Emergency response · Exeter & East Devon
Emergency roof repair in Exeter
An active leak is a race against the ceiling below it. The first visit is about stopping water getting in — the permanent repair comes after, properly, in dry conditions.
Before we get there
- Move furniture, electricals and anything valuable out from under the leak
- Put containers under active drips and empty them before they overflow
- If water is anywhere near light fittings or sockets, turn the power off at the consumer unit
- If a ceiling is bulging with trapped water, pierce it deliberately over a bucket — a controlled hole is far better than the whole ceiling coming down
- Do not go up on the roof yourself. Wet slate in wind is how people die
When Exeter roofs fail
Roof emergencies here cluster in two periods. The first is the autumn and winter storm season, with the worst damage typically between November and February when southwesterly fronts track up the Exe estuary. The second is the freeze-thaw transition in late winter, where water that has worked into hairline cracks expands and splits the material outright. Summer downpours cause a third, smaller cluster — usually gutters overwhelmed rather than roofs failed.
Active leaks and water ingress
Water through a ceiling in heavy rain is the most common call. Causes range from cracked tiles to blocked gutters overflowing back into the roof structure. We trace it to source, stop the entry, and protect the plasterwork below.
Storm damage and high winds
Gales up the Exe Valley lift ridge tiles and displace slates, worst on exposed ground around St Leonard's, Pennsylvania and Mount Pleasant. We tarp, secure loose material, and document it for insurers.
Impact damage from trees
Exeter's mature tree cover means storm-fallen branches puncture roofs across the conservation areas most years. We clear debris safely, assess the structural extent, and cover the opening until a permanent repair is scoped.
What the first visit achieves
- The property made watertight — tarpaulin, temporary flashing, or a same-day permanent fix if conditions allow
- The cause identified, not just the symptom covered over
- Photographs of the damage and the make-safe work for your records or your insurer
- A separate written quote for the permanent repair, with no obligation to take it
Roof repairs · Chimney repairs · Flat roof repairs · Guttering
Frequently asked
How quickly can you attend?
We prioritise same-day attendance to the central postcodes — EX1, EX2 and EX4 — and usually reach Topsham, Exmouth, Crediton and Cranbrook within a few hours, depending on workload and weather. Call rather than use the chat if water is actively coming in.
Is there a call-out fee?
No. Our quotes are free and there is no call-out charge. An emergency tarpaulin to make a roof watertight typically costs £150–£300 depending on access and the area covered, and we confirm that with you before we start.
What about overnight?
Roof work after dark is rarely safe and we will not pretend otherwise. Overnight emergencies are handled with phone advice first — isolating electrics, containing water internally — and we attend at first light. If there is immediate structural danger to people, call the fire service.
Do you document damage for an insurance claim?
Yes. We photograph the damage and the make-safe work, and provide a written report setting out what failed and what was done. Most insurers require exactly this, and we will deal with a loss adjuster where one is appointed.
Will you do the permanent repair the same day?
Sometimes, if the weather allows and the materials are common. More often the right answer is to make it watertight now and return to do the repair properly once conditions permit and any matching material has been sourced. Rushing a permanent repair in driving rain produces a second emergency later.
Get your free quote
Tell our assistant about the job — 30 seconds, no forms — and we'll call you back the same day.
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