My flat roof is leaking

[mrjoseph]

After paying 2 cowboy builders to repair my flat roof I've decided to do it myself. I'm not a builder, heck I don't even own any tools. But I'm guessing purchasing tools and materials will cost a lot less than paying some cowboy to do it.

Here is my problem.
A small section of my roof is flat. This is above my kitchen and next to the kitchen skylight. This part of the roof is covered in felt. What is under then felt is damaged. The last builders came and took the felt to reveal a hole in what I think is tarmac. The filled this hole with some gray paste then recovered the roof with felt.

The roof is still leaking.

By looking at these pictures can anyone tell me what is under the felt? Is it timber or tarmac? I know I'm gonna have to rip up the felt but before I start this job but can anyone give me an idea on how difficult this job may be?

Only this section of my roof is covered with felt. The rest is tarmac. I'm sure of it.

 

[masona]

The leaking may not be where you think ! A fine hairline crack on the slate tiles or the flashing on the side has failed not neccessary the flat roof.

The window bottom have no cill which should have otherwise more problem.

I would say the whole lot want ripping out and start again and the window to be made slightly smaller to put in a bottom cill so the rain will not go into the joint.

Also the felt may not go higher enough underneath the first row of tiles.

As you said you don't own any tools telling me you don't do any diy but I maybe wrong.

If I was you, I would go down to your local building control department and they will tell the most highly recommendation for flat roof specialist.

I don't know how big your roof is, if you can you are better off having a low pitch roof for trouble free maintenance, 15 degree is the lowest you can go.

Just a thought you may find it easier by fitting metal box section roofing sheeting instead of felt.

 

[mrjoseph]

Thanks for the reply.

I think I'm going to have to get someone in if that is the case. I'm based in the North London area. Can you recommend any companies?

 

[breezer]

there are so few regulars and we are so far apart, i doubt it, suggest you try yellow pages, but get several quotes

 

[masona]

I'm based in the North London area. Can you recommend any companies?

Give your building control a ring and they will give you a lists of recommendation. Any bad workmanship they know they will get struck off which tarnish their reputation.

 

[mrjoseph]

building control?

Who are they?

Sorry for sounding stupid.

I'll contact the council. They should have details for building control

Cheers for you help.

 

[masona]

Yes your local council should have a building control department.

 

[a1roofingservices]

Best thing would be to strip off the felt and determine what is beneath, normally chip board or plywood. Remove any soaked boards, re board with three quarter inch ply and apply new felt.