, I’ve seen that many dormer leaks start from just a few damaged tiles that were overlooked. It’s important to regularly inspect the area around the dormer and replace any damaged shingles or tiles as soon as possible.
4. Window Seals on the Dormer
If your dormer includes a window, the seals around the window are another common area for leaks. Over time, the sealant around the window frame can break down, allowing water to seep in. This can cause dampness and water stains around the window, and in severe cases, lead to rot or structural damage to the surrounding walls.
I’ve had customers call me out to check what they thought was a roof issue, only to find that the real culprit was a failing window seal. Reapplying or replacing the sealant can often solve the problem and prevent further damage.
5. Dormer Siding
The siding (cladding) around the dormer can also be a source of leaks if it is not properly installed or if it has deteriorated over time. Siding is designed to keep water out, but if there are gaps, cracks, or loose panels, water can infiltrate the dormer and cause leaks inside the home.
In my experience, I’ve found that improper installation or lack of maintenance is often the cause of siding-related leaks. Regular inspections of the siding can help identify any potential issues before they turn into major problems.
What to Do If You Get a Dormer Roof Leak
Now that you know some of the common places dormer roofs leak, you might be wondering what to do if you find yourself with a leak. Here’s my step-by-step advice based on years of experience:
1. Identify the Source
The first step is to locate the source of the leak. This can sometimes be tricky, as water may travel along beams or walls before it becomes visible inside your home. Check the dormer valleys, flashing, shingles, window seals, and siding for any signs of damage or wear.
2. Take Immediate Action
If you notice water coming in, it’s important to act quickly to prevent further damage. Move any belongings away from the leak and place a bucket or tarp to catch the water. While this won’t fix the issue, it will help minimise damage until you can get a professional to inspect it.
3. Inspect the Roof and Dormer
While you can do a visual inspection from the ground, it’s best to call a professional roofing company like Go Local Roofing to thoroughly inspect the roof. We’ll be able to identify any underlying issues that may not be immediately obvious and provide you with a clear plan of action to fix the problem.
4. Repair the Damage
Once the source of the leak is identified, it’s time to repair it. This could involve replacing flashing, repairing or replacing shingles, resealing windows, or addressing any issues with the siding. As a professional roofer, I always recommend getting these repairs done as soon as possible to prevent further water damage and costly repairs down the line.
5. Prevent Future Leaks
To prevent future leaks, it’s important to maintain your dormer and roof. This means regularly cleaning gutters and roof valleys, inspecting the flashing and shingles for damage, and keeping an eye on the condition of the siding and window seals. Regular maintenance can catch small issues before they turn into major problems.
Why You Should Call a Professional
While some homeowners may feel comfortable inspecting or making minor repairs to their dormer roof, many dormer leaks require the expertise of a professional. Dormers involve complex angles, and mistakes during repairs can lead to even more leaks. A professional roofer like myself has the experience and tools to do the job correctly and efficiently, ensuring that your home remains protected from water damage.
At Go Local Roofing, we have years of experience working with dormer roofs. Whether it’s fixing a small leak or conducting a full inspection to catch potential issues, we’re here to help. We’ll assess the problem, provide a clear plan for repair, and ensure that your roof is watertight and protected.
Call Charles Today for a Dormer Roof Inspection
If you’ve noticed a leak in your dormer roof and are looking for a roofer in Merstham, roofer in Redhill or Surrey, don’t wait until the problem gets worse. Leaks can cause serious damage to your home if left untreated, but the good news is that with prompt action, most issues can be fixed quickly and efficiently.
Give me, Charles Williams, a call at Go Local Roofing on 01737 303800 to arrange an inspection of your dormer. Whether you need a small repair or a full inspection, I’m here to help keep your home safe, dry, and secure. Let’s get your dormer roof back in top shape before any more damage occurs!
