Why does my roof leak when it rains?

What to note when rain finds its way indoors, and what helps an assessment.

Start with what you can see

A stain on a ceiling does not necessarily sit directly below the source of a leak. Water can travel along materials before becoming visible indoors. Note which room is affected, the position of the mark and when the water appears.

Look for a pattern

Does the problem follow heavy rain, persistent rain or wind from a particular direction? Has it happened before? These details can help an assessment, but they do not establish the cause on their own.

Keep your checks safe

Take photographs from inside or from ground level only. Do not climb onto a roof or enter an unsafe loft space. Keep people away from falling material and avoid wet electrical fittings. If there is immediate danger, keep clear and seek urgent help.

What to send with your enquiry

Share your postcode, a description of the leak and any safely taken photos. Explain whether the water is still coming in. We can then discuss the next practical step and whether an assessment is needed.