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How to Fix a Leaking Roof: What to Do When Your Roof Starts Leaking

By Edwards & Hardy
3 min read
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Close-up of a leaking long-run iron roof being inspected and repaired
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A leaking roof is one of those problems that never seems to happen at a convenient time. You may notice a stain on the ceiling, a drip from a light fitting, or a damp patch on the wall during heavy rain. It is natural to feel concerned, but the best thing you can do is stay calm, act quickly, and minimise the damage while you arrange a proper repair.

Don't Ignore It

Even a small leak can lead to significant damage if left untreated. Water entering your roof cavity can:

  • Saturate insulation and reduce its thermal performance.
  • Damage plasterboard, paint, and internal linings.
  • Compromise lights and other electrical components.
  • Create conditions that encourage mould growth.
  • Cause timber framing and roof battens to rot.
  • In severe cases, affect the structural integrity of your home.

Step 1: Protect Your Belongings

While you work out the source of the leak, place buckets or towels under any active drips and move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area.

If water is pooling on a flat ceiling, you may need to carefully release it by puncturing the lowest point of the bulge. A water-filled ceiling can collapse without warning, so this should only be done with caution.

Step 2: Try to Find the Source

The difficult thing about roof leaks is that where water enters the roof and where it appears inside your home are often not the same place. Water can travel along roof timbers, battens, and underlay before it eventually finds a way through.

Common leak sources include:

  • Flashings — Metal flashings around chimneys, skylights, parapet walls, roof-to-wall junctions, and valleys are common leak points. Over time, they can lift or separate.
  • Cracked or displaced tiles — A cracked concrete or clay tile, or one that has slipped out of position, can let water in.
  • Roof penetrations — Pipes, vents, aerials, and solar panel mounts all create potential leak points if the sealing fails.
  • Corroded or perforated metal — On long-run steel and metal tile roofs, corrosion holes can appear near eaves, laps, valleys, and fixings.
  • Ridge and hip caps — Lifted, cracked, or deteriorated caps can allow wind-driven rain to enter.
  • Blocked gutters — While not technically a roof leak, overflowing gutters can force water back under the eaves and into the ceiling space.

Step 3: Temporary First Aid

If you can safely access the roof and the problem is clearly visible, a temporary patch with roofing tape or sealant may help limit further water entry until a professional can inspect it.

However, walking on a wet or unfamiliar roof is dangerous. Do not attempt repairs unless you are confident you can do so safely. Roof falls cause serious injuries and deaths in New Zealand every year.

Step 4: Call a Professional

For anything other than the smallest and most obvious repair, it is best to call a qualified roofer. A professional can:

  • Inspect the roof thoroughly, including the roof space where possible.
  • Identify the true source of the leak.
  • Provide a written assessment and repair quote.
  • Use the correct materials for your roof type.
  • Carry out repairs that are designed to last.

Common Roof Leak Repair Options

  • Sealing or replacing flashings, tiles, and fasteners.
  • Replacing cracked, broken, or dented tiles.
  • Replacing a section of long-run steel roofing.
  • Re-bedding and re-pointing ridge and hip tiles.

Does Insurance Cover Roof Leaks?

This depends on your policy and the cause of the leak. Sudden damage caused by a storm, falling tree, or other unexpected event is generally covered. However, leaks caused by wear and tear or poor maintenance usually are not.

If you believe the damage was caused by a specific event, check your policy and contact your insurer as soon as possible.

Get It Fixed by Edwards & Hardy

Edwards & Hardy's roof repair teams work across New Zealand and handle all types of roof leaks on all roof types. We offer free, no-obligation assessments and carry out repairs to a high standard.

Don't let a small leak become a bigger problem — contact us today.