Tile Roof Leak Repairs
Fast Leak Detection & Permanent Fixes for Concrete & Terracotta Roofs
Water coming through your tile roof? Don't let it damage your ceilings and walls. Our experienced team finds the source quickly and makes permanent repairs. From failed ridge capping to cracked tiles and valley leaks—we've fixed thousands of tile roof leaks across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
Got Water Coming Through Right Now?
Call immediately—we provide 24/7 emergency leak repairs
Where Tile Roofs Leak
Based on thousands of repairs, here's where we find problems
Failed Ridge Capping
45% of leaksCracked pointing or loose bedding allows water under ridge caps
Fix: Rebedding and repointing with flexible pointing compound
Cracked/Broken Tiles
20% of leaksHairline cracks, broken corners, or fully cracked tiles let water through
Fix: Replace damaged tiles with matching replacements
Valley Leaks
15% of leaksRusted valley irons, debris dams, or inadequate tile overlap
Fix: Clear debris, repair, or replace Colorbond valleys
Flashing Failure
10% of leaksDeteriorated lead or metal flashings around penetrations and walls
Fix: Re-seal or replace flashings with new lead or Wakaflex
Sarking Damage
5% of leaksTorn or deteriorated underlay allows water through despite intact tiles
Fix: Patch or replace affected sarking sections
Displaced Tiles
5% of leaksTiles moved by wind, foot traffic, or settling creating gaps
Fix: Reposition and secure tiles in correct alignment
The #1 Tile Roof Leak: Failed Ridge Capping
Nearly half of all tile roof leaks we repair are caused by failed ridge capping. The cement mortar used to bed and point ridge caps was never designed to last forever— and in Melbourne's climate, it typically fails after 15-25 years.
⚠️ Signs Your Ridge Caps Are Failing:
- •Visible cracks in the pointing (cement between tiles and caps)
- •Ridge caps that wobble or feel loose
- •Pieces of cement mortar in your gutters
- •Leaks that appear near the roof peak
- •Birds or possums accessing roof space (gaps in caps)
✅ Our Solution: Rebedding & Repointing
We remove old failing mortar, reset ridge caps in fresh flexible bedding compound, and repoint with flexible pointing that moves with thermal expansion—unlike rigid cement that cracks.
This is usually much more cost-effective than roof replacement and stops leaks permanently. We can rebed/repoint just the failed sections or the entire ridge line.
Ridge Cap Repair
Quality Workmanship, Guaranteed
How We Find & Fix Tile Roof Leaks
Systematic approach for reliable results
Inspect Inside
If roof space is accessible, we check for water staining patterns to narrow down the leak location.
Inspect Outside
Systematic check of ridge caps, valleys, flashings, and tiles in the suspected area.
Repair Properly
Fix the actual problem—not just silicone over it. Proper repairs that address the root cause.
Verify & Warranty
Test the repair if conditions allow. Provide warranty documentation on all work.
Tile Replacement & Matching
We can match most tile profiles
Concrete Tiles
We stock common profiles (MR, Double Roman, Flat) and can source most discontinued styles. Colour matching available.
Terracotta Tiles
Marseilles, Shingle, and other profiles available. We have suppliers for heritage terracotta matching.
Tile Relocation
For rare tiles, we can move tiles from less visible areas (back of house) to visible areas, using similar tiles at the back.
Tile Roof Leak Repair FAQs
Common questions about tile roof leaks
What causes tile roofs to leak?
Tile roof leaks have several common causes: failed ridge capping (cracked pointing or loose bedding), cracked or broken tiles, corroded valley irons, damaged lead flashings around penetrations, deteriorated sarking/underlay, and tiles that have slipped or displaced. The #1 cause we see is failed ridge capping pointing—it's often the first thing to fail on older tile roofs.
How do you find a leak in a tile roof?
We use a systematic approach. First, internal inspection from the roof space (if accessible) looking for water staining patterns—this tells us the general area. Then external inspection of all common failure points: ridge caps, valleys, flashings, and individual tiles. For difficult-to-find leaks, we may hose test specific areas. Our experience means we know where to look first.
Is it the tiles or the pointing that's leaking?
In our experience, failed ridge capping (pointing and bedding) causes more leaks than the tiles themselves. The cement mortar used to bed ridge caps cracks over time from thermal expansion, and water gets underneath. We can often fix these leaks with rebedding and repointing—much cheaper than replacing tiles. We'll inspect and diagnose before recommending anything.
Can you match replacement tiles for my old roof?
Usually yes. We carry common tile profiles in stock and have suppliers for less common types. For discontinued tiles, we often source second-hand matches from other roof jobs. If an exact match isn't possible, we can relocate tiles from a less visible roof area (like the back) and use slightly different tiles there. We'll always discuss options with you.
Can sarking/underlay be repaired without removing all tiles?
For localized sarking damage, we can often access from inside the roof space or by removing just a few tiles. Larger repairs require more tile removal, but we carefully lift, stack, and replace tiles in their original positions. Complete sarking replacement (for badly deteriorated underlay) requires full tile removal, but this is uncommon.
How much do tile roof leak repairs cost?
Tile roof leak repairs vary based on the problem. Simple ridge cap repointing starts from around $300-500 for a small section. Tile replacement is typically $80-150 per tile including labour. Valley replacement can range from $500-1,500 depending on length. We provide fixed quotes after inspection—you'll know exactly what you're paying before we start.
Do you offer emergency leak repairs for tile roofs?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency response for active leaks. During storms, the priority is stopping water entry—we may tarp the area or make temporary repairs until weather permits permanent fixes. Don't wait when water is coming through—ceiling damage and mould compound quickly. Call immediately for emergency service.
Should I repair or replace my leaking tile roof?
It depends on the extent of problems. If leaks are localized (a few cracked tiles, section of pointing, one valley), repair is usually best. If you're facing multiple issues, extensive rust, widespread tile cracking, or the roof is 40+ years old, replacement may be more cost-effective. We'll give you honest advice—we do both repairs and replacements.
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Learn More →Got a Leaking Tile Roof?
Don't let water damage your home. Call now for same-day service or get a free quote for leak detection and repair.
✓ Same-day service ✓ 24/7 emergencies ✓ Find & fix same visit ✓ All tile types