# Signs your roof needs attention

URL: https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/signs-your-roof-needs-attention/
Updated: 2026-10-17

> The main signs of roof damage are ceiling stains, mould or damp smells; slipped, cracked or missing tiles; crumbling ridge pointing; rust or lifted sheets on a steel roof; sagging roof lines; and gutters that overflow in rain. You can check for all of these from inside the house or from the ground, without climbing onto the roof.

Roofs rarely fail all at once. Most problems start small, such as a cracked tile, a gap in the ridge pointing or a gutter that overflows, and show up inside months later as a stain. Catching the early signs usually means a smaller, simpler repair.

Treat this page as a checklist. Each sign comes with what it might mean and where to read next. A sign is a clue rather than a diagnosis; a contractor's inspection should confirm the cause.


Every check here is done from inside the house, from the ground or from a safe window. Do not climb onto the roof or lean out from a ladder at the gutter line. Falls from roofs cause serious injuries, and walking on tiles can break more of them.

## What signs can you see inside the house?

The first signs of a roof problem are often on the ceiling, in a cupboard or in the roof space. Walk through the house after heavy rain and look up.


- **Brown rings or stains on the ceiling.** Might mean a roof leak, but also a plumbing leak, an air conditioner or condensation. Read: [finding the source of a roof leak](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/finding-the-source-of-a-roof-leak/).
- **Bubbling, flaking or peeling ceiling paint, or stained cornices.** Might mean water has been sitting on the plasterboard. Read: [roof leak repair](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-leak-repair-perth/).
- **Mould spots or a musty smell in one room or built-in robe.** Might mean slow, repeated wetting from above, or poor ventilation. Read: [finding the source of a roof leak](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/finding-the-source-of-a-roof-leak/).
- **Damp patches high on an external wall.** Might mean a failed flashing where the roof meets a wall, or an overflowing gutter. Read: [roof flashing repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-flashing-repairs-perth/).
- **A sagging or bulging ceiling.** This is urgent: the plaster may be holding water. Keep everyone out of the room. Read: [what to do when your roof leaks](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/what-to-do-when-your-roof-leaks/).

### What can you see in the roof space?

Only look if there is a safe access hatch and you can stand or kneel on the ceiling joists, never on the plasterboard between them. Building and Energy WA advises switching off the power at the main switch first, telling someone where you are, using a torch and not touching any wiring. If the space is cramped or you are unsure, leave it to a contractor.


- **Patches of daylight through the tiles.** Thin slivers of light at tile overlaps can be normal in a roof without sarking; a distinct patch is more likely a cracked, slipped or missing tile. Read: [cracked and broken roof tiles](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/cracked-and-broken-roof-tiles/).
- **Water stains or tide marks on timber, sarking or the top of the ceiling.** Might mean a recurring leak. Note where they are.
- **Damp, flattened or stained insulation.** Might mean water is reaching the ceiling, and wet insulation works poorly. Read: [sarking and insulation](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/roof-sarking-and-insulation/).
- **Droplets across the underside of a steel roof on cold mornings.** Might mean condensation rather than a leak.

## What signs can you see from the ground?

Most external damage is visible from the street, the backyard or an upstairs window, especially in low sun. Zooming in with a phone camera helps.


- **Slipped, cracked or missing tiles, or a gap in a row.** Might mean storm damage, foot traffic or broken fixings. Read: [tile roof repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/tile-roof-repairs-perth/).
- **Cracked, crumbling or missing pointing along the ridges and hips, or mortar chips in the gutters.** Might mean the ridge capping needs repointing or rebedding. Read: [roof repointing](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-repointing-perth/).
- **Rust spots, streaks or holes on steel sheets, around screws or at sheet overlaps.** Might mean corrosion, worse near the coast. Read: [rusty roofs and gutters](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/rusty-roofs-and-gutters/).
- **Lifted, loose or rattling sheets, capping or flashings, especially in wind.** Might mean failed fixings and a risk of more damage in the next storm. Read: [metal roof repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/metal-roof-repairs-perth/).
- **A ridge line or roof plane that sags or dips.** Might mean a problem with the frame or battens, which needs a professional assessment. Read: [roof inspection](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-inspection-perth/).
- **Rust, holes or debris in the valleys where two roof slopes meet.** Might mean a valley iron is blocked or corroding. Read: [roof valley repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-valley-repairs-perth/).
- **Gutters that overflow in rain, sag, rust or drip at the joints.** Might mean blockages, poor fall or failed gutters. Read: [gutter repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/gutter-repairs-perth/).
- **Heavy lichen or moss.** Might mean the surface is staying damp; on its own it is usually not damage. Read: [lichen and moss on roofs](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/lichen-and-moss-on-roofs/).
- **Faded, chalky or peeling roof coating.** Might mean the coating is wearing out. Read: [roof painting](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-painting-perth/).

