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Gloved hands replacing a cracked terracotta roof tile near the ridge

Roof repair in Canberra

Roof repair in Canberra, from leaks to loose tiles

We trace where the water gets in, explain the fix and quote it in writing.

  • Leak tracing and flashing repairs
  • Broken tile and ridge cap fixes
  • Valley, gutter and downpipe repairs

Why is my roof leaking?

Most roof leaks start small and come from a handful of common causes. In Canberra, these are the ones we see most often:

  • Cracked or slipped tiles after hail, wind or foot traffic.
  • Failed ridge pointing. Frost and summer heat crack old mortar, and caps can loosen.
  • Rusted sheets and fixings on older tin and steel roofs.
  • Worn flashings around chimneys, skylights, vents and wall junctions.
  • Blocked valleys and gutters. Autumn leaves from street trees and ash after bushfire seasons can build up and push water under tiles.

Water often travels along battens and rafters before it drips. The stain on your ceiling may be some distance from the real opening, which is why guessing and sealing the stain rarely works.

How do you find a roof leak?

Finding the source is the main job. A repair in the wrong spot is wasted money.

  1. Talk through when the leak shows up. Only in heavy rain, only in wind, or after frost can all point to different causes.
  2. Look inside the roof space for water trails, damp insulation and stained timber.
  3. Inspect the roof surface, valleys, flashings and ridge, working up from the stained area.
  4. If the cause is still unclear, test sections of the roof with water one at a time, starting from the lowest point.

Steel roofs add one more possibility. Cold clear nights can form condensation under the sheets, and it can look like a leak. We check for that before recommending a repair. If the roof is beyond repair, we say so and explain why. In that case, read about roof replacement.

What repairs can be done?

Many leaks are fixed without touching the rest of the roof. Typical repairs include:

  • Replacing broken or missing tiles, and refixing slipped ones.
  • Re-bedding and re-pointing ridge and hip capping with flexible pointing.
  • Replacing rusted sheets, screws and sealing washers.
  • Resealing or replacing flashings around penetrations and walls.
  • Clearing and repairing valleys, gutters and downpipes.
  • Replacing or resealing roof vents and whirlybirds.

Older tiles can be hard to match, and sun-faded tiles will look different next to a new one. We tell you about this up front so there are no surprises. A repair is a good option when the rest of the roof is sound. When repairs keep coming back, it may be time to compare costs with a new roof.

We give a quote after seeing the problem. The price depends on how hard the leak is to find, how much needs to be replaced, how steep and high the roof is and whether scaffold or special access is needed. Matching old tiles or sheets can also add time.

Small repairs, such as a few tiles or a flashing, can often be finished in one visit. Larger jobs, like several valleys or a rusted section of steel roof, take longer. Rain and frost can delay roof work, because wet or icy surfaces are unsafe. A temporary patch may be possible when the weather will not allow a permanent repair.

What should you expect, and when should you call?

On the day, we confirm what we found, carry out the agreed repair and show you the finished work. Clear any car or furniture near the work area and let us know where the leak shows inside.

Call sooner rather than later. A small leak can soak insulation, stain ceilings and damage timber. If a storm caused the problem, see storm damage repair for urgent steps. If you just want to know the roof's overall condition, a roof inspection is a good start. Find out more about the company on the home page.

Stay off the roof yourself. Surfaces are slippery after rain, and frosty mornings are the worst.

Clear communication
Free inspections
Written estimates
Local crew

Questions about roofing in Canberra

How much does it cost to repair a roof leak in Canberra?

It depends on the cause and the roof. A single tile or flashing is a smaller job than a rusted valley or a section of failed ridge capping. We do not give prices over the phone because the answer depends on what we find. After the inspection you will receive a written quote that spells out the work and the price.

Can a leak be fixed while it is raining?

A temporary patch or cover can sometimes be placed in wet weather to limit damage. Permanent repairs usually need a dry roof, because wet surfaces are unsafe and sealants will not bond. We will tell you honestly what can be done on the day and what needs to wait.

Is it condensation or a leak?

Condensation tends to appear on cold clear nights and mornings, often with no rain. Drips that follow a rain event are more likely a leak. Metal roofs without a blanket are the usual suspects for condensation. A look in the roof space usually settles the question, and the fix is different for each.

Will my ceiling need repair as well?

Maybe. Roof repair stops the water, but plasterboard may need to dry out or be replaced, and damp insulation can be a problem. If water has reached light fittings or switches, turn off the power to that area and call an electrician. We focus on the roof, so you may need a plasterer or painter afterwards.

Is repairing an old roof worth the money?

It often is, when the problem is limited and the rest of the roof is sound. If many tiles are cracked, rust is widespread or repairs keep recurring, the money may be better put toward a new roof. We will tell you which side of that line your roof is on.

How it works

1

Call or request a quote

Tell us what is happening with the roof.

2

Free inspection

A roofer checks the roof and gives a written price.

3

Work done right

Clean crew, nail sweep, warranty in writing.

Request roof repair

Tell us what you need and we call you back.

Step 1 of 3

What do you need?

No obligation.

Ready when you are

Call now or request a quote online.

(02) 5550 4993

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