Guide to house roof leaks, repairs, maintenance and reroofing

Roofing repairs and maintenance guide

Common causes of roof leaks in Victorian homes

Roof leaks in Victoria are most commonly caused by weather damage, aging materials, blocked gutters, or poor maintenance. With many homes built pre-1980s, particularly in older suburbs and regional towns, age-related issues are also frequent.

Cracked or dislodged roof tiles

Concrete and terracotta tiles are common across Victorian homes. These can shift or break due to strong winds or hail...or simply weaken over decades.

Rusted corrugated iron or Colorbond sheets

Rust or corrosion around fastenings and joins is common on older metal roofs, especially where leaves and moisture are allowed to sit. Coastal homes in areas like the Mornington Peninsula may see this wear faster due to salt exposure.

Blocked gutters and downpipes

Melbourne's many tree-lined streets and leafy suburbs (such as Kew, Eltham or Olinda) often experience blocked gutters. When gutters overflow, water can back up into roof cavities.

Box gutters, which are common in flat-roofed terraces and commercial buildings across inner-Melbourne, can cause severe internal leaks if blocked.

Damaged flashings and valleys

Metal flashings seal gaps around chimneys, skylights and ridges. Over time, they can warp or crack, particularly after temperature extremes.

Poor installation or workmanship

Leaks often result from incorrectly installed roofing components, such as after solar panels, whirlybirds, or skylights.

Moss and lichen growing on the roof

Moss and lichen growth can cause several issues, including erosion of the protective coating on the tiles and structural damage. If moss and lichen grow in the joints between tiles, that can create a damming effect that slows down water flow and causes it to overflow into the roof space.

There are several things that roof professionals can do to prevent moss and lichen growth on your roof:

• Regular cleaning - it's important to remove debris, leaves, and other organic materials that can promote moss and lichen growth
• Trim overhanging branches - trim any overhanging branches to reduce shade and moisture on the roof, as moss and lichen thrive in moist, shady areas
• Install zinc strips - install zinc strips near the ridge of the roof. When it rains, zinc particles will wash down the roof and inhibit moss and lichen growth
• Chemical treatments - use chemical treatments specifically designed to kill moss and lichen. Caution is required if you do this yourself. You need to follow the manufacturer's instructions and take precautions to protect nearby plants and the environment
• Pressure washing - for severe infestations, pressure washing can be effective. This is a highly dangerous activity and should only be carried out by a professional with the right safety equipment.

Signs your roof may be leaking

It's not always obvious when your roof is deteriorating. In fact, many leaks go unnoticed until water has already caused damage to your ceiling, insulation or plasterwork. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and checking roof penetrations, is essential to prevent issues.

The most common signs that you have roof issues include:

• water stains or brown marks on ceilings and cornices
• paint bubbling or peeling on interior walls
• mould or mildew in upper rooms
• damp insulation in the roof cavity
• musty odours in dry weather
• visible drips or sagging ceilings during or after rain
• loose or missing tiles
• rust on metal roofs or gutters

The sooner you detect a leak, the easier it is to repair - and the less likely you'll face more serious damage to your home's structure.

What to do if your roof is leaking

Contain the water

Place a bucket or towel where water is leaking to reduce interior damage. If the ceiling is sagging with water, avoid the area in case of collapse.

Call a roofing professional

In Victoria, roof repairs must be done by a licensed roof plumber or roofing contractor. Don't risk climbing onto the roof yourself, especially in wet or windy conditions.

Contact your insurer

If the leak was caused by a storm, tree branch, or other insured event, contact your home insurance provider to start a claim.

Reroofing: when repairs aren't enough

If your roof needs constant repair or is showing signs of widespread failure, reroofing may be the most economical and long-term solution.

Signs you may need to reroof

• The roof is more than 30-40 years old
• Frequent or recurring leaks despite repairs
• Visible sagging or compromised structure
• Extensive rust or tile cracking
• You're renovating and want to modernise the look or improve insulation

What's involved in reroofing?

• Removal of old tiles or metal sheets
• Inspection and repair of battens and roof frame
• Installation of sarking (reflective foil) or insulation
• Laying of new roofing material
• New gutters, ridge capping, and flashings if required
• Removal of old materials and clean-up

What factors do I need to consider if I need a new roof?

If you are considering a new roof, either for a new build or for reroofing, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

• Roofing materials - different materials have varying lifespans, costs, and maintenance requirements
• Roof design - the architectural design should be suitable and compliant with regulations; flat roofs with multiple penetrations can lead to leak issues
• Box gutters - be cautious with box gutters, especially in leafy areas: they can accumulate leaf debris, leading to blockages and water ingress into the property
• Maintenance - regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and checking roof penetrations, is essential to prevent issues
• Regulations and codes - ensure that the roofing work complies with current regulations and codes to avoid costly upgrades in the future
• Professional inspection - have a roof professional inspect the roof every eight to 10 years to identify potential issues early.

