Top 5 Causes of Roof Leaks in Horowhenua Homes
Roof Leaks Are Common — But They’re Not Random
If you live in Horowhenua, you already know what our weather can do to a roof. From heavy rain and coastal winds to scorching summer sun, your roof is constantly under attack.
At Aquashield Roofing, we’ve repaired hundreds of leaks across Levin, Foxton, Shannon, and Waitārere, and 90% of them come down to the same root causes.
Here are the top five reasons roofs in Horowhenua leak — and what to look out for.
1. 🔩 Loose or Rusted Roof Screws
This is the number one cause of leaks we see. Over time, screws loosen with expansion and contraction, or the washers perish from UV damage.
Once that seal is gone, water finds its way under the sheets — especially during high winds or sideways rain.
Signs:
- Rust trails down the roof.
- Dark stains around screws.
- Drips during wind-driven rain.
Fix: We replace old screws with new, correctly sized fasteners and neoprene washers — sealing them properly to prevent future leaks.
2. 🔧 Cracked or Poorly Installed Flashings
Flashings protect roof edges, valleys, and wall junctions. If they’re cracked, missing, or installed incorrectly, they’re basically open doors for water.
Common weak points:
- Chimneys and skylights
- Internal gutters
- Wall-to-roof junctions
Flashings are especially important in older Horowhenua homes where design details weren’t built for today’s storm intensity.
Fix: Aquashield custom-fabricates flashings to suit each roof profile — ensuring a perfect, watertight fit.
3. 🌧️ Blocked Gutters and Internal Gutters
We see this one constantly during heavy Horowhenua rain.
Leaves, moss