Leaking right now? Do this first
Call 0430 545 669- Catch the drip. Put a bucket under it and lay towels around it. Move rugs and furniture clear.
- Watch for power. If water is near a light or power point, or the ceiling is bulging, switch the power off to that area at the switchboard and keep out of the room.
- Take photos. Photograph the stain, the drip and any damage. Note when it started and whether it only leaks in rain.
- Stay off the roof. A wet roof is slippery, and the entry point is rarely above the stain.
Then call 0430 545 669. If you plan to claim, tell your insurer early.
Roof leak detection traces water from the ceiling stain back to the point where it enters the roof. We check the roof space, then walk the roof and test the likely sources: tiles, ridge pointing, valleys, flashings, penetrations and gutters. We repair the entry point, not just the stain.
How we find a leak
Water runs along battens, rafters and sarking before it drips. The stain can sit a metre or more from the hole. So we follow it:
- Ask the questions. Does it leak in any rain, only in wind-driven rain, or only after a long wet spell? Which room, and for how long? The answers narrow the field.
- Check the roof space. We look for staining on timbers, wet insulation and light coming through. Old stain lines tell us where water has been before.
- Walk the roof. We check tiles, ridge pointing, valleys, flashings, vents, antennas, solar fixings and gutter edges.
- Test where we need to. If the cause is not obvious, we use water to test sections from the bottom up until the leak shows.
The usual causes
- Cracked or slipped tiles. See tile repairs.
- Failed ridge or hip pointing. See re-pointing and re-bedding.
- Rusted or blocked valleys, and perished flashings around vents, walls and pipes. See valleys and flashings.
- Gutters that overflow behind the fascia. See gutter repairs.
- Loose fixings and failed laps on metal roofs. See Colourbond repairs.
Is it a leak or condensation?
Our guide to leak or condensation sets the signs side by side. Condensation forms when warm indoor air meets a cold surface. It shows up on cold mornings, with damp patches, mould and drips under the roof, and it does not depend on rain. A leak follows the weather. If your ceiling is damp on dry days, ask us about ventilation. A whirlybird or roof vent can help.
What customers tell us
People who have a leak want two things: a fast reply and a straight answer. These reviews are from leak jobs:
“I highly recommend them they are very quick to respond came within 30 minutes had a quote that night. Fixed the leak the following day. It was the best experience I’ve had with a company in many years.”
“Nathan fixed the roof leak damage on our garage and did an excellent job. He came by the same day to check it out, explained everything clearly, and gave us a quote same day.”
“Contacted a few places for roof leaks. O’Malley roofing provided prompt feedback with clear pricing. Arrived within the time suggested and the photos of the fix look so much cleaner compared to the previous work. Will be using again for all jobs going forward. Thanks!”
Temporary protection
If water is coming in now, put a bucket down, move furniture and photograph the damage for your insurer. We can make the roof safe first and repair it when the weather clears. See emergency repairs for what to do while you wait.
Have a leak? Not sure what you need? Describe it on the form or call 0430 545 669. We will tell you straight.
Questions about leak detection and repairs
Where is the leak if the stain is in the middle of the ceiling?
Probably higher up the roof and to one side. Water follows the framing before it drips. We trace it from the stain upslope to find the entry.
Can you fix a leak in the rain?
We can make it safe in the wet. A proper repair needs dry surfaces, so we plan the permanent fix for when the weather allows.
How long does leak detection take?
Often under an hour for an obvious cause. Hard-to-find leaks take longer, and sometimes need water testing in stages.
Do you give a price before the work?
Yes. You get a clear quote before we start, and we tell you if we find something extra on the day.
Will the ceiling stain go away?
The roof repair stops the water. Ceiling repair and painting is a separate job. We tell you what damage we see so you can plan for it.