How To Track Down The Cause Of Your Leaking Roof

Your roof is leaking, and you’re not sure why. Tracking down the cause of your roof leak isn't always easy, but with some inspections work and a little know-how, you can get to the bottom of it.

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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks?

The most common causes of roof leaks usually relate to age, wear and tear, poor installation or damage caused by weather elements. Common problems include:

• Blocked gutters and downpipes: A clogged gutter or downpipe can cause water overflow, which may seep through your roof tiles and into your home.
• Broken or cracked tiles: Over time, your roof tiles can become brittle and break away due to age, extreme weather conditions and general wear and tear.
• Poor installation: If your roof wasn't installed properly, it could lead to problems down the track with leaks or other defects.
• Missing shingles: High winds have been known to lift shingles off a roof, leaving sections of your home exposed to the weather.

Inspect The Inside Of Your Home

Start by searching for signs of water damage, wet spots, mould or mildew in your home. Carefully inspect any wall or ceiling stains, and check your insulation (if possible), as water can easily pass through it. Think about the location of the stain in your home, too—this can help you locate the source of the leak further down the track.

If you are unable to see any signs of a leak inside your house, you’ll need to take the investigation outdoors.

Check Your Roof Exterior

Now it’s time to head outside and investigate your roof’s exterior. Please note that it is not always safe to climb onto your roof, so if you don’t feel comfortable doing so, you should consider hiring a professional roofer to help. Does it look damaged, or are there any areas where the water may be entering? Check your tiles and ridge caps to see if they're cracked or broken, inspect your gutters for blockages that could cause an overflow, or look for signs of rusting on metal components. Finally, don’t forget about your downpipes—if the seals have failed or they’re blocked up with leaves and debris, water can make its way into your home.

Clean Out Gutters And Remove Debris

If you’ve identified a blockage in your gutters, it may be time to bust out the ladder and do some cleaning. Removing debris or leaves can help eliminate any nasty blockages and ensure that water is flowing away from your home correctly.

Check Your Roof Valley, Flashing And Chimney

It's also important to ensure your roof valley, flashing and chimney are intact and not leaking. The roof valley is a V-shaped section of the roof where two slopes meet—it’s particularly vulnerable to leaks due to its shape and angle. Similarly, your flashing (the metal strip around vents or penetrations) and chimney (if you have one) can also be sources of leakage.

Schedule Regular Inspections And Maintenance

It pays to be proactive and schedule regular inspections for your roof. This will help you spot any potential issues before they become more severe and expensive to repair. Plus, getting in the habit of giving your roof a good once-over every few months is also a great preventative measure!

Call A Roofing Professional

If you’re still unable to determine the source of the leak, it may be time to call in a roofing professional. A reputable roofer will be able to inspect your roof, identify any problems and offer advice on how best to fix them. If left unchecked, roof leaks can lead to serious damage inside—so don’t delay if you think something could be wrong!

At Roof Force Australia, we are experienced in all aspects of roofing and can help you track down the cause of your leaking roof. Plus, we offer a range of maintenance and repair services to keep your roof in tip-top condition. Get in touch today for all your roofing needs on the Gold Coast.

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