Your roof is leaking — here is exactly what to do right now. Step-by-step emergency guide for West London homeowners. 24/7 help. 0203 302 2547.
Move everyone away from the area directly below the leak. Water flowing through a ceiling carries plaster dust and debris. Move furniture, electronics and valuables out of the drip zone. Lay towels along the base of any affected walls to prevent water spreading across floors.
Place buckets, washing-up bowls or any waterproof containers under the drip points. If water is pooling on a ceiling and the surface is bulging downward, place a container underneath and carefully puncture the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way — an uncontrolled ceiling collapse causes far more damage.
This is the most important step. Wet tiles are extremely slippery. Damaged structures may be unstable. Storm conditions that caused the leak may still be active. Falls from residential roofs cause serious injuries and deaths every year. Professional roofers use scaffold, harnesses and trained techniques — none of which a homeowner has available at short notice.
Call 0203 302 2547 for 24/7 emergency response across West London. We aim to reach any West London property within 2–4 hours during working hours, 4–6 hours outside. A real person answers the phone — not a call centre. We make your property safe first, then quote for permanent repair.
Before any repair work begins, photograph all visible damage — the leak point inside, any ceiling or wall damage, and any water-damaged belongings. Date-stamp the photographs. This documentation is essential if you need to make an insurance claim. Your buildings insurance typically covers sudden storm damage but not gradual deterioration.
The priority is make-safe — stopping active water ingress and securing any loose materials. This typically involves tarpaulin installation over the damaged area, temporary flashing at the point of entry, and structural securing if any timbers are compromised. Make-safe is designed to hold until permanent repair can be scheduled, usually within 1–2 weeks.
These are two separate jobs with separate quotes. Make-safe costs £200–£500 depending on extent and access. Permanent repair is quoted after the make-safe assessment reveals the full extent of damage. We quote both transparently so you know exactly what each stage costs.
Storm damage, fallen trees, lightning strikes and sudden structural failures are typically covered by buildings insurance. Gradual deterioration, wear and tear, and maintenance failures are not. The distinction matters — and we document evidence to support genuine storm claims. The Association of British Insurers expects policyholders to take reasonable steps to mitigate further damage, so arranging emergency make-safe actually strengthens your claim.
The most common leak sources we see across West London are: displaced tiles after storms (especially on exposed hilltop properties in Harrow and Stanmore), failed lead flashings around chimneys (thermal fatigue from London's heat island), blocked valley gutters on Victorian terraces (Fulham, Kilburn, Willesden), and flat roof membrane failure on rear extensions (properties across every borough). Identifying the source is the first step toward permanent repair.
Most roof leaks are preventable with annual inspection and maintenance. A yearly professional inspection costs £120–£250 — and the fee is credited against any repair work booked. Gutter clearing in autumn, moss treatment on north-facing pitches, and timely repointing of chimney mortar joints all prevent the gradual deterioration that leads to sudden failure. Call 0203 302 2547 to book an inspection.
The Health and Safety Executive reports that falls from height remain the single largest cause of workplace fatalities in the UK, accounting for 29% of all deaths. Climbing onto a wet, damaged roof without training and equipment is one of the most dangerous things a homeowner can do.
Source: HSE fatal injury statistics
"Emergency tarp-up after the January storms — they were here within 3 hours and made everything safe. Permanent repair done the following week."
"Water coming through the bedroom ceiling at midnight. Called and a real person answered. They were out first thing and stopped the leak before breakfast."
"Flat roof on our extension failed after heavy rain. Fast response, honest quote, GRP replacement done in two days. No more leaks."
Move people and valuables away from the leak, contain water with buckets, and call a professional. Never go onto the roof yourself.
We aim for 2–4 hours during working hours across West London, 4–6 hours outside. Call 0203 302 2547 — a real person answers 24/7.
Emergency make-safe costs £200–£500 with no call-out fee. Permanent repair is quoted separately after assessment.
Storm damage and sudden structural failure are typically covered. Gradual deterioration and maintenance failures are not. We provide documentation for insurance claims.
You can contain water inside with buckets and towels. Do not attempt external repairs — wet roofs are extremely dangerous without professional equipment and training.
Displaced tiles after storms, failed lead flashings, blocked valley gutters on Victorian terraces, and flat roof membrane failure on extensions are the most common causes.
Annual professional inspection (£120–£250, fee credited against repairs), autumn gutter clearing, moss treatment and timely chimney repointing. Call 0203 302 2547.
No call-out fee. No obligation. We make your roof safe first.
0203 302 2547⚡ Call Now: 0203 302 2547