Signs inside the home
Look for spreading ceiling marks, blistered paint, damp cornices, musty odours and wet insulation. Keep clear of electrical fittings near water.
- Ceiling or wall discolouration
- Damp smell after rain
- Water near wiring needs urgent care
Common roof-level causes
Broken tiles are only one possibility. Valleys, flashing, ridge work, penetrations and blocked drainage can also admit water.
- Cracked or displaced tiles
- Failed flashing or valleys
- Drainage overflow
Why the stain can mislead
Water can move along tiles, battens, rafters or underlay before dropping onto the ceiling.
- Note wind and rainfall
- Photograph each event
- Do not guess from room position alone
What to send with an enquiry
Provide the suburb, roof type if known, affected room and weather pattern. Ground-level and interior photographs are helpful.
- Never climb onto the roof
- Mention previous repairs
- Say whether the leak is active
See this on a Melbourne roof
These completed projects show how the work changes with the roof material and the faults found.
- Canterbury apron-flashing replacement
Deteriorated apron flashings were replaced where the terracotta tiles meet dormer walls and window junctions.
- Clayton valley and storm-seal replacement
The project records exposed valley metal, its replacement and new storm seals, with rebedding and repointing of disturbed ridge capping.