Roof leaks (visible as wet framing or water path stains)

Cause

Cracked, missing or dislodged tiles or shingles, or corroded metal roofing 

Repair

  • locate and repair the leak, following the guidelines from the roof cladding manufacturer or on other pages on this website. Where the leak cannot be found or you suspect that the leaking is widespread, engage an experienced building surveyor for advice
  • if the roof is old and damage is extensive – for example, if more than 10% of shingles or tiles need replacing ¬– consider replacing the whole roof. If the existing roof has performed well for more than 15 years and you are replacing the roof cladding with comparable material, you do not need to get a building consent
  • if you choose to get a tradesperson to make the repairs to the roof or to replace the roof, the work must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner
  • check the roof space under the cladding for potential damage to framing or insulation. Insulation that is soaking wet should be removed, and new insulation installed once the roof space is dry
  • check the condition of the roof cladding at least once a year

Cause

Roofing sheets do not have turn-ups to the top end 

Repair

  • if water entry from a leak is suspected, find  and remove the source of the water (use an experienced building surveyor to inspect and report on the possible leak causes as well as consequential damage); have the roof space checked for moisture levels, the extent of moisture damage including mould growth on roof framing and in walls, and condition of insulation
  • lift ridge flashing; turn up roofing; re-fix flashing

Cause

Missing nail heads or waterproofing washers 

Repair

  • replace inadequate fasteners/fixings following recommendations of the cladding manufacturer. Replacement fasteners on profiled metal typically include sealing washers. When adding new fasteners, the washer (often made from EPDM) should compress slightly when the fastener is tightened to provide a good seal against the cladding. Don’t overtighten
  • fixings for corrugated roof cladding should go through the ridge and not the trough of the sheet cladding
  • if you choose to get a tradesperson to make the repairs to the roof, the work must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner
  • check the condition of the roof cladding at least once a year

Cause

Flashing has lifted, corroded or been damaged 

Repair

  • locate and repair the leak. Where the leak cannot be found or you suspect that the leaking is widespread, engage an experienced building surveyor for advice
  • you can find more information about fixing chimney or flue flashings on this page
  • if you choose to get a tradesperson to make the repairs to the roof flashings, the work must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner
  • check the roof space under the cladding for potential damage to framing or insulation. Insulation that is soaking wet should be removed, and new insulation installed once the roof space is dry
  • check the condition of the roof cladding and flashings at least once a year

Cause

Corroded, damaged or blocked valley or internal gutters

Repair

  • locate and repair the leak. Where the leak cannot be found or you suspect that leaking is widespread, engage an experienced building surveyor for advice
  • you can find more information about leaks in internal gutters on this page
  • if you choose to get a tradesperson to make the repairs to the valley or internal gutters, the work must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner
  • check the roof space under the cladding for potential damage to framing or insulation. Insulation that is soaking wet should be removed, and new insulation installed once the roof space is dry
  • check internal gutters at least once a year to see that they are not blocked and remain in good condition