Why is my roof leaking, and what should I do first?
A roof leak is usually caused by damaged or missing tiles, failed flashing around a chimney or vent, a blocked gutter forcing water back under the roofline, or a perished flat-roof membrane — not always directly above where the water appears inside. While you wait for a roofer, move anything valuable away from the drip and catch the water, but don't go up on the roof yourself.
Active leak or storm damage — treat it as urgent
If water is actively coming in, move what you can away from the leak and catch the water. Don't go up on the roof yourself. Tell your roofer it's urgent — active leaks and storm damage get faster attention than a routine booking.
Water can travel some distance along a rafter or along the underside of the roof deck before it drips through the ceiling, so the visible stain indoors is a starting point for a roofer's inspection, not necessarily the exact fault location.
Wind-driven rain making a leak worse points toward tiles or flashing; a leak that's constant regardless of wind points more toward a membrane or blocked gutter.
Roof work is height work — it's not a safe DIY job, even for a quick look, especially in wet or windy conditions.
What to check
- Is the leak worse in wind-driven rain, or steady regardless of wind direction
- Roof type if you know it — pitched or flat
- Roughly how old the roof is
- Whether there's been a recent storm or fallen debris
When to call a pro
Any time water is actively getting in — don't wait to see if it stops.
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