Replacing the underlay to stop leaks

One of the most common causes of a leaking roof is that the underlay is rotting.

The underlay is the membrane that sits under the roof tiles and helps the weatherproofing of the roof structure.  If rain is driven by wind up under the roof tiles, then it is caught by the underlay and channelled down to the gutters at the roof edge.

A very common problem is for the underlay at the bottom to sag and rot away over time.  Once this happens, the channel to the gutter is blocked.  Any water that is sitting on the underlay will have to find another way out – hence the leak.

The leaks can be dramatic, but they do not necessarily mean you need a new roof.  If rotting underlay is the problem then you can treat it by removing the bottom rows of tiles and replacing the damaged sections.

It’s a skilled job – and you will need to find a reliable roofing contractor to do the work for you.