

Roof tile leakage is a serious issue that can lead to extensive and costly damage if you don’t find a solution quickly.
A roof leak can cause:
- Unsightly water stains
- Damaging and unsafe electrical fires
- Insulation deterioration
This triple threat of nightmare issues poses a significant risk to the structural integrity of your home. This has two significant repercussions:
- A health and safety risk for everybody in the home
- Your leaking roof will decrease your home’s value.
Understanding how to identify and prevent roof leaks is essential for any Australian homeowner with a tile roof.
Common Causes of Roof Tile Leakage
There’s not usually a single obvious cause for your roof leak. Leaking roofs could be due to any one of the following reasons, or, even worse, a combination of several.
Broken Roof Tiles and Loose Tiles
Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause roof tiles to crack, shift, or become dislodged. Even a small gap between broken tiles can lead to significant water ingress, especially during heavy downpours or strong winds. This scenario results in a leaky tiled roof with water falling into the ceiling.
Faulty Installation
A poorly executed roof installation can have long-term consequences. Misaligned roof sheets, improperly secured ridge caps, and faulty flashing around solar panels or chimneys often create gaps for water to seep through. Again, even a minimal gap is costly. Such water ingress points can also compromise your roof’s insulation and lead to costly roof repair.
Overflowing Gutters and Blocked Valleys
Overflowing gutters and blocked valleys prevent water from flowing off the roof correctly. These blockages cause water to back up under roof sheets or tiles. Leaf debris, dirt, and rusted valleys often block gutters and valley seals, leading to water leaks in the ceiling or walls.
Wind and Debris
Strong winds can dislodge tiles and blow debris onto the roof, which, if left unattended, can hold water and deteriorate tiles, further increasing the risk of a leaking roof.
Flashing Issues
Flashing is crucial to prevent water ingress where roof sections meet or around chimneys, skylights, solar panels, or whirlybirds. If flashing is improperly installed, damaged, or missing, rainwater can leak through these weak points and create roof leaks.
Natural Wear and Tear
Even the most durable roofs will deteriorate due to natural aging over time. This deterioration causes small cracks or gaps that allow water ingress, especially after heavy rains. So, sometimes it’s nobody’s fault, and it’s just that older houses tend to need a little TLC now and then.
Proactive Measures to Defend Against Roof Leaks
So, you’re probably wondering how to avoid roof leaks in the first place. It’s always better (and more cost-effective) to try to practise preventative care. A little money upfront often means you don’t fork out for emergency roof repair later on.
Let’s explore what you can do to avoid those leaking roof repairs.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular roof inspections, especially after strong winds or heavy rain, to identify potential problem areas before they escalate into a significant leak. Look for:
- Cracked tiles
- Loose tiles
- Broken tiles
- Rusted valleys
- Damaged flashing
This check should be part of your to-do list after one of those heavy Australian storms.
Flashing Maintenance
Proper flashing is crucial to prevent water ingress around chimneys, skylights, and other roof joins. EvoBuild offers Wakaflex, Dakaflash, Smartform, and Flashtites to ensure all vulnerable roof areas remain sealed and waterproof. Wakaflex is ideal for creating a durable and flexible seal around irregular surfaces, while Dakaflash is perfect for protecting areas prone to high temperatures. Smartform offers quick and easy application for smaller or complex surfaces, and Flashtitis are specialised for sealing roof meets.
Gutter Cleaning and Valley Maintenance
Keep your gutters and valleys clear of leaf debris, dirt, and other blockages to prevent water buildup and ensure water flow. In heavy rain, you want to see that water flowing through your gutters. If it doesn’t, this is a significant red flag. Do this maintenance regularly to avoid roof leaks caused by overflowing gutters.
Roof Repairs and Roof Restoration
Replace any broken roof tiles, repair cracks, and restore faulty roof installations to avoid long-term damage. EvoBuild’s Fastfix Wet Shield and Fast Fix Repair Tape offer quick and effective waterproofing solutions. Fastfix Wet Shield creates an impenetrable barrier, even on damp surfaces, while Fastfix Repair Tape is perfect for sealing cracks, holes, and joins with a flexible, watertight bond. Even just applying this simple solution of taping over cracks can make a significant impact to the safety of your roof system (and your wallet!)
Proper Installation Practices
Ensure that roof installations, including solar panels and ridge caps, are done correctly by following industry best practices to prevent faulty installations that can lead to leaks. For more serious tasks, it’s always advisable to consult a roofing professional.
What to Do If You Have a Leaky Roof?
Okay, so you’ve done all you can to prevent a roof leak but disaster strikes and you’re noticing water seepage. What do you do?
- Act Fast – Address roof leaks immediately to prevent water stains and avoid more significant issues like electrical fires or insulation damage.
- Emergency Roof Repairs – Consider emergency roof repairs to mitigate immediate water damage and avoid long-term structural issues from a water leak.
- Professional Roof Repair Services – Seek professional assistance to identify and fix the root cause of roof leaks, especially when electrical or structural components like ceiling joists or insulation are at risk.
How EvoBuild Can Help
You can find two different types of roofing products at Evobuild specifically designed to help prevent long-term damage to your roof.
- Flashing solutions – EvoBuild provides a wide range of flashing products, such as Wakaflex, Dakaflash, Smartform, and Flashtities, to prevent leaks around vulnerable areas where parts of your roof meet. These flashing products ensure your roof is thoroughly sealed and protected.
- Waterproofing solutions – Use Fastfix Wet Shield and Fast Fix Repair Tape to strengthen and repair your roof, ensuring it’s well protected against water ingress.
Final Thoughts on Leaky Roofs
Roof leaks can cause significant damage if left unchecked, compromising your roof’s integrity and your home’s value.
Guard against this with three approaches:
- Regular inspections
- Proactive maintenance
- Flashing and waterproofing products
You can prevent costly repairs and protect your tiled roof with these three measures. Contact EvoBuild today for a free quote or consultation to secure your roof with quality flashing and waterproofing solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions should I take to prevent leaks in my flat metal roof?
You should regularly inspect your flat metal roof for signs of:
- Rust
- Cracks
- loose seams.
Ensure that the installer uses durable flashing to prevent leaks around chimneys, skylights, and vents.
How can I ensure proper installation for solar panels?
Work with a qualified installer who follows industry standards to mount your solar panels: they’re obliged to follow the rules and are liable if they make any mistakes, too. Solar panels installed on your roof need flashing around all penetration points to prevent water ingress.
Are metal roofs more or less prone to leakage than tile roofs?
Metal roofs tend to:
- Have fewer seams
- Be more resistant to cracking
However, proper installation is always crucial to preventing leaks for both metal roofs and tiled roofs. Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity regardless of your chosen roofing material.
How do I protect my tile roofs from water damage after heavy rain?
Regularly inspect tile roofs for:
- broken tiles
- cracked ridge caps
- blocked gutters
Replace any damaged tiles immediately and ensure that the valley and gutter drainage systems are clear. Of course, always use quality flashing products to prevent water seepage through vulnerable points.