*Image: Ridge capping on a concrete-tile roof with cracked and missing mortar pointing, a common sign seen from the ground.*
## Which signs need urgent attention?

Some signs mean you should act the same day rather than book a routine check:

- A sagging, bulging or cracked ceiling, or water dripping near light fittings or power points.
- Water coming in steadily during a storm.
- Sheets, capping or tiles lifting or blowing off in wind.
- A fallen branch or tree on the roof.

For storm damage you cannot make safe yourself, such as a collapsed roof or ceiling, call the SES on 132 500. If anyone is in danger, call Triple Zero (000). Our guides to [what to do when your roof leaks](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/what-to-do-when-your-roof-leaks/) and [storm damage roof repairs](https://perthroofquotes.com/storm-damage-roof-repairs-perth/) explain the next steps.

## When is the best time to check your roof in Perth?

The most useful time is autumn, before the winter rain. Most of Perth's annual rainfall arrives between May and September, mainly with cold fronts, so the first heavy rain after summer is often when leaks appear. DFES also suggests checking for loose or broken tiles or sheets, from the ground or through a professional, and cleaning gutters and downpipes before storm season.

Other good times to look:

- After a major storm or strong winds.
- After any trade has been on the roof, such as solar, antenna or air conditioning installers.
- Before buying or selling, when a building inspection may flag roof defects.
- At the end of summer, after months of strong sun on the pointing and coatings.

Our [roof maintenance checklist](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/roof-maintenance-checklist/) and [Perth weather and your roof](https://perthroofquotes.com/guides/perth-weather-and-your-roof/) cover the seasonal routine.

## How should you record what you find?

Good records help a contractor diagnose the problem faster and help with any insurance claim. Keep it simple:

- Take photos from the same spots each time, with the date.
- Lightly trace the edge of a ceiling stain in pencil, so you can see whether it grows after the next rain.
- Note the weather when a problem shows up: heavy rain, light rain, strong wind and its direction.
- Write down any recent work on the roof and who did it.

Send these with your enquiry. If you want a professional view of the whole roof, a [roof inspection](https://perthroofquotes.com/roof-inspection-perth/) report sets out the condition and priorities, and our page on [repair, restoration or replacement](https://perthroofquotes.com/repair-or-restoration/) helps you weigh the options that follow.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a small ceiling stain worth worrying about?
Yes, it is worth investigating. A small stain usually means water is reaching the ceiling repeatedly, and the hidden damage to insulation, timber or plasterboard can be larger than the mark suggests.

### Are photos taken from the ground good enough for a contractor?
They are a good start. Clear, zoomed photos of the problem area, the ridges and the gutters help a contractor understand the job, although they will normally still need to see the roof before giving a firm quote.

### Does lichen on roof tiles mean the roof is damaged?
Not by itself. Lichen shows that the surface stays damp or shaded, and it can hold moisture against tiles and block gutters, but it is not proof of cracks or leaks.

### How often should I check my roof?
A look from the ground every autumn, before the winter rain, and after major storms is a practical habit. Book a professional inspection when you see warning signs, or before buying a home.

### Are rusty gutters a sign the roof is failing?
Not necessarily. Gutters often rust before the roof does because leaves and water sit in them. Rusty gutters still need attention, though, because overflowing water can get into the eaves and walls.