Storm damage to flat roofs is one of the biggest roofing problems I deal with in Tilehurst, Reading, and it always starts the same way – a small ceiling stain, a damp smell, or a bit of water pooling on the roof. Most people hope it will dry out on its own. It never does.
I am Caleb, owner of Price Wise Construction LTD, and I want to share a real story from a bungalow near Tilehurst Triangle that shows why flat roof repair after storm damage should never be delayed. If you ignore it, you risk leaks, mould, rotten timber and insulation damage – all of which cost far more to fix later.
The Tilehurst Bungalow That Looked Fine – Until It Wasn’t
A homeowner contacted me from a bungalow just off School Road near Tilehurst Triangle. After a night of heavy rain and high winds, he noticed faint brown marks spreading across his hallway ceiling. No dripping. No obvious hole. From the ground, the flat roof looked fine.
But when I inspected it, I found the real issue fast.
A large pool of standing water was sitting on the flat roof. The old mineral felt had blistered and lifted slightly along a seam, and wind-driven rain had been pushed underneath. The decking was still solid, but the insulation under the flat roof was damp and starting to sag. Water had begun tracking along the joist and into the hallway.
This is the most common type of flat roof storm damage in Tilehurst – small, quiet and ignored until the problem spreads.
The Hidden Dangers of Flat Roof Storm Damage
Flat roofs do not fail loudly. There are no missing tiles or gaps you can see from the driveway. Storm damage nearly always starts with one of these:
- Small splits in old felt
- Blisters caused by trapped moisture
- Loose flashing along the edges
- Lifted seams from strong wind
- Blocked outlets causing water to pond
- Gutter overflow damaging fascia and soffits
And then there is the biggest problem of all… ponding water. If water sits on your flat roof for more than 48 hours after rain, it will always find a way in.
Why Flat Roofs in Tilehurst Are at Higher Risk
Tilehurst might not be coastal but it gets heavy wind exposure and fast weather changes, especially around Sulham Hill, Kentwood Hill and Coronation Square. Many of the bungalows and older extensions around Tilehurst Triangle and Park Lane were built years ago using older felt systems. Add large nearby trees and blocked gutters into the mix, and flat roof failure becomes even more common.
Signs Your Flat Roof Needs Urgent Repair
If you are a homeowner in Tilehurst, watch for these warning signs after storms:
- Water pooling on your flat roof
- Ceiling stains that get larger after rain
- A musty smell in upstairs rooms or hallway
- Gutter overflow near your flat roof
- Cracks or bubbles in felt
- Damp or mould on ceiling edges
- Cold patches on ceilings in winter
If you spot any of these, your flat roof is already taking on water.
Flat Roof Repair Tilehurst – What We Did
We carried out a flat roof storm damage repair on the Tilehurst Triangle bungalow. Here is how we fixed it properly:
- Pumped away standing water
- Cut out the split blister in the felt
- Inspected decking – still solid, so no replacement needed
- Fitted a reinforced torch-on felt patch
- Sealed the laps to stop water tracking underneath
- Cleared gutters and outlets to stop ponding water
- Replaced damp insulation in the ceiling
- Treated rafters to prevent mould
This was a repair rather than a replacement because we caught it early. If the customer had waited a few more weeks, he would have needed a flat roof replacement instead of a repair.
Flat Roof Repair or Replacement – Which Do You Need?
Here is a simple guide:
| Condition of Roof | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Small tears, lifted seams, minor storm damage | Flat roof repair |
| Localised water ingress, blistering, minor rot | Flat roof repair + maintenance |
| Widespread splits, aged felt, constant ponding | Flat roof replacement |
| Sagging deck, rotten timber, multiple leaks | Full replacement recommended |
Gutters and Flat Roofs – The Silent Cause of Leaks
In Tilehurst, I see flat roof leaks caused by blocked gutters all the time, especially on bungalows and extensions. When gutters block, water spills over and gets behind fascias, soaks walls and causes long-term damp. That is why flat roof maintenance must include gutter clearing to prevent future damage.
Final Word
Storm damage never fixes itself. If you live in Tilehurst, Reading and you have a flat roof, do not wait for water to pour through the ceiling before doing something about it.
As I always tell customers:
“Water does not need a hole. It only needs the smallest weakness. Storms find that weakness every time.”