We get called out to a lot of jobs that could have been a $300 repair two years earlier, but became a $8,000 job because the leak was 'not that bad' and got put off.
Where the Damage Actually Happens
A small leak rarely stays contained to the spot where you see it drip. Water travels along timber battens and rafters before it finds the easiest path down through your ceiling. By the time you see a stain, moisture may have already been sitting in your roof cavity for weeks or months.
The Hidden Costs
- Timber rot in structural battens and rafters, requiring replacement
- Mould growth in wall cavities and insulation, a genuine health hazard
- Damaged ceiling plaster requiring full re-sheeting and repainting
- Electrical hazards if wiring runs through the affected roof space
- Ruined insulation, which loses its effectiveness once wet
Insurance Complications
Most home insurance policies distinguish between sudden storm damage and gradual deterioration. A leak that's been ignored for a long period can sometimes be classified as a maintenance issue rather than an insurable event, leaving you to cover the full cost yourself.
Our Advice
If you notice any leak, no matter how minor it looks, get it looked at within the week. Our leak detection service uses moisture meters and a full roof-space inspection to trace the actual source, which is often nowhere near where the drip appears inside.