Whether it’s a slipped tile, a minor leak, or ageing lead work, addressing roof problems early can save you thousands in the long run. Here’s why you shouldn’t ignore the signs.

Minor Damage Can Quickly Escalate

That tiny drip or cracked tile might seem harmless now, but over time it can lead to:

• Rotting roof timbers

• Damaged insulation

• Damp and mould inside your home

• Structural issues

What starts as a simple repair can quickly become a full roof replacement if left too long. Acting early means smaller repair costs and less disruption.

Water Always Finds a Way In

Once water gets under your roofing materials—whether slates, tiles, or flat roofing—it doesn’t stop. Moisture can spread behind walls, into ceilings, and even into your electrics.

Early signs of water ingress include:

• Brown ceiling patches

• Bubbling paint or plaster

• A musty smell in loft spaces

• Moss growth or staining on exterior walls

If you’ve noticed any of these, it’s time to get it checked.

Devon Weather Makes Roofs Vulnerable

Living in the South West, we’re no strangers to wind, rain, and storms. Sudden gusts can lift loose slates, and driving rain can test even the smallest weakness in your roof.

That’s why regular checks and swift action are essential—especially before and after harsh weather. Waiting could make things worse, faster.

Delays Can Void Insurance or Cause Rejection of Claims

Many home insurance policies require you to maintain your roof properly. If you ignore a known issue and it leads to further damage, insurers may reject your claim.

Booking a professional inspection and acting quickly not only protects your home—it also protects your policy.

Protect Your Home’s Value

If you’re thinking of selling in the future, roof issues can knock thousands off your asking price or delay your sale entirely. A roof in poor condition is a major red flag for buyers.

On the other hand, a well-maintained roof adds curb appeal, peace of mind, and long-term value.

Let South Hams Roofing Services Help

We’ve been repairing and replacing roofs across Devon for years. Whether you need a minor fix or a full assessment, our experienced team is here to help.

We handle all aspects of roof care, including:

• Roof inspections and leak detection

• Tile, slate, and flat roof repairs

• Lead work and chimney flashing

• Asbestos roof removal

• Gutter repairs and roofline upgrades

We can even manage larger projects and listed building work, taking care of scaffolding, building control, and full project planning in-house.

Don’t Wait Until Autumn—Act Now

Autumn and winter bring storms, frost, and heavy rain. That’s when weak roofs fail. If you suspect something isn’t right with your roof, get it sorted before the weather turns.

Call South Hams Roofing Services today on 01803 900122 or visit www.southhamsroofingservices.co.uk to arrange a free quote.

Fibreglass Roofing

GRP fibreglass is one of the most durable flat roofing systems available. A properly installed GRP roof can last 20–30 years or more, thanks to its seamless, composite construction. Fibreglass roofs are fully bonded and weatherproof, so water cannot penetrate. They are also light and can be fitted over many existing roofs to save cost. Our team custom-apply the GRP laminate, hardener and finish coat to create a smooth, tough waterproof layer. In short, GRP fibreglass gives you a long-lasting, low-maintenance roof.

• Advantages: Extremely long life (20–30+ years), fully seamless membrane, UV-stable and crack-resistant. It even costs less over a lifetime than alternative materials.

• Professional finish: Our installers use high-quality resins and glass fibre mats (450g or 600g grades) as needed. A final polymer coating protects against wear and fading.

• Overlay capability: We can often install GRP directly over an existing flat roof, cutting out waste and labour by avoiding a full tear-off.

Both fibreglass and EPDM systems offer excellent water resistance – one is not waterproof at the expense of the other. (Fibreglass is fully bonded and seamless, while EPDM rubber is highly durable and even resists algae growth.) Our experts will recommend the best solution for your budget and roof shape.

Roof Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the key to a healthy roof. Our preventive upkeep includes inspection, cleaning, and minor repairs to stop small issues from growing. Routine checks catch loose tiles, worn seals, or blocked gutters before they cause leaks and damage. Well-maintained roofs last far longer, saving you money in the long run.

We even use drone roof surveys for fast, safe inspections. By flying a DJI drone over your property, we can see every corner of your roof and generate a detailed report – all without the cost of scaffolding. This means accurate, in-depth inspections at a lower price. Just let us know if you’d like a drone assessment on your next check-up.

• What we do: Conduct thorough roof surveys (drones available), clear debris, reseal flashing, replace broken tiles or lead, and restore gutters.

• Why maintain: Regular cleaning and checks extend your roof’s life. They prevent leaks, mould, and structural rot, and help maintain energy efficiency by keeping insulation dry and intact.

