A roof restoration is a comprehensive process that involves a thorough inspection, repairs, and recoating of your entire roof system. During the inspection and repair stages, we uncover problems that may not be visible from the ground but are actively compromising your roof's performance.
After thousands of roof restorations across the ACT, here are the six most common problems we encounter and how we address each one.
This is almost universal on tile roofs over 15 years old in Canberra. The combination of freeze-thaw cycles, hail events, thermal movement, and general ageing means that some degree of tile damage is expected on any established roof.
Common causes include hail impact (the January 2020 storm alone cracked tiles on thousands of Canberra homes), foot traffic from tradespeople accessing the roof for antenna, solar, or HVAC work, falling branches from overhanging trees, and long-term frost damage causing tiles to become porous and eventually crack.
Solution: Each damaged tile is individually replaced with a matching profile. We carry a stock of common tile profiles used across Canberra's suburbs, including the Monier concrete tiles prevalent in 1970s to 1990s builds. For rare or discontinued profiles, we source salvaged tiles from demolition suppliers or use compatible alternatives. Every replaced tile is properly clipped or wired to meet wind loading requirements.
If we could point to one single problem that causes more roof leaks in Canberra than any other, it would be this. The mortar used to bed and point ridge caps (the caps that run along the peak and hips of a tile roof) is extremely vulnerable to Canberra's freeze-thaw cycles.
Traditional rigid mortar pointing cracks as it freezes and thaws, eventually breaking into chunks and falling away. Once the pointing fails, rainwater enters the roof cavity freely through the gaps around the ridge caps. This water saturates insulation, stains ceilings, promotes mould growth, and over time can rot timber framing.
Solution: During a restoration, we remove all old mortar from the ridge caps, re-bed them using a fresh bedding compound, and then apply a flexible pointing compound (not rigid mortar). Flexible pointing is specifically designed to accommodate thermal movement and resist freeze-thaw cycling. It maintains its seal for 15 to 20 years, compared to the 8 to 12 years typical of rigid mortar in Canberra conditions.
Moss and lichen are a cosmetic and structural concern on Canberra tile roofs. They are most prevalent on south-facing slopes and in areas shaded by trees, where moisture retention is higher and UV exposure (which naturally inhibits growth) is lower.
Beyond looking unsightly, moss causes real damage. Its root systems penetrate into the tile surface, creating micro-channels that allow water absorption. Lichen produces acids that chemically attack the tile's cementite surface. Over time, this biological activity makes tiles porous, which worsens freeze-thaw damage.
Solution: High-pressure cleaning removes all visible moss, lichen, and algae. For heavily affected roofs, we may apply a biocide treatment after cleaning to kill any remaining root systems and spores. The subsequent primer and membrane coats create a smooth, sealed surface that is inhospitable to biological growth - keeping the roof clean for years.
The factory coating on concrete tiles degrades under UV exposure over 15 to 25 years. Canberra's intense UV - caused by our altitude, clear skies, and relatively low ozone levels - accelerates this degradation compared to coastal cities.
A failed coating means the tile surface is unprotected. Water absorption increases, the tile becomes more vulnerable to freeze-thaw damage, and moss establishment accelerates. The roof also loses its aesthetic appeal, with patchy fading and chalking giving the home a tired appearance.
Solution: After cleaning and repairs, the entire roof receives a primer coat followed by two coats of roof membrane in the homeowner's chosen colour. Quality membrane systems from brands like Dulux and Shieldcoat provide 10 to 15 years of protection against UV, water, and biological growth.
Valleys are the V-shaped channels where two roof planes meet. They carry concentrated water flow from both planes, making them critical for effective drainage. Valley flashings (the metal liners in the valley) can become corroded, displaced, or blocked with debris over time.
Blocked valleys are a particular problem in Canberra's leafy suburbs. Debris accumulates in the valley and creates a dam that forces water sideways under the tiles. This is one of the sneakiest causes of roof leaks because the blockage is not visible from the ground.
Solution: All valleys are thoroughly cleaned and inspected during the restoration. Corroded valley flashings are replaced with new Colorbond or zinc-aluminium valley irons. We ensure adequate overlap with the surrounding tiles and proper waterproofing at all valley ends and transitions.
While not technically part of the roof surface, gutters are integral to the roofing system and are always assessed and addressed during a full restoration. Sagging, rusted, or leaking gutters undermine the entire purpose of the roof by failing to direct water away from the building.
Solution: Gutter brackets are re-secured or replaced. Rusted sections are replaced with new Colorbond gutter to match the home. Joints are resealed. Downpipe connections are checked and repaired. And all gutters are cleaned and flushed to ensure free water flow. Where gutters are beyond repair, we recommend full gutter replacement as part of the restoration scope.
The advantage of a full roof restoration over piecemeal repairs is that every issue is identified and addressed in a single, coordinated scope of work. This is more cost-effective than fixing problems one at a time, and it ensures that nothing is missed. A restored roof with all six of these common problems properly addressed will provide reliable protection for 15 to 20 years before the next restoration is needed.
If your Canberra roof is showing signs of any of these problems, a free estimate is the first step. Call (02) 5133 5608 or book online. We cover all ACT suburbs, 7 days a week.
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Book a free estimate or call us for honest, no-obligation advice. We cover all ACT suburbs, 7 days a week.
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