Most roof leaks start with one small defect, such as a slipped tile or a blocked gutter. The heavy rain of the monsoon then finds it. A short checklist, worked through twice a year, catches most of them early. Below is the checklist, with a note on which checks you can safely do from the ground.
What happens when a roof is not maintained
Small defects grow in our climate. A valley gutter blocked with leaves overflows in the first heavy storm and pushes water under the tiles and into the ceiling boards. A flat roof that holds water after every downpour wears through its membrane, and the water then reaches the steel inside the slab. The repair that follows costs far more than the visit that would have caught it. Our article on why delaying roof leak repairs costs more shows how fast that happens.
When to check your roof
Singapore’s Northeast Monsoon runs from about December to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from about June to September. Check the roof in November and again in May, before each one starts. Add a quick check after any storm strong enough to bring down branches.
A simple roof care calendar
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| November | Full checklist before the Northeast Monsoon |
| December to March | Look at the ceilings after long spells of rain |
| May | Full checklist before the Southwest Monsoon |
| June to September | Check gutters and tiles after early-morning squalls |
| After any roof works | Check sealant around new aircon brackets, pipes or solar panels |
The roof maintenance checklist
Roof tiles and ridges
- Cracked, slipped or missing tiles
- Loose or cracked mortar on the ridge and hip capping
- Tiles that look darker than the rest after rain, which points to water soaking in
Gutters and downpipes
- Leaves and silt in eave gutters and valley gutters
- Downpipes that overflow at the top during heavy rain
- Water stains on the fascia board under the gutter
Flashing and sealant
- Gaps where the roof meets a wall, chimney or skylight
- Sealant that has cracked, shrunk or peeled away
- Rust on metal flashing
Flat roofs and gutter slabs
- Pools of water that remain a day after rain
- Cracks, blisters or bare patches in the waterproofing membrane
- Blocked outlets and drains
Metal roofs
- Rust at the laps and around the screws
- Loose or missing fixings
- Sagging sheets
Solar panels, aircon units and roof penetrations
- Sealant around brackets and pipes that pass through the roof
- Leaves and debris trapped under solar panels
- Water stains below outdoor aircon units mounted on the roof
Inside the house
- New stains or damp patches on the top-floor ceilings
- Bubbling paint near the cornices
- A musty smell in upper rooms after rain
What you can check yourself, and what to leave to a professional
| Task | Do it yourself? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Look for stains on ceilings | Yes | Safe, and often the first sign of a leak |
| Check gutters from a ladder at the eaves | Yes, with care | Keep the ladder footed and stay off the roof |
| Inspect tiles from the ground with binoculars | Yes | Shows slipped and missing tiles without any climbing |
| Walk on a tiled roof | No | Tiles crack underfoot and a fall can be fatal |
| Re-seal flashing or replace tiles | No | Poor repairs often leak worse than the original defect |
| Check a flat roof membrane | Only if there is safe access | Report blisters and cracks, but leave the repair to a specialist |
Moss, algae and coatings
Black and green streaks on tiles are algae and moss. They hold moisture against the tiles and block gutters as they wash off. A professional wash removes them. If they keep coming back on concrete tiles, a roof tile coating slows the regrowth.
How often should a professional inspect your roof?
Most homes do well with a professional inspection twice a year, before each monsoon. Larger, older and commercial roofs need more frequent visits. Our roof maintenance services follow a 20+ point checklist and include a photo report after every visit.
If you already see a stain on the ceiling, skip the checklist and book an inspection. Our guide to the early signs that your roof is leaking explains what each sign usually means.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I check my roof?
Twice a year, in November and May, before each monsoon season. Add a quick check after a heavy storm.
Can I clean the gutters myself?
Eave gutters you can reach safely from a footed ladder, yes. Valley gutters and anything that needs you on the roof are a job for a professional.
What does a professional roof inspection cost?
Roof Doctors does the first inspection free. We quote regular maintenance visits per roof, based on its size and type.
What should I do if I find a problem?
Take photos and note where and when you saw it. Then book an inspection before the next heavy rain, and do not climb onto the roof to fix it yourself.
Book a pre-monsoon roof check
We inspect the roof, clear what needs clearing and send you a photo report. Call 6852 9177 or WhatsApp 6100 2252.
