1 · Record what changed each time
One dated sentence can be more useful than many undated photos. Add an entry after each noticeable event. The information stays in your current browser session; it is not uploaded or automatically saved.
| Date | Location | Weather | Observation | Photo reference |
|---|
2 · Give the investigator relevant context
Water may track behind boarding, masonry or insulation and appear far from the original entry point. Record wind direction if you know it, rain intensity, whether the issue persists during dry spells, and recent changes to gutters, chimney flashing or surrounding work. Never infer that a specific slate or valley is responsible without appropriate inspection.
3 · Keep the history together
Collect prior invoices, dated photographs, survey remarks and any written temporary repair instructions. If the property is shared, establish who can approve investigation and how access to the roof will be arranged. For suspected significant defects, ask whether an independent roof condition survey should come before re-roof quotations.
Historic Environment Scotland explains why finding the cause of a defect is important. You can also use the project brief builder to summarise the findings for contractors.
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Request specialist introductions →Editorial information compiled for Scottish homeowners by Scottish Slate Roofers, an independent roofing introduction service, on 21 October 2026. Source links are provided where relevant. No professional diagnosis, independent certification or individual legal advice is provided. No contractor-endorsed case studies are claimed.