Best roofing materials for Victorian homes

Colorbond steel

Ideal for Melbourne's climate and popular across new builds, Colorbond is durable, lightweight and has a colourfast coating that comes with a guarantee against fading. It is available in many colours and profiles, making it a versatile option for different architectural styles. It's also fire-resistant: a big plus for bushfire-prone areas.

Pros: Long lifespan, low maintenance, suits solar panels
Cons: Noisier in rain without insulation, more expensive than tiles

Terracotta tiles

Seen on many period homes and coastal properties, terracotta tiles are attractive and thermally efficient, but require careful maintenance in damp regions like the Dandenongs or Macedon Ranges. The tiles can become brittle towards the end of their lifespan, making them liable to crack if climbed on.

Pros: Timeless look, great thermal performance
Cons: Fragile, heavy, more expensive to install

Concrete tiles

Common across Victoria's suburbs from the 1970s onward, concrete tiles are cost-effective and easy to replace. Concrete tiles usually come in a flat profile, which is more prone to leakage. These tiles should have sarking paper under them to avoid any unwanted leaks.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and inspecting for cracks or damage, is essential to ensure the longevity of concrete tiles - however, this is a job for professionals because the tiles are prone to breakage.

Pros: Affordable, easy to repair
Cons: Can fade or crack over time, heavy

Slate roofs

Often used in heritage homes in inner Melbourne or high-end builds, slate is elegant but expensive. Slate roofs are highly specialised and require professional handling. Don't attempt any DIY work on slate roofs due to the risk of damage.

Pros: Very long-lasting, premium appearance
Cons: Costly, requires expert installation

Galvanised iron

Once the standard across rural Victoria and early 20th-century homes, galvanised iron remains a common sight on older weatherboards, farmhouses, and inner-Melbourne renovations aiming to preserve a heritage look. Made by coating iron or steel with a layer of protective zinc, galvanised roofs have a distinctive silver finish that dulls with age.

Pros: Lightweight and easy to install,individual sheets can be replaced
Cons: Shorter lifespan than modern alternatives, susceptible to rust, can be noisy in heavy rain or hail, requires regular maintenance to clear moss, lichen or debris

Zincalume

Zincalume is a high-performance metal roofing material made from a combination of aluminium, zinc, and silicon-coated steel. It's used widely across Victoria in both rural and suburban homes as a cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to galvanised iron. Zincalume has a pale, matte silver finish that weathers to a soft patina over time.

Pros: Very long lifespan (typically 25–40 years), corrosion-resistant, fully recyclable
Cons: Can be reflective in strong sun, may require additional insulation or acoustic lining, not available in a wide colour range

Choosing a reputable roofing contractor in Victoria

All roofing and roof plumbing work in Victoria must be carried out by a registered building practitioner or licensed roof plumber. When selecting a roofing professional:

• check the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) website for licensing
• ask for evidence of insurance (public liability and workers comp)
• read reviews or get recommendations from neighbours
• always get a written quote with detailed inclusions
• ask about warranties for both materials and workmanship.

Avoid cash jobs or unlicensed trades, as you may not be covered by insurance or able to claim warranty if something goes wrong.

Insurance and roof work in Victoria

Victorian homeowners should be aware of what home insurance* does and doesn't cover when it comes to roof repairs.

What may be covered

• Storm, hail or wind damage
• Tree impact
• Fire-related damage
• Vandalism

What's not covered

• Wear and tear
• Rust or corrosion
• Leaks from poor maintenance
• DIY installation faults

Make sure you read your Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and schedule regular roof checks to avoid damage.

How do I check if my roof is ready for solar panels?

Going solar is a great way to help reduce your energy bills. RACV Solar installs solar systems on tin, cement and terracotta roofs, but not slate, which is often too fragile.

Check your roof is big enough for solar panels. You'll need at least 25-35m² for a 5kW system. While north-facing solar panels work best, the team at RACV Solar can advise you on how they can position panels to get maximum sun.

Once your solar system is installed, the solar panels should self-clean when it rains. However, it's a good idea to get them checked and cleaned regularly, especially in drier months. Over time your panels may collect dust, debris or bird droppings which can reduce energy production.

Preventative roof maintenance for Victorian homes

Preventative maintenance is crucial in extending the life of your roof and avoiding leaks. Here's how to stay ahead.

Clean gutters twice annually

Aim to clean gutters every six months, or more often if you live in a leafy suburb or bushfire-prone zone. Clogged gutters contribute to roof leaks and water overflow. Consider booking a gutter cleaning service to clear your gutters, as falls from ladders can cause serious injuries.

Book an annual roof inspection

Engage a licensed roofing contractor to inspect your roof once a year, especially if your home is over 20 years old. They can identify hairline cracks, rust spots, loose fixings or moss growth before they become problems.

Trim overhanging trees

Branches rubbing on roofs can damage tiles and sheet metal, particularly during windy spring and summer weather. Keep trees trimmed back and check for broken branches that need removing after storms.

Monitor interior signs

Ceiling stains, musty smells or sagging plaster are internal signs something's not right above. Book a professional to inspect your roof immediately if you notice these signs.