Knowing when to get roofers out can save you money and prevent damage. Some signs need a call today, while others just need to be watched. This guide will help you tell the difference.
When to Get Roofers: The Direct Answer
Call a roofer when water is getting in, when something has moved or broken after a storm, or when you see damage you cannot safely inspect. Book a routine check once a year if nothing seems wrong.
Quick action is usually cheaper. A small leak can wet insulation and stain ceilings long before it becomes obvious.
If a ceiling is sagging, water is near electrical fittings, or a storm has brought down power lines or large branches, keep clear and call the relevant emergency service first.
Key Warning Signs
Inside the house
- Brown stains or fresh damp on ceilings.
- Peeling surfaces near the top of walls.
- A musty smell in the roof space or upper rooms.
- Daylight visible through the roof.
Outside the house
- Cracked, slipped or missing tiles.
- Lifted or rusted roof sheets.
- Crumbling ridge pointing.
- Sagging roof lines.
- Gutters overflowing in moderate rain.
After severe weather
Check from the ground after high winds or hail. Look for moved sheets, displaced caps and dents, and take photos for your records.
Age and history
A roof with a history of patches or one that has never been inspected should be looked at, even if it is not leaking.
What to Do Step by Step
Step 1: Make it safe
Move belongings away from water and avoid wet electrical fittings. Do not climb onto the roof.
Step 2: Record what you see
Take photos and write down when the leak appears and what the weather was doing.
Step 3: Call for an inspection
Share your photos and describe the roof type and how long the problem has been going on.
Step 4: Decide with evidence
Ask for photos and a written scope before agreeing to any work.
Urgent or Can It Wait?
- Call now: active leaks, storm damage or anything that has moved.
- Call soon: cracked tiles, failed pointing or rust at laps.
- Plan ahead: a faded surface, minor moss or an ageing coating.
- Routine: yearly checks and gutter cleans.
A Simple Seasonal Check From the Ground
You do not have to climb anything to keep an eye on your roof. A few minutes walking around the house with a phone camera can reveal most early warning signs.
Late autumn
Once the leaves are down, look for gutters that are full or sagging. Check that water is coming out of the downpipes during rain, and book a clean if it is not.
Winter
Look at ceilings after heavy rain, especially close to outside walls and below valleys. Note any new marks and take a dated photo so that you can tell whether they are growing.
Spring
Check the shadier parts of the roof for moss, and look for tiles or sheets that winter weather may have moved. It is also a good time to book work that needs dry days.
Summer
Longer dry spells make this a practical time for restoration and coating work. If your home is close to bush, clear leaves from gutters before the hotter months.
Who to Call for What
- Roof leaks, loose sheets and broken tiles: a roofer.
- Blocked drains and stormwater problems: a plumber.
- Overhanging branches: a qualified tree worker.
- Suspected asbestos: a licensed professional or WorkSafe Tasmania for guidance.
- Storm emergencies: the SES on 132 500.
What to Tell Your Roofer
The more specific you can be, the easier the fault is to find. Tell us which room is affected, whether the problem appears only in certain weather, and what is on the roof, such as solar panels, skylights or flues.
If anyone else has been on the roof recently, mention that as well. Tradespeople installing aerials or panels can sometimes crack tiles or disturb flashings without realising it.
If a storm caused the damage, tell your insurer early and keep your photos. Wear and tear is generally treated differently from sudden storm damage, so check the wording of your policy.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting for a stain to get bigger before calling.
- Climbing a wet roof to look at the damage.
- Sealing a gap without finding out why it opened.
- Pressure-cleaning an old cement sheet roof.
- Assuming gutters are fine because they look clear from the ground.
Local Considerations in Launceston
Autumn leaves can block gutters just before the wet part of the year, so late autumn is a good time for an inspection. Winter frost and fog keep shaded roofs damp, which encourages moss.
Hillside homes tend to take the wind first, while homes on the lower ground should pay particular attention to gutters and stormwater. Older cement sheet is still found on sheds around the city, and it should not be disturbed.
Not Sure Whether to Call?
Send us a photo from the ground and tell us what you have noticed. Call +61 483 709 394 or use the quote form.
Questions about your own property?
Call Now — +61 483 709 394For a local assessment, explore our Asbestos Roof Removal And Replacement or ask about work in East Launceston.