Asbestos Removal

Safe asbestos removal is essential on older roofs. Many barns, garages, and outbuildings in Devon still have cement-asbestos roofing sheets. While asbestos cement was once common, it’s a Class A carcinogen and must be handled by professionals. Our team is fully trained and licensed in asbestos removal, ensuring your safety and compliance at every step.

Our asbestos service includes:

• A trained team in full PPE removing asbestos tiles or sheets under strict safety protocols.

• Containment measures: We seal off the work area with barriers and use sprayers to keep fibers wet, minimizing airborne dust.

• Safe disposal: All waste is carefully bagged and transported to licensed disposal sites. We provide the required waste certificates on completion.

Once the asbestos is removed, we’ll replace your roof with a modern, safe material (such as fibre-cement, slate, or GRP) that looks great and lasts longer. As our guide explains, we take care of everything from the initial survey through to building control approval. In short, we remove the hazard and leave you with a brand-new, worry-free roof.

Slates and Tiles

Devon homes often feature natural slate or clay tile roofs, cherished for their beauty and longevity. Our roofers install and repair all kinds of pitched roofs, using high-quality slate and traditional tiles suited to your property’s style. Natural slate in particular is extremely durable – properly installed, a slate roof can last 100–150 years, far beyond most materials. It is naturally water-resistant, fireproof, and blends with historic architecture.

Whether your roof needs new slates, replacing cracked tiles, or re-bedding ridge tiles, we handle it. We carefully match new slates or tiles to your existing roof, preserving character and value. Our craftsmen also ensure tight overlaps and secure fixings (copper or stainless nails) so that your roof stays leak-proof against Devon’s weather.

“When it comes to traditional slate roofing, there’s something special about its enduring beauty and longevity,” as one specialist puts it. We agree – and we have the skills to make your slate or tile roof both beautiful and weather-tight for generations.

Gutters and Gullys

Well-maintained gutters and gullys (drains) are vital for any roof. They channel rainwater safely away from your walls and foundations. If gutters clog with leaves or moss, water can overflow and cause damp patches inside – sometimes hidden until major damage occurs. We offer full gutter and gulley services: cleaning, unblocking, repairing or replacing damaged sections and downpipes.

• Prevent leaks and damp: Keeping gutters clear prevents overflow that leads to damp walls and ceilings.

• Longer lifespan: Routine gutter cleaning and minor repairs drastically extend the life of your guttering, saving you from expensive replacements later.

Our team will also check valley gullys (outlets) and blockages in your rainwater drains. Efficient drainage protects your home’s structure; as one Devon maintenance guide notes, properly functioning gutters “keep your home protected from the elements” and avoid costly damp issues. Trust us to sort your gutters and gullys so you can stay dry inside.

Lead Work

Lead is a traditional roofing material that’s often used for flashings, weatherings, and decorative details. It’s extremely durable (often lasting 50–100 years) and ideal for waterproof seals around chimneys, valleys, dormers and more. Our skilled leadworkers fabricate and fit custom lead flashings on site, soldering and bossing them to join roof materials seamlessly.

For example, we renew lead flashings around chimney stacks and re-bed ridge/bay windows in lead to prevent leaks. We can also install lead roll-edges, cheeks, and box gutters. As one industry expert notes, specialist leadwork is a rare skill – and it’s crucial for heritage roofs. Our team is trained in traditional leadwork techniques (“bossing and burning”), ensuring all joints and corners are fully sealed against rain. We also supply new lead to match original thickness and pattern, respecting the heritage of older properties.

Chimney Work

Chimneys often need attention: repointing mortar, re-flashing, and capping. We repair or rebuild chimney stacks, replace broken pots, and install high-quality mortar and lead collars (flaunching) at the base. Damaged chimney flashings are a common source of leaks; we re-mitre and seal all lead flashings to make them watertight. We can also fit chimney cowls or sparrow guards to stop rain or birds getting in. In short, we fully service your chimney to keep it standing strong and your loft dry.

Project Planning

Large roofing projects require careful planning. South Hams Roofing offers full project management. We start with a detailed survey and quote, then coordinate any scaffolding. For complicated works (e.g. extensions, loft conversions or multiple trades), we liaise with architects, builders and local building control so the job complies with regulations. In fact, we pride ourselves on being a “one stop shop” – taking care of everything from design and permits to permits and final inspection. Throughout, we keep you informed, giving you peace of mind that your project is handled efficiently from start to finish.

Rubber (EPDM Flat Roofing)

EPDM is a high-grade synthetic rubber used for flat roofs. It stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer and is prized for its excellent waterproofing. A single-ply EPDM membrane is rolled or bonded in place, creating a flexible, monolithic layer over the roof substrate. EPDM is quick to install and remains airtight year after year. According to roofing experts, it “demonstrates excellent waterproofing capabilities” and is widely used in UK flat roofs.

We install new EPDM roofs or overlay existing ones, using UV-resistant EPDM sheets and strong adhesives. Once cured, the membrane won’t crack, shrink or rot. (It also doesn’t support algae growth, helping with longevity.) EPDM can flex with temperature changes, making it ideal for long spans on commercial buildings. And it can be applied in wet or cold weather when other membranes can’t. Our team ensures the rubber sheet is fully sealed at edges and penetrations to give a fully watertight finish.

Heritage and Listed Buildings

Our heritage roofing expertise sets us apart. We have worked on many historic homes, listed buildings, churches and cottages across Devon. As one heritage roofer puts it, “there is no substitute for experience and knowledge of historic properties” when repairing old roofs. We respect this tradition – using matching materials (hand-split slate, clay tiles, traditional lead, etc.) and age-old techniques.

For example, when restoring a listed slate roof, we salvage any original slates we can and source the closest matches for replacements. We hand-cut slates and install them with the correct gauge and fixings to honour the building’s character. All new leadwork is fashioned to match traditional profiles. In this way, “replacement work preserves historical integrity” while meeting today’s standards. Our sensitive approach means your heritage roof will look right at home in its era – but perform like a modern roof.

If you own a period property, you’ll appreciate our care and attention to detail on these projects. We carry full insurance and work with conservation officers when needed, so you can trust us with even the most important heritage roofs.

Need a reliable roofing team in Devon? South Hams Roofing Services covers all roofing needs – from one-off repairs to full renewals. We are fully insured, professional, and proud of our friendly local service. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule a site visit. Call 01803 900122 or email contact@southhamspropertyservices.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help. Your roof is in safe hands with Devon’s experts – we look forward to working with you!

Here’s 18 Reasons As To Why It Could Be!

Faulty Or Damaged Flashing

A reason for leaks could be the use of poor installation practises during construction; improper flashing installation means water will eventually find its way into your home through small gaps in your roof’s protection system where there should never be any holes at all!

What is flashing? Flashing is a small piece of metal that is used to seal the gap between the roof and wall. Flashing can become damaged or missing, which thus allows water to seep into your home.

Aged Roofing Materials

One of the most common reasons for a roof leak is old, deteriorated or damaged materials. The roof of your home is one of the most important aspects of it and its longevity depends on how well you maintain it. Extreme temperatures over time, as well as severe weather such as rain, snow and hail can damage your roofing materials.

If your roof is exposed to these elements over an extended period of time, they can begin to deteriorate or break down which will then lead to issues down the line.

There are various factors to consider when looking at the cause of a rook leak, including old or damaged materials such as shingles or flashings (the metal foil that covers joints between two pieces of shingles.)

Damaged Roofing Membranes Or Underlay

Roofing membranes are the primary layer of protection for your roof. They are installed to protect the roofing materials from the elements, and they also serve as a barrier between your home and water damage.

To protect against weathering effects, such as wind-blown rain or heavy snow loads, Underlayment is sometimes used instead of a membrane.

If either of these components are damaged or torn in any way, they can leave your roof vulnerable to leaks and damage that could turn into bigger problems down the line.

Broken Or Missing Roofing Tiles/Slates

A leaky roof can be a big problem, as they can cause damage to the interior of your property and even, potentially lead to further problems if left untreated. It’s therefore very important to check for broken slates or tiles on your roof. If you noticed that any of your slates or tiles are broken it is advisable to have them replaced immediately by an expert roofer.

The easiest way to check if any tiles are missing from your roof is by looking at it from ground level. If you cannot see any gaps in between the slates then this is an indication that everything is intact and there are no missing items on the surface of your home’s exterior walls.

Poorly Placed Fixings

On some instances, it’s the fixings themselves that are to blame. Roof tiles and slates are laid on top of a framework of wooden battens, which are then fixed to the roof with screws or nails. If the fixings aren’t placed correctly – for example, if they’re not entered over the tile/slate or if there are one too many holes around the edge – they can cause water to leak into your home. To stop this from happening:

• Make sure all the screws and nails are driven into the batten at least 1″ from where it meets other pieces of wood (the closer you get to an edge, the higher risk there is for leakage.)
• Use a pair of pliers to fix any damaged parts carefully and seal any holes left bending with silicone caulk before re-fixing.

Condensation In Your Loft Space

Interstitial condensation and surface condensation were the two types of condensation which could be found in your loft space.

