Roof leaking - think it may be neighbours but they deny it

cottyh24

We had our (very leaky) roof replaced last year and since then everything has been fine. Before the roof was replaced we used to be able to hear a drip in our spare room, which seemed to stop after the new roof was put on - until last night.

The wall in that room which is shared with one of our neighbours has a very wet patch on it. I've checked our loft, which is converted, at the site above and around the leak and there does not appear to be any sign of dampness or leaking. I've also checked in the unconverted section of the loft and there is no sign of damp. The ceiling in the spare room is also totally dry.

I suspect that this leak is coming from our neighbours house as our roof is new, has new membrane and has been sealed - all the flashing on the chimney looks intact and the chimney was also pointed when the roof was done.

The house is empty but I have contacted the landlord who says that he has checked and there is no sign of any water in his bedroom. He hasn't checked his loft though. Is there any way that a leak on their side could leak down our wall but not his? Or does anyone have any other suggestions as to what may be causing this leak - I'm pretty sure its not a pipe as it has been fine until last nights monsoon.

iamcornholio

Just because a roof is new or had recent work, does not mean it can't leak.

In cases like this you will have to either look at it thoroughly or get it properly inspected to find the cause

If the cause is from next door, then they are responsible for repair and costs of any damage

If this is a pitched roof, then the cause is normally only one of a few possibilities and easy to narrow down

cottyh24

Thanks for your reply - the reason I don't think it is our roof is that our converted loft (above the leak site) is showing absolutely no signs of water damage - surely if the water were coming into our loft space there would be some sign of a leak?

The landlord has been a bit shifty about it all - I was a couple of minutes away from home when he called to say that he was in the house and there was no damage in his room, but he hadn't been able to get up in the loft. I offered him use of our ladder and he suddenly had to leave the property.

Think I'll end up getting the roof inspected and if it turns out to be their side, I'll have to take it from there.