A roof leak: what to do before the roofer arrives.

Make the indoor area safe

If it is safe to do so, move furniture, rugs and electrical items away from the dripping area. Use a suitable container to catch water and place a towel or tray beneath it to reduce splashing. Keep children and pets away from the affected area.

If water is close to sockets, light fittings, a consumer unit or other electrical equipment, do not touch wet fittings. Contact a qualified electrician for advice. If there is an immediate danger to people, use the appropriate emergency service.

Do not climb onto the roof

A wet roof can be slippery and storm damage can make coverings or fragile sheets unstable. Ladders and roof access introduce additional risk, especially in bad weather. Do not go onto the roof to find the leak or attempt a temporary covering yourself.

You can still gather useful evidence from indoors or from ground level. Take photographs only where you can do so safely.

Gather details that help the diagnosis

Before calling, make a short note of what you know. This does not replace an inspection, but it helps the roofer understand the situation.

• Where is water appearing indoors?
• When did you first notice it?
• Does it happen in every period of rain or mainly in wind-driven rain?
• Can you see missing tiles or damaged guttering from the ground?
• Has the same area leaked before?
• What is the property postcode and the best number to call?

Avoid guesswork and quick chemical fixes

The visible indoor drip is not always directly below the roof entry point. Water can travel before it appears. Randomly sealing an area from inside may hide the symptom without addressing the cause and can make later diagnosis harder.

Temporary indoor containment is different from attempting a roof repair. Keep the first steps simple and safe, then let a roofer trace the likely entry point.

When you call J5

Describe what is happening, where you are and whether water is actively entering. J5 Roofing’s published opening hours are Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 19:30. Call 0121 839 1490 during those hours to discuss the issue and availability. You can also send the enquiry form with your contact details and a short description.