New Extension - leak in roof

Q

qingdao

Registered User
Messages
46
Hi,

I recently had a kitchen extension built and after a spell of heavy rain we noticed a couple of wet patches on the ceiling. Builder just finished up a few weeks ago - and unfortunately has been more or less paid up. He has come back to try and fix the leak - mostly with sealant between tiles, but this has not fixed it.

There is still a line of communication open and he says he'll come around again to investigate and replace tiles if needed...but he already had an attempt at fixing it and didn't. We don't know for sure if its fixed until we get the next spell of heavy rain.

What is the best way to proceed if his next attempt at fixing it also fails? Don't want it to drag on for months - especially if a roofing specialist is required to really fix it.

From talking to others - it sounds like leaks after building work are not too uncommon - but obviously should not be happening.

Any info appreciated.
 
Was there any flashing done on the extension, ie, lead flashing around a chimney or to join up with existing wall, etc? Those are the usual weak spots, although not the only ones.
 
I had a leak this year on a new kitchen extension. My builder had given a 1yr guarantee for major issues such as this and were out within 2 days to look at it. As noproblem mentions, it was the lead flashing between the extension and the existing wall where the problem was. 1 of the eaves had come clogged with leaves and water was overflowing, down the exterior wall and inside the flashing.
They fixed it and have had no problems since.

And this bring Ireland, I'm sure you'll have plenty of rain before your 1st year is out to test the repair work
 
So far the boundary between the original wall and the extension appear to be fine and leak free. One small leak is around on of the velux windows - so likely a flashing issue. The other larger leak is on a 'plain' bit of roof. Water appears to be getting in just below a ridge tile, getting under the membrane and dripping down a slab of rigid insulation until it finds a gap and drips on the ceiling plaster. So far has just resulted in a wet patch about the size of a volleyball -so the volume of water getting in isn't massive.

I think builder tried a quick fix with sealant initially - but needs to do something more substantial next time. Is it reasonable to insist on a hose test after repairs - or should I just keep my fingerscrossed when the next heavy spell of rain comes my way?
 
If your this uneasy about it, I'd pay a surveyor/other builder a few hundred to come in and give it the once over. A small hit now to avoid a big whack a few years in the future
 
What's the roof pitch and is it sufficient for the Velux windows and is it sufficient for the type of roof tile used?
 
The pitch of the roof should be fine - I had an architect draw up plans and make inspections during the build for building regs sign off and the roof pitch was never a concern. A few poorly installed or damaged tiles might be the cause - but still waiting for a return visit from builder to confirm and replace the suspect tiles.
 
It's still a good idea to measure the pitch, and determine the minimum angle specified for the roof covering. The builder may not have used the exact covering material as specified by the architect.

Have you an idea of the angle? What roof covering was used (manufacturer and range)?
 
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