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Roofing
Roof Leak and Membrane Query
Anonymous user 9 March 2024 - 3.34 PM
We had solar panels installed and as a result suffered a leak which came into one of our bedrooms.
The solar panel installer returned, advised no tiles required replacement(?), but has re-positioned and siliconed the tiles returning the brackets and solar panels to the roof. He went into the loft and showed me pictures of the membrane, which clearly showed the water leak starting at a higher point, running down the membrane (looks a darker grey in colour) and where it finally has come through and of course then into our bedroom.
The company has asked what i want to do about the loft?!!!! And i am not sure what is needed? Our house is only 8 years old and as far as i can see the roof and membrane should need no real works for 35-40 years and so am concerned that this issue may come back to bite us in the near future.
Is it possible to repair the membrane? And if so, how is this done?
Or, is it possible this get replaced? And is this feasible?? Without taking the entire roof off!
Would also welcome any guidance on costs? or future issues that may arise that we may need to consider?
Or - am i just over-thinking this? Just aware that if the issue is not fixed we may have greater issues that arise?
Thank you in advance for any advice, guidance and information.
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
sorry but you cannot repair the membrane without taking the tiles of, roof tiles leak that's a fact, your membrane is there to collect any water that gets under your tiles if there are holes in it it will leak, just because its a young roof does not mean it does not have problems that have been there since it was installed it just means you've been fortunate up till now, the fact your solar panel installers is using silicone at the entry points does not install great faith in them after all they have just put a load of holes in your secondary roof protection, sorry for sounding cynical but I spend a great deal of my time looking at new roofs that are causing problems because they haven't been put together correctly but cost people thousands of pounds, without looking its impossible to say how good or bad a problem it maybe.
good luck Alex
Surely the problem lies in the first sentence here.ie there was no problem until the solar panels were fitted. The tiles should never be siliconed to prevent leaks.
That undoubtedly is the cause of the problem.
Hi, primarily the membrane is to stop wind in your roof space. You can not replace the membrane without roof tile removal.
I have seen before with solar panel mounting brackets that have been fitted where some of the headlap on the tile has been reduced?
The water ingress I'd imagine would be further up the roof, for example gaps in the ridge line or a broken tile?
Hope this helps.
Kind regards Paul