How to fix a tiled roof leak?

[Mickey362]

I currently have water trickling down the wall in my kitchen. It does not seem to get worse when it rains, in that it is still there when it is dry; it is like it pools somewhere, and then that collapses and there is a steady trickle down my wall. I have been up into the roof, and I can see where the insulation is wet, but I cannot squish my body into the corner to see where it may be coming from. I have also been up onto the roof, and there are no split tiles, that I can see.   I have no idea where to even begin to investigate. We had a paper type insulation put in and that is what is white in the images. The roof tiles, there is some dirt and palm fronds bits under the ones I stuck my hand under and there are perhaps 3mm to 5mm gaps between some of the tiles, which you can see in the photo. Gutters are clean, as I do them regulalry.Dark spot indicates water damage, I suspect.Some debris and dirt under some tiles.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Mickey362,

Does this only happen after a rain event? As in, are you entirely sure that it is rain water and not potentially a leaking pipe?  

Determining the exact location of a roof leak can indeed be quite challenging. I’ve experienced a similar issue myself. Despite climbing into the roof space multiple times during rain events, I still couldn’t spot where the water was entering. Interestingly, in my case, the leak wasn’t directly above the affected area but was migrating sideways from another location.

While your gutters are clean, as you mentioned, they might not have the correct fall to allow water to drain quickly during heavy downpours, or they may have sagged slightly over the years. If water overflows from the back of the gutter, it can find its way into the eaves and then into the roof space, eventually causing leaks like the one you’re experiencing.

Given the persistence of your issue and the difficulty in identifying the source, consulting a leak specialist might be your best option. These professionals are well-versed in tracking the paths water can take and can usually pinpoint the source more accurately than a D.I.Y. investigation.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Mickey362]

Thanks Mitchell, the water seems to be there whether it is raining or not. That's what confused me.  I didn't know there were water pipes in the roof, and that is something worth considering. It does sound like it is a big job, and I may have to get someone in. Thanks for your advice!

[MitchellMc]

I only mention the pipes as there could potentially be one or two in your image @Mickey362. It's quite common to see water routed up into the ceiling, which is then transferred to different areas of the home.

Mitchell