A roof doesn’t need constant attention, but it does reward a little regular care. A few simple checks each season can help you spot problems early, when they’re usually easier to fix.

This checklist is built around Canberra’s seasons. Every check can be done from the ground, from inside the house or from the roof space hatch. None of it involves climbing onto the roof.

Stay off the roof: Roofs are a common place for serious falls. Use binoculars from the ground, and leave anything at height to a licensed professional with the right safety equipment.

Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is the most important season for roof care in Canberra. Deciduous trees drop their leaves, and winter is just around the corner.

  • Watch the gutters. After the main leaf drop, check whether gutters are overflowing during rain or have plants sprouting from them.
  • Check downpipes. Water should flow freely out of the bottom of each downpipe during rain. A trickle or nothing at all suggests a blockage.
  • Look for slipped or cracked tiles. Scan each roof plane with binoculars.
  • Check flashings. Look around chimneys, vents and skylights for anything lifted or out of place.
  • Book an inspection if anything looks off, so repairs are done before the wet and frosty months.

Winter (June to August)

Winter is about watching for leaks and condensation.

  • Check ceilings after rain. Look for new stains, bubbling paint or damp patches, especially below valleys and skylights.
  • Peek into the roof space. If you can safely reach the hatch, use a torch to look for damp insulation, drips or water marks on timbers.
  • Watch for condensation. Moisture on the underside of metal roofs or mould in the roof space can point to poor ventilation.
  • Note frost damage. After a run of hard frosts, look again for new cracks in tiles or ridge pointing.

Spring (September to November)

Spring brings growth, wind and the start of storm season.

  • Look for moss and lichen. Heavy growth holds moisture against the roof surface.
  • Check after windy days. Look for lifted sheets, loose ridge caps or debris on the roof.
  • Trim trees. Branches touching or overhanging the roof can scratch surfaces and drop leaves into gutters. Use a qualified arborist for anything that can’t be done safely from the ground.
  • Clear around the house. Make sure stormwater pits and drains near the downpipes are clear before storm season.

Summer (December to February)

Summer is storm and bushfire season.

  • Check after every storm. Walk around the house and note any visible damage. Take photos if you spot something.
  • Keep gutters clear. Dry leaves in gutters can be a bushfire risk, particularly in suburbs near bushland.
  • Check ember protection. If you have gutter guards or ember screens, make sure they’re intact.
  • Look at sealants. Long periods of strong sun can wear out sealants around flashings and penetrations.

Year-round habits

Some things are worth keeping in mind all year:

  • Keep a photo record. Take a few photos of your roof from the street each year. They help you notice gradual changes and are useful if you need to make an insurance claim.
  • Note any repairs. Keep invoices and details of past work in one place.
  • Don’t walk on the roof. Even a light step can crack tiles or dent metal, and it’s simply not worth the risk.
  • Get a professional inspection regularly. Many homeowners find an inspection every year or two gives peace of mind, with extra checks after major storms.

What a professional inspection adds

A roofer can safely get up close to look at things you can’t see from the ground, such as:

  • Fixings, screws and clips
  • The condition of ridge pointing and bedding
  • Valleys and hidden flashings
  • Sarking, battens and the roof space

They can also clear gutters safely and let you know which issues need attention now and which can wait.

Keep it simple

You don’t need to do everything on this list at once. Pick a few checks each season, keep an eye out after storms and bring in a professional when something doesn’t look right.

If you’d like a second set of eyes, the Roofing team offers free inspections across Canberra. We’ll give you a clear picture of your roof’s condition and any work worth planning for.