Blog / Roofing
What are the signs my roof is leaking before I see a stain?
11 Early Signs Your Roof Is Leaking Before You See a Stain
A roof can leak for months before a stain appears on the ceiling. The early signs are often in the roof space, on the roof itself or in small changes inside the home, and catching them early keeps repairs small and cheap.
Inside the home
- A musty smell in a room or the roof space.
- Paint bubbling, peeling or cracking on ceilings or upper walls.
- A sagging or slightly damp ceiling.
- Mould spots in corners or around cornices.
In the roof space
- Higher humidity or condensation in the roof space.
- Damp, clumped or discoloured insulation.
- Daylight visible through the roof.
On the roof itself
- Lifted, cracked or slipped tiles.
- Rust spots or loose screws on metal sheets.
- Damaged or lifted flashings around chimneys, vents and skylights.
- Blocked or sagging gutters holding water against the roof edge.
What to do
After heavy rain, look into the roof space with a torch if it is safe to do so, and check for wet timber, damp insulation or drips. Do not climb on the roof yourself. Take photos and call a roofer.
Book an inspection
Pick a roofer who offers leak inspections across Darwin, Palmerston and the rural area, with photos of any problems found.
Frequently asked questions
Where do roof leaks usually start?
Often around flashings, penetrations, valleys, ridge capping and damaged fixings, not in the middle of a sheet or tile.
Can I fix a leak with sealant?
Sealant may help for a while, but it rarely fixes the cause.