Roof leak repairs: finding the cause and what to ask a roofer
Why roof leaks are hard to trace, the common causes on tiled and metal roofs in Australia, and the questions to ask before approving a roof repair.
Key takeaways
- Water often travels along rafters, so the stain is rarely under the actual leak.
- Flashings, valleys, cracked tiles and blocked gutters cause most roof leaks.
- Ask the roofer to show photos of the cause before and after the repair.
Why leaks are hard to find
Water that gets under tiles or sheets runs along battens, sarking and rafters before it drips through the ceiling. The stain you see can be a metre or more from the entry point, which is why a proper inspection matters more than patching the obvious spot.
Common causes
Most leaks on Australian homes come from a short list:
- Cracked, slipped or broken tiles
- Deteriorated ridge capping bedding and pointing
- Rusted or lifted flashings around chimneys, skylights and walls
- Blocked valleys or gutters overflowing back under the roof
- Loose screws or rusted sheets on metal roofs
- Storm or hail damage
What a good inspection includes
A roofer should check the roof surface, valleys, flashings and gutters, and ideally the roof space for water tracks. Ask for photos showing the cause, what they propose to repair, and anything else they noticed that may need attention soon.
Questions to ask before approving work
These help you compare roofing quotes fairly:
- What exactly caused the leak, and can you show me?
- Is this a repair or does a section need replacing?
- What warranty applies to the repair?
- Are there other areas likely to leak soon?
- Is height safety equipment included in the price?
Stay safe while you wait
Do not climb onto a wet or damaged roof. Contain drips inside, keep clear of bulging ceilings and electrical fittings, and photograph damage from the ground for your insurer. For urgent storm damage the SES can be reached on 132 500.
Get the roof looked at
Describe where the stain appears, when it leaks, the roof type and any recent storms, and add photos. On Fixit247 you can post a roofing job free and compare up to 3 obligation-free quotes from verified roofers, where available.
General information only, reviewed for Australian conditions. Rules differ between states and territories and change over time, so confirm details with the relevant regulator. Call 000 in an emergency. Editorial policy
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