Emergency Roof Repair glossary of terms & specifications

15 technical terms, material grades and Irish standards explained in plain English so you know exactly what is on a written quote.

Sorted A to Z for quick reference when comparing specifications.

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Key emergency roof repair terms explained

Active Water Ingress Isolation

First-visit diagnostic and containment procedure tracing rainwater from the internal ceiling stain back to the true entry point on the outer roof slope—often several metres higher up the rafters.

Apron, Step and Back-Gutter Lead Flashing

Three-part sheet lead weatherproofing around a masonry chimney stack: the front apron dressed over the slates, stepped side flashings wedged into mortar joints, and a welded or bossed back gutter behind the stack.

Breathable Underlay Patch and Batten Splice

Temporary or permanent sub-roof repair where torn sarking felt beneath broken slates is lapped under the upper course and new treated timber batten is spliced across at least two sound rafters.

Dry-Fix Mechanical Ridge Re-Bedding

Permanent storm repair for blown-off ridge caps that replaces failed sand-and-cement mortar with a ventilated roll-out membrane, union clips and stainless steel screws driven into a ridge batten.

Emergency Heavy-Duty Tarpaulin & Batten Down

Temporary storm make-safe using 250gsm+ woven reinforced tarpaulin lapped over the ridge or damaged slope and mechanically screwed through timber battens so gale-force gusts cannot rip it loose.

Flat Roof Torch-On / Liquid Emergency Patch

Rapid leak seal on split mineral felt, valley lead or parapet joints using fibre-reinforced cold-applied polyurethane liquid membrane (which cures even on damp surfaces) or a heat-welded SBS cap-sheet patch.

Gale and Storm-Force Wind Uplift Zone

Negative pressure suction created as strong winds accelerate over a roof ridge, hip and gable verge, which is why verge tiles, ridge caps and perimeter flat-roof trims lift first during Met Eireann Orange and Red wind warnings.

Hidden Parapet and Valley Gutter Overflow

Common winter leak mechanism where wind-blown leaves, moss or slipped slate shards block a valley outlet, forcing rainwater over the top of the 150mm lead upstand into the roof timbers.

Home Insurance Storm Damage Claim Pack

Itemised written inspection report, date-stamped close-up photographs of the storm damage before and after make-safe, and a separated repair quotation required by Irish loss adjusters.

Lead Mate / Hall Clip & Polymer Mortar Joint

Correct method for securing loose chimney step flashings: stainless steel lead clips wedged into a 25mm raked mortar chase and pointed with flexible lead sealant rather than brittle sand-and-cement.

Loose & Hanging Slate / Tile Make-Safe

Urgent safety removal or re-fixing of wind-dislodged slates, ridge tiles or metal fascia pieces overhanging a footpath, driveway or conservatory roof before they fall.

Secret Gutter and Skylight Flashing Collar

Concealed drainage channels along the sides of roof windows (such as Velux frames) that leak into bedroom ceilings when clogged with moss or when the foam perimeter seal perishes.

Slate Ripper and Copper Tingling Repair

Traditional method of replacing a single broken natural slate mid-slope: a hooked steel slate ripper cuts the old nails, the new slate is slid into place, and a 0.7mm copper or stainless strip (tingle) hooks its tail.

Soffit, Fascia and Gutter Blow-Off

Storm failure where rotted rafter tails or corroded nails allow a whole run of uPVC fascia and rainwater guttering to peel away from the eaves in high winds.

Wet Rot vs Storm Damage Distinction

Key assessment made by home insurers: sudden damage from gale-force winds (above roughly 85 to 90 km/h) or fallen branches is usually covered, whereas gradual deterioration of 30-year-old felt or rusted nails is classed as wear and tear.

Water coming in? Do this first

Stay safe. Don't go on the roof or up a ladder in wind or rain. Keep clear of anything hanging loose.
Catch the water. Buckets under drips, move what you can, and switch off lights or sockets near the wet.
Take photos and video of the damage inside and out, close up and wide, once it's safe.
Get a roofer out for a temporary repair, and keep every receipt. Insurers usually pay for temporary repairs.
Tell your insurer as soon as you can.

Questions people ask

When will the roofer ring me?

Send the 3-tap form at any time. The roofer rings back 6am to 7pm, seven days a week. If there's a danger to life, such as a wall or chimney about to fall onto a road, ring 112 or 999.

How much does an emergency roof repair cost?

A few slipped slates are €350 to €1,100, a chimney flashing €650 to €2,500 and storm damage €600 to €3,000+. The roofer gives you the price after seeing it, and nothing is agreed until you accept. What a roof repair costs has every job.

Will my insurance pay?

Storm damage is usually covered, wear and tear isn't. Insurers usually pay for temporary repairs, so keep the receipts. Your excess, generally €100 to €300, comes off any claim. The insurance claim guide has the steps.

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