A roof repair is often urgent. A leak never stops on its own: water seeps into the insulation, soaks the ceilings, makes the timber swell and eventually attacks the roof structure. The faster the response, the simpler and cheaper the repair. For 15 years, Toiture En Ligne has been working in Brussels, Walloon Brabant, Hainaut and Flanders to locate leaks, make roofs weathertight and carry out lasting repairs.
The most common causes of leaks
Contrary to what many people imagine, a leak rarely appears in the middle of a roof slope. In the vast majority of cases, the water gets in at a specific point:
- chimney flashings that have cracked or come away from the brickwork;
- valleys, the internal corners where water from two roof slopes converges;
- the surrounds of roof windows and dormers, when the flashing kit is worn;
- tiles or slates that have broken, shifted or slipped after a strong wind;
- loose ridge tiles whose mortar has crumbled;
- blocked gutters overflowing onto the facade or under the roof covering;
- flat roof upstands that have come loose, or a cracked membrane;
- condensation, which mimics a leak when insulation has been installed without a vapour barrier.
Our leak detection method
Repairing without finding the exact source means running the risk of the stain coming back with the next rain. We work step by step:
- Interior inspection: location of the marks, presence of mould, condition of the insulation and roof timbers in the loft.
- Exterior inspection: checking the covering, the junctions and the zinc work, tracing the path of the water, which often runs a long way from its entry point.
- Targeted test: if necessary, controlled spraying of an area to reproduce the leak.
- Written diagnosis: we explain the cause, with photos, and propose the appropriate repair.
Our roof repair services
Emergency weatherproofing
After a storm, or when a leak is serious, we first make the roof safe: tarpaulins, temporary replacement of torn-off elements and clearing of the drainage. Your home is protected while waiting for the permanent repair.
Replacing tiles and slates
We replace broken or missing elements with identical or compatible models, and refix those that have slipped. See our tiled roof and slate roof pages.
Renewing flashings, valleys and ridges
We replace lead or zinc chimney flashings, rebuild valleys and install dry-fix, ventilated ridge systems that last longer than traditional mortar.
Flat roof repairs
Re-bonding upstands, replacing a section of membrane, repairing an outlet: we repair EPDM as well as bitumen. If the roof build-up is at the end of its life, we will tell you. See flat roof.
Zinc work and gutters
A leaking gutter or a blocked downpipe often causes damage to the facade and the eaves. We repair or replace the damaged elements. See guttering and zinc work.
Repair or renovate?
A roof repair is the right answer when the covering is sound overall and the problem is localised. If leaks keep multiplying, if the underlay is missing or damaged, if the tiles are becoming porous or the roof structure shows weaknesses, a roof renovation becomes more sensible than a series of repairs. We give you honest advice, backed by figures, and you decide. Our article on the signs that a roof needs replacing lists the tell-tale signs.
What to do while waiting for us
The right reflexes when you have a leak
Place a container under the drip, protect furniture and electrical appliances, switch off the electricity in the room if water is approaching a light fitting, and take photos for your insurer. Never climb onto a wet roof or go up in strong wind.
Roof repair and insurance
Damage caused by storms, hail or a falling tree is often covered by your home insurance, depending on your policy. Notify your insurer quickly, keep the photos and any debris, and ask us for a detailed intervention report. Damage due to wear and tear or lack of maintenance, however, is generally excluded. Our guide to storm damage to your roof explains the steps to follow.
How much does a roof repair cost?
The cost of a roof repair depends on access, height, the need for scaffolding or a cherry picker, and the nature of the work. Replacing a few tiles that can be reached with a ladder remains modest, whereas renewing a chimney flashing or a valley requires a larger budget. We give you a fixed price before any non-urgent work. For a home that is more than ten years old, reduced VAT at 6% may apply.
What our intervention report includes
After every roof repair, you receive a simple, clear report: the cause of the leak, before-and-after photos, the elements replaced and the points to keep an eye on. This document is useful for your insurer, for a future buyer or simply to keep a history of your roof. It also points out, without exaggeration, any weaknesses spotted elsewhere on the roof: a tired valley, a gutter starting to leak, a flashing to monitor. You can then plan future work at your own pace, rather than having it forced on you by the next storm.
Safety on the roof
Working on a roof is dangerous, especially after a storm or on a wet slope. Our roofers work with harnesses, roof ladders and anchor points, and with a cherry picker where necessary. This protects not only our teams but also your roof covering: someone who knows where to step does not break extra tiles while repairing a leak.
Prevention is better than repair
The best roof repair is the one you can avoid. An inspection every two to three years, cleaning the gutters in autumn and a check after every storm are enough to prevent most leaks. Our roof maintenance guide offers a simple calendar to follow.
Frequently asked questions
Do you provide an emergency service?
Yes. If you have an active leak or storm damage, call us on 0486 67.98.78: we arrange emergency weatherproofing as quickly as possible, depending on the weather and safety conditions.
The stain on the ceiling is far from the chimney: could the leak still come from there?
Yes. Water follows the rafters, the insulation or the underlay before dripping, sometimes several metres from its entry point. That is why we always inspect the whole route.
Is a repair guaranteed?
Yes, our repairs come with a written guarantee on labour and the materials installed.
