The visible leak is not always where the water is getting in.
Water can travel along roofing, framing and building interfaces before it becomes visible inside. ALTUA reviews the affected area together with the surrounding roof details to help identify the likely source rather than treating only the visible symptom.
Understand the water path before deciding on the repair.
Inspect
Review the reported leak, visible roof condition and the areas where water entry may be occurring.
Trace
Check relevant flashings, penetrations, junctions, drainage and surrounding roof details for likely water paths.
Define
Use the findings to define a practical repair scope where the likely source can be identified.
Look beyond the roof surface.
Roof leaks can involve flashings, penetrations, roof junctions, gutters, drainage details or damaged roofing. The assessment considers the surrounding system because the source may be away from the point where the leak first becomes visible.
Once the likely source is identified, the repair can be properly scoped.
Where the cause can be identified and the surrounding roof remains suitable for repair, ALTUA can define the work required around the affected area. If the condition points to wider deterioration, a larger repair or replacement scope may be more appropriate.
Roof leak detection — common questions
Why is the ceiling stain not under the leak?+
Water runs along sarking, battens, rafters and the top of the ceiling lining before it drops through. The stain marks where the water finally escapes, which can be a metre or more from where it entered the roof.
How is a roof leak located?+
Common methods are inspecting flashings, laps, fasteners and penetrations, then water testing one section at a time from the lowest point upward, with moisture meters or thermal imaging to track damp in framing and ceilings. Testing in sequence isolates the entry point.
Why does a roof only leak in wind-driven rain?+
Wind pushes water sideways and upslope, past laps, flashings and gaps that stay dry in vertical rain. A leak that appears only in storms from one direction points to a lap, flashing or penetration on that side of the roof.
What should I do indoors while waiting for an inspection?+
Move belongings away, catch drips, photograph the stain and note when it appears. Keep clear of any bulging ceiling and light fittings that are wet, and have an electrician check them before they are used again.
Why does a leak return after a repair?+
Often only the symptom was sealed. A roof can have more than one entry point, or the original cause, such as a failed flashing or blocked gutter, was left in place. Reviewing earlier repair areas helps establish whether the source was found.