Once flat roofs were notoriously prone to leaking and the problem could only be solved with a boiling cauldron of tar. These days there are patch repair kits, liquid rubber membranes and even quick, efficient waterproofing paint such as paint-on acrylics that last for ages – and can even be applied in damp weather.

Shingles are the most common roofing material, and all shingle roofs should have a solid waterproof material, such as tar paper or roofing felt, between the rafters and shingles. A newer, lighter and stronger option for waterproofing your roof under the shingles is thermoplastic polyolefin.