Every roof ages. Materials degrade, weather takes its toll, and components gradually wear out. But there is a significant difference between a roof that needs routine maintenance and one that is actively failing. Knowing when to call a professional - and when to call urgently - can prevent catastrophic damage to your home and save you thousands of dollars.
Here are the warning signs that indicate your roof has moved beyond normal wear and needs professional attention.
A visible sag or dip in your roofline when viewed from the street is one of the most serious warning signs. It means the structural framing - rafters, trusses, or ridge beam - is compromised. This can be caused by:
A sagging roof is not just a cosmetic issue - it is a structural safety concern. The sag will progressively worsen as the weakened members continue to bear load, and in extreme cases can lead to partial collapse, particularly under the additional weight of heavy rain pooling in the depression.
We see sagging roofs in Canberra most commonly on homes from the 1960s and 1970s in suburbs like Chifley, Curtin, Farrer, and Pearce. Many of these homes are approaching 50 to 60 years old, and decades of undetected slow leaks can take a serious toll on timber framing.
Action required: Call a professional immediately. Do not go onto the roof yourself. A structural assessment is needed to determine the extent of damage and the appropriate repair.
If you climb into your roof cavity during the day (via the manhole) and can see daylight coming through gaps, holes, or cracks, water can and will follow the same path. Any point where light enters is a point where rain will enter.
Small pinpoints of light through a tile roof can indicate cracked tiles, slipped tiles, or gaps where tiles are not properly overlapping. On a metal roof, daylight might be visible at corroded sections, around penetrations where seals have failed, or at gaps in flashing.
Action required: Have the specific areas assessed and repaired before the next significant rain event. This is usually a straightforward repair if addressed promptly.
If water is dripping or flowing into your home during rain, your roof has an active breach. This is different from a stain that appeared after rain and then dried - an active drip means water is currently finding a direct path through your roof system.
In the short term, place a bucket or container to catch the water and move any valuables or electronics away from the affected area. If the drip is near electrical fittings (lights, power points, smoke alarms), turn off the circuit at the switchboard and do not use those fittings until the source is repaired and the area has dried out.
Action required: Contact a roofer for an urgent callout. Most reputable roofers, including us, prioritise active leak repairs and can usually attend within 24 to 48 hours.
A single, old water stain on a ceiling might be from an isolated event that has already been resolved. But if stains are growing, multiplying, or appearing in new locations, the leak source is active and possibly worsening.
Pay particular attention to stains that appear after specific weather events - heavy rain with wind from a particular direction, for example. This pattern can help your roofer diagnose the entry point. Note which direction the wind was blowing and how heavy the rain was when new stains appear.
Action required: Book an inspection within the next week. Document the stains with dated photos to help track progression.
If your heating or cooling costs have increased noticeably over the past year or two without changes to your usage patterns or energy prices, compromised roof insulation could be the cause.
When insulation batts get wet from a roof leak, they lose their thermal resistance almost completely. Instead of insulating your home, they become a cold, damp mass that actually makes temperature regulation harder. A ceiling insulated to R4.0 might perform at R1.0 or less when wet.
In Canberra, where we rely on significant heating in winter (June through August) and cooling from December through February, compromised insulation can add hundreds of dollars per year to energy bills. We have seen cases where undetected leaks have been silently saturating insulation for years, with the homeowner attributing the rising energy costs to tariff increases.
Action required: Book a roof inspection that includes a ceiling cavity check. If wet insulation is found, the leak source must be repaired first, then the insulation replaced.
Visible mould on ceiling surfaces, in the ceiling cavity, or on upper walls near the roofline indicates persistent moisture. This moisture is most commonly from a roof leak, though condensation from inadequate ventilation can also be the cause.
Mould is a health concern, particularly for people with respiratory conditions. In Canberra's cold winters, homes are sealed up for months with heating running, creating an environment where mould can spread quickly once established. The health implications make this a higher-priority issue than many homeowners realise.
Action required: Have the moisture source identified and eliminated. If mould is extensive, professional mould remediation may be needed in addition to the roof repair.
While less common in Canberra than tile or metal, some homes have bituminous shingle roofs or coated tile roofs. If you notice granules (the sandpaper-like texture) accumulating in your gutters, the roof coating is deteriorating and the underlying material is becoming exposed to UV and moisture.
Significant granule loss means the roof surface is reaching end of life and will need restoration or replacement within the next few years. It is not an emergency, but it is a clear signal that the clock is ticking.
Action required: Book a roof inspection to assess the overall condition and get advice on timing and options for restoration or replacement.
If your gutters overflow during every rain event despite being recently cleaned, they may be undersized for the roof area they serve, or the downpipe capacity may be inadequate. This is surprisingly common on Canberra homes where extensions or carports have been added, increasing the roof catchment area without upgrading the gutter system.
Persistent overflowing causes water damage to fascia covers, external walls, and foundations. Over time, it can undermine footings and cause structural movement.
Action required: Have a roofer assess whether your gutter and downpipe system is adequate for your roof area. Upgrading gutters or adding additional downpipes is usually a straightforward job.
The consistent message across all these warning signs is that early action saves money. A $99 inspection that catches a problem early can prevent thousands in damage. We offer comprehensive roof inspections covering every component of your roof, with a detailed report and photos within 24 hours. We cover all ACT suburbs, 7 days a week. Call (02) 5133 5608 or book online.
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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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