The keys are in your hand, the boxes are stacked in the lounge, and you finally own your own space. There is one part of the house you probably haven’t properly seen yet, and it protects everything else: the roof.
A roof can look perfectly sound from the driveway and still be hiding wear that only shows itself during the first heavy Gauteng storm. Knowing what to check now means no nasty surprises later, and it lets you plan repairs on your terms.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to:
- Check your roof safely from the ground and from inside the house
- Recognise the signs that point to a deeper waterproofing problem
- Set a simple inspection routine around the rainy season
- Sort repairs into urgent, soon and planned, so budgeting feels manageable
TT Waterproofing has been repairing and waterproofing roofs across Pretoria and Gauteng since 2014. This checklist is built on what we see on real roofs, week after week. If you would rather have an expert look at the whole picture, you can schedule a professional roof inspection and waterproofing assessment and get clarity from day one.
Start With a Safe Ground-Level Check
You don’t need to climb a ladder. In fact, please don’t. Walk around the property in good light, ideally with binoculars, and look for:
- Tiles: Cracked, chipped, slipped or missing pieces
- Metal or IBR sheeting: Rust, loose fixings or lifted sheets
- Ridge caps: Gaps or loose sections along the top of the roof
- Gutters and downpipes: Sagging, rust, blockages or plants growing inside
- Flashing: The strips where the roof meets walls or chimneys should sit flat and tight
- Flat roof sections: Puddles that linger long after the rain has stopped
- Overhanging trees: Branches that scrape the roof or drop debris into gutters
Take photos as you go. They give you a useful baseline to compare against later.
Look Inside for Early Clues
Some of the most useful evidence is indoors. Check each room, then the roof space if you can reach it safely.
- Yellow or brown stains on ceilings and upper walls
- Paint that bubbles, flakes or peels near the ceiling line
- A musty smell in cupboards or bedrooms
- Damp patches in the corners of rooms
- Daylight showing through the roof space, or damp insulation
Visit these spots again after the first good rain. A stain that wasn’t there before is your cue to act.
Know When a Professional Inspection Pays Off
Some problems can’t be judged from the ground. Water often enters far from where the stain appears on your ceiling, and a failed seal around a vent, skylight or flashing can stay out of sight until water is already inside.
Act sooner rather than later if you notice:
- Any active leak, however small
- Stains that spread or darken after rain
- Sagging sections of roof
- Earlier patch-ups that look rushed or uneven
This is where trusted waterproofing specialists earn their keep. A trained eye reads the roof as a whole system, linking small clues into a clear diagnosis. That is far more reliable than guessing at individual symptoms, and it points you to the right fix, whether that is targeted roof repairs or a full waterproofing system.
Build a Simple Inspection Schedule
A routine takes the stress out of roof care. We recommend:
- Twice a year: A visual check, ideally before the summer rains begin and again once the season ends
- After severe weather: Heavy storms and strong wind are good reasons for a quick look
- Before the rainy season: Clear gutters so water has a free path off the roof
- On a regular schedule: A professional assessment, even if nothing looks wrong
Plan Your Roof Budget With Confidence
One of the best things about a new-home roof assessment is that it turns unknowns into a plan. Once you know the condition of your roof, sort the findings into three groups:
- Urgent: Active leaks, failed flashings or anything letting water into the building
- Soon: Slipped tiles, worn sealant, early rust and other signs of wear
- Planned: Restoration, repainting or full waterproofing as the roof ages
Ask for an itemised quote so each job is listed separately. That lets you fix the urgent work first, set funds aside for the rest and avoid emergency repairs later.
What Our Free Roof Inspection Covers
When you book with TT Waterproofing, we visit your property, inspect the roof in person and check the surface and any existing waterproofing. We pinpoint every fault, explain what is causing it and give you a clear, itemised quote with no obligation. Nothing is hidden, and you decide what happens next.
If you go ahead, every job is backed by our 10-year workmanship guarantee, and we are fully licensed and insured. Our ongoing maintenance support also keeps your roof performing long after the first repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after moving in should I check my roof?
Do a ground-level check in your first week, and look again after the first heavy rain. Early checks catch problems before they spread.
Can I inspect the roof myself?
You can do a safe visual check from the ground and from inside the house. For anything on the roof itself, leave it to professionals, as roofs are slippery and dangerous without proper equipment.
How often should a roof be inspected?
We recommend at least twice a year, and after severe storms. Flat roofs benefit from extra attention because water tends to collect on them.
Start Your New Home Off on Solid Ground
A roof you understand is a roof you can look after. Use this checklist to build your picture, then let an expert confirm it.
Ready for peace of mind? Contact TT Waterproofing today to book your free roof inspection.