Condensation is usually caused by high humidity, which can be caused by a number of different factors. The first factor could be the installation of an under-ventilated roof system. This means that there could be gaps or voids in your attic insulation that allow for moisture to build up and cause problems. We suggest that if you think this could the cause with your attic, that you contact a roof expert as soon as possible!

Lack of airflow is another reason for condensation. Or, air exchange in your home’s ventilation system. To remedy this problem, you’ll need to install adequate roof ventilation; otherwise, your house will retain moisture and could become mouldy.

Poorly Installed Skylights Or Roof Windows

The poor installation of Roof Skylights or Windows is a common reason as to why a roof leaks.

Clogged Gutters

If you have gutters attached to your home, you should make sure to clean them regularly. The best time to clean them is before leaves start falling in the fall and after heavy rains or storms.

When leaves land in your gutter, they can become stuck in there, causing water to pool and leak into the house instead of draining away from it through the downspout.

Cracked Chimney

If your home is old, there is a high chance that your chimney may have never been cleaned. Due to this, your chimney may be filled with years of creosote and other debris that could have built up over the years. This could result in condensation forming within the flue structure itself, leading to leaks in roofing materials and ceilings below.

To avoid this, make sure that your chimney is being swept regularly so that all of this debris can be removed from inside and make sure to have your chimney inspected annually by a professional so that they can make sure there aren’t any cracks or structural issues emerging.

Ice Damming

You may be wondering what Ice Damming is, well, it’s when snow on your roof melts due to the warmth of the house below and then refreezes as it reaches the edges. As more snow melts and refreezes, an ice dam can form. This can enable water to seep into your attic and leak through ceiling tiles or walls. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to prevent ice dams:

• Drag snow off of your roof using a roof rake before it turns into an icicle-filled mess that could damage your home’s exterior or interior structure by breaking off during windy conditions.
• Inspect your gutters regularly and clear them if they’re clogged with debris like leaves or pine needles.

Damaged Roof Vents

Roof Vents are vital to your home’s structural longevity. Venting allows air to flow in and out of your home so that no moisture gets trapped and causes damage. If you spot any cracks in your roof vents, it’s vital that you begin the repair process!

Damaged Soffit or Fascia Boards

One of the most common ways for damage to occur is through Soffit or Fascia Boards. These boards run along the edge of your roof and are typically made from wood, aluminium or vinyl. They’re used to protect walls from rainwater leaks as well as insulation from melting during extreme heat or cold conditions such as those experienced in the winter months.

These boards, however, are often damaged by high winds during storms or ice buildups during freezing temperatures in the winter months.

Working On Your Roof

Never work on a roof when it’s wet or raining, this in order to avoid roof leaks. It is also advised to make sure that the ladder you are using is stable and tall enough for the job. There are other safety measures that you should take as well:

• Don’t stand on top of your ladder.
• Don’t use an aluminium ladder on a metal roof because they don’t conduct electricity like wood ladders do.

Wildlife

Most Birds, Squirrels and Racoons can be harmless to your roof. However, if they find a way to settle on the roof for a long time, they can unintentionally cause damage. If you’re vigilant enough to keep them off, then this shouldn’t be an issue.

You could use netting or a netting-type material around the perimeter of your home so that when they get up high enough on the side of a house they’ll fall back down before making it over to the roof line. You might have success with this method alone in preventing wildlife from getting up there in the first place!

Overhanging Trees

Overhanging Trees can unfortunately cause significant damage to your roof. This can include structural damage to your roof, damage to the insulation, and even damage to your roofing materials.

It could also result in you having to replace any other parts of your home that were damaged because of this leak, such as gutters or fascia boards.

Lean-To Roof

If your roof is sloping on one side only and not the other, then its a lean-to roof. These types of roofs are often used to extend the living space of a property or house by creating an extension. They’re also useful for creating an independent living space n the ground floor of your property such as an additional bathroom or bedroom.

It’s vital, however, to keep a close eye as this is where your main roof often sheds rainwater. If this continues, it can increase the moisture levels and overtime, can compromise the integrity, eventually leading to a leak via the roofing material or its underlay.

Punctures or Pooling Water

A puncture in your roof could be allowing water to seep through, if this is the case, you will see water pooling on your ceiling or inside of your attic.

You could even have a puncture in one of your skylights, which will cause water to leak through the roof when it rains.

Finally, a leaking chimney flashing could be causing leaks in your home’s ceiling.

Need To Fix Your Leaking Roof?

If you need advice, or would like help with fixing your leaking roof, please get in touch with us today for a free no obligation quote. We have over 25 years of experience and are experts in the field of roofing.