rain water coming thru ceiling

[oldgirl]

During the high wind, rain water has started to come thru the ceiling. There is a dormer window above. We did have this problem some years ago and my husband fixed it. Didn't have any problems until 3/4 days ago. Rain water comes in only if there is high winds which we are experiencing now.
Last year we had asked a builder to check and repair any defective flashing etc whilst the gutters were being replaced. I'm told this was done.
I've no idea what to do.
Pl can someone tell me how to sort this out? Do I go to some roof specialist to determine the source of problem. I researched the net and understand that it can be quite difficult to determine where it's coming from and how to fix it.
Hubby can't help any more due to illness.
Also is this something I can claim from the house insurance?we have never claimed for anything in the past.
Thanking you in advance.
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[jj4091]

As you realise it could be any number of things. You can claim for anything on your home insurance, but whether they pay out may be a different matter. You need to ascertain what the problem is first of all & no-one on here will be able to tell you that. The only way forward is to get quotes or estimates from reputable builders or roofers & then consider if it is storm damage or wear & tear which is not covered by insurance. The fact that you have had the problem before suggests that it is wear & tear but you don't need to tell anybody that.

 

[Burnerman]

If you can post some pics of the suspect areas then maybe we can give you some idea of where to look......
With storm winds, water can be blown horizontally or even up hill, bypassing the odd flashing - so this may be something thats nigh on impossible to permanently cure.
As for the insurance, well you can claim for any damage done, but you may need to check the small print of your contents cover - and one things for sure, they'll get you back in the future!
John

 

[oldgirl]

Thank you for yr suggestions. Would a building surveyor b able to ascertain what is the problem and then recommend remedial measures? rather than get a builder to find out possible causes. I thought that building surveyors are experts on building problems. Would it help if I get in touch with roofers association? Our house is Edwardian. I think that tiles are original.

 

[oldgirl]

Also what sort of pictures should I take? dormer area from outside the house? Looking down from dormer window? And the room ceiling? Would these be helpful?

 

[Burnerman]

I'd go for a trusted roofer, really....more likely to be hands on than a building surveyor.
Give us outdoor photos if you can, especially around the dormer flashings, and one from the inside showing the water ingress. I appreciate this is a bit tricky though!
John

 

[jj4091]

I agree with Burnerman about a roofer being more suitable than anyone else, I really don't think you will find this problem by just looking at it from the outside unless it is just missing slates or tiles. The fact that it is only getting in during high winds suggests to me that it will probably need stripping back to find the problem.

 

[oldgirl]

Thank you to you both, burnerman and jj4091.
Ok so roof expert it is. Now how can one find a good roofer? Any tips. Asked everyone I know and got no recommendation.
I've just been done in by a builder who did my patio. My fault. He sweet talked me into paying in advance for the last bit of work and they didn't complete all the work. So I'm now quite afraid because I don't know anything about buildings.
To start with where is the best place to find a roofer? I suppose I should invite 2 or 3. Then how does one decide who is good? And yes I won't b paying in advance!
Sorry to sound so daft.
I'm very worried as the water hasn't stopped coming in due to the windy weather we are hving right now and apparently going to continue to 2 to 3 weeks.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

oldgirl, with regards to finding a roofer it is always best to get one that is highly recommended to you with person testimonies of quality and satisfaction of work, this can often be quite difficult.
As you have not posted your location, it might just be if you could, that there is a trusted roofer that can be pointed out to you in your area by a member of this site.
As far as photos, anything could be relevant and helpful..
The common issues are flashing, tiles, guttering....
If you could also indicate where the water is coming in, inside the property that may also help, but rain with driving wind is often tough to diagnose and I would chose a good roofer, rather than a surveyor to do this.
With respect to claim, I would first get some quotes for any remedial work, then see if it stakes up against any upfront costs of claiming and the added penalties on renewal of policy.

 

[jj4091]

http://www.nfrc.co.uk/ The national roofers assc. website is here & they have a tool for finding registered members in your area

 

[oldgirl]

Thank you jj4091for the Web link. Thank you PrenticeBoyofDerry.
I live in London Borough of Sutton. Near Croydon. Should I ask to speak with the people they have worked for? I worry roofers might think I'm too difficult to work for. All I want is for this problem to go away and get on with looking after husband.

 

[jj4091]

http://www.nfrc.co.uk/nfrc/search-members/search-listing here is the search for Croydon. I would ask 2 or 3 of them to have a look. If they think you are too difficult to work for then they are not worth patronising. Just explain to them the problem ie your roof is leaking into the house but only under windy conditions, they are the professionals & you now have there trade body to complain to if things go wrong after or if you have had work done. My only advice would be not to necasarily go for the cheapest option.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Or the expensive one either!
I would ask for testimonials/references from people they completed work for.
Anyone worth their salt should be able to offer you genuine satisfied clients.

 

[oldgirl]

I'll post here to let you know how I get along. Will have to do after xmas. This am took pics from outside. Will take more pics of inside later to past here just for info. Daughter and grandchildren here demanding attention! !! Merry xmas to you all.
Have to admit I'm not looking forward as more rain today Friday and next week.

Finally thank you so much for the tips etc. I'm writing down step by step all the questions I'll hv to ask.
Again thank you.

 

[Burnerman]

I'm sure many will join me in wishing you a very happy Christmas and New Year.......especially a dry one indoors!
John