Is your roof leaking? Are you tired of running around with a bucket to catch drips every time it rains? 

A leak in your roof may start as a small issue, but can quickly lead to serious damage. If you’ve noticed that your roof is leaking and you’re wondering what to do, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we’re sharing some tips on what to do if your roof is leaking to minimise the damage and protect your home. 

What are the signs of a leaking roof?

Identifying the early warning signs of a leaking roof is crucial for timely maintenance and preventing potential structural damage to your property. 

Here are some telltale signs of a leaking roof to look out for: 

• Water stains or discoloration on ceilings or walls
• Dripping water or water pooling on the floor
• Mould or mildew growth on walls or ceilings
• Peeling paint or wallpaper
• Sagging ceiling tiles or panels
• Musty odour in the affected area
• Watermarks or streaks on exterior walls

Why is my roof leaking?

There are many reasons why your roof may be leaking. It can be something as simple as a missing tile, or a more significant issue like structural damage. 

Here are some of the issues your roof may be facing: 

• Clogged gutters preventing proper drainage 
• Missing or cracked shingles 
• Missing or damaged tiles
• Damaged vents 
• Age deterioration 
• Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights 
• Damaged roof membrane or sarking 
  
  

How to stop your roof from leaking:

1. Contain the leak

The first step is to contain the leak. It’s important to check for damage to roofing materials, flashing, gutters, downpipes, and other components to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.

In most cases, a leak will slowly pool at the ceiling until it finds an escape route - usually through a light fixture or an aircon/heater. After several hours, the leak will start to find multiple escape routes, making the leak look much worse than it actually is. 

Find the wettest part or look for a bulge in your ceiling where water is coming through and use a bucket to collect dripping water. Place a board inside too, that way when water drips down, it hits the board first and then the water, preventing dripping water sounds.

If you can see water accumulating in your ceiling, use a screwdriver and punch a small hole in the centre of the bulge. Though it might seem counterintuitive to punch a hole in your ceiling to stop a leak, the new hole will allow the water to drain smoothly and alleviate the pressure on the rest of your ceiling. If the water accumulates so much that it pools, the entire ceiling could collapse. 

A professional roof inspection can help identify the source of the leak and any underlying issues that may need to be addressed.

2. Locate point of entry

Next, you’ll need to find where the water is coming in from. Take a look at your ceiling or climb into your attic and try to locate the point of entry. It’s best to wait until the storm passes and the rain stops before you do this, or it can be difficult to determine where the water is coming from.

Once you’ve identified the source of the leak, it’s time to choose the right repair method. This may involve repairing damaged roofing materials or replacing damaged components like gutters, downpipes, or skylights. In some cases, a full roof restoration or replacement may be necessary to address underlying issues and prevent future leaks. 

3. Act quickly 

It’s best not to just ignore your leak. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. Leaky roofs can’t fix themselves, so it’s best to talk to a roofing professional as soon as possible. Remember, with every hour or day that passes, the likelihood that your leak will turn into a significant problem increases. Small leaks can lead to structural damage, flooding, and mould. 

4. Call the experts 

Fixing a leaky roof is not a DIY job. Make sure to call in a reliable roofing company who can assess the leak, spot any damage, and make repairs to your roof. Patching it yourself will only lead to more serious issues down the road. 

Is your roof leaking?

Talk to us! Our roofing specialists are experienced in roof leak repairs, guttering, downpipes, fascias, skylights, and more. Contact our Brisbane roofers today to get the quality roofing services you deserve.

Whether you need to fix a leak, do a full roof restoration or install a new roof, Roo Roofing has experienced and qualified tradesmen who can handle anything.

Trust Roo Roofing for reliable and affordable roofing services in Brisbane. If you need advice on your roof, talk to one of our experts today. 

Get in touch today for a free assessment and quote.