Roof leak in Eindhoven?
We respond within 24 hours.
A roof leak does not wait, and neither do we. Family business since 1943, English-speaking craftsmen, on-site emergency cover within 24 hours and a written quote for definitive repair within three working days.
What to do right now, before we arrive.
- Catch the water. A bucket, a tarp, towels. Anything that prevents further damage to your floor, ceiling, or possessions. If water is dripping over electrical fittings, switch off the relevant fuse first.
- Photograph the source. Both the visible drip inside (ceiling, wall) and, if you can do so safely, the area on the roof itself. Send these on WhatsApp; we will assess from the photos within an hour.
- Move valuables. Electronics, paperwork, art. Out or the affected zone, even if the leak seems to have stopped. Many leaks reactivate during the next rainfall.
- Do not climb the roof yourself. Eindhoven roofs in residential streets are typically 7 to 12 metres high, and Dutch tile roofs can be slippery in damp conditions. We bring our own scaffold or platform.
- Notify your insurance. If you have a Dutch home insurance (opstalverzekering), report the incident to your insurer within 24 hours. We can provide an English-language inspection report afterwards.
Two-step repair: emergency cover first, definitive repair after.
Within 24 hours or your call, we are on-site for emergency containment. This means: tarp, temporary tile placement, lead patch over a damaged flashing, or whatever the specific situation requires. The aim is to stop further water ingress immediately.
Definitive repair is planned afterwards, typically within 1 to 2 weeks. By then we have inspected calmly, identified the underlying cause (a leak you see indoors often originates several metres away on the roof), ordered any specific tiles or materials, and prepared a written fixed-price quote.
This sequence avoids two common failures: blind patching that does not address the real cause, and rushed permanent repair using materials that do not match your roof. Methodical first, fast where speed actually matters.
What does emergency roof repair cost?
Cost depends on accessibility (do we need a scaffold?), the cause or the leak, and the materials involved. Indicative ranges, all including 21% Dutch VAT:
- Emergency containment within 24h: €185 to €395. Includes temporary cover, photo report, identification or cause for definitive repair quote.
- Definitive single-tile or local flashing repair: €245 to €495. Includes mortar repair around the affected area.
- Lead-flashing renewal around chimney or dormer: €395 to €795 depending on detail and accessibility.
- Gutter or downpipe section repair: €295 to €545 depending on length and material.
- Full roof renovation (when warranted by age and condition): individual quote based on inspection.
Inspection and the written quote are at no cost for residential customers in our service area (Eindhoven and surroundings, 30 km radius).
English documentation for your insurer.
Dutch home insurance (opstal- and inboedelverzekering) typically requires written evidence or damage and repair. We provide inspection reports with photographs and technical description in English on request. Major Dutch insurers ; Centraal Beheer, Interpolis, ASR, Nationale-Nederlanden , accept our reports as proof or professional intervention.
If you are uncertain about your insurance coverage in the Netherlands, our craftsmen can explain in plain English what is typically covered (storm damage, sudden leakage) versus what is not (long-term wear, lack or maintenance). We do not give legal advice, but we know what insurers accept.
Where roof leaks usually come from.
A roof leak almost never starts where the water shows up inside. Water follows gravity plus the path or least resistance, sometimes travelling 1 to 3 metres along beams or panels before dripping through. After four generations on Eindhoven roofs we know that six causes account for roughly 90 percent or all leak callouts.
How Dutch home insurance handles roof leak claims.
Most Dutch home (opstalverzekering) policies cover sudden roof damage from storms (typically wind force 8 or higher), hail, and lightning. Gradual leaks due to wear or maintenance backlog are usually excluded. That is the legal dividing line.
You have the legal right to choose your own contractor (vrije choice of aannemer). Your insurer can suggest a network contractor but cannot oblige you to use one. TBGS deliberately stays independent or insurer networks. Our reports and invoices are accepted by all major Dutch insurers (Centraal Beheer, Interpolis, ASR, Nationale-Nederlanden) as proof or reasonable ownership.
For ASML expats and other international homeowners: we handle the entire insurance correspondence in English on request, including the technical damage report your insurer needs. Our photo-rapportage with date stamp, scope description, cause analysis and repair quote is the standard claim package across the Dutch insurance market.
Roof leak emergency. FAQ for English-speaking customers.
How quickly can you actually arrive?
During business hours: typically 2 to 3 hours from your call to a craftsman on your roof, within Eindhoven and surroundings. Outside business hours (evenings, nights, weekends): within 24 hours guaranteed. For genuine emergencies (active water entry, structural damage) we keep daily capacity reserved.
Is there a call-out fee?
The initial assessment visit is free. We charge only for the temporary fix work (typically 195 to 395 euros depending on access and material needed) plus any final repair. Out-or-hours surcharge for genuine emergency work outside business hours is stated upfront before we dispatch.
What should I do before you arrive?
Catch the water with buckets or plastic sheeting under the leak point. Turn off electricity in that room at the fuse box. Water and current is a fire hazard. Take photos for your insurance file, both interior damage and any visible roof issue from ground level. Send those photos with your address via WhatsApp so we know what to bring.
Will my insurance cover the repair?
Sudden storm damage, hail damage or lightning damage: usually covered. Gradual leaks from wear and tear or missed maintenance: usually excluded. Our written damage report identifies the cause and category. We will tell you honestly whether you have a strong insurance case. With our documentation most legitimate claims are settled within 4 to 8 weeks.
Do you handle insurance correspondence in English?
Yes. For ASML expats, university researchers and other international homeowners, we provide damage reports in English alongside the Dutch version your insurer requires. We can also speak directly to your insurer if you provide written consent. Useful when language is a barrier and the technical detail matters.
What if you cannot fix it immediately?
For active leaks our first job on-site is always a watertight temporary fix. Tarpaulin, sealant, lead patch. To stop the immediate water. Definitive repair then follows within the next 1 to 3 working days at a planned time. The temporary fix is included in the call-out, not an extra charge.
Active roof leak right now?
WhatsApp us a photo. We assess within an hour and confirm a same-day or next-day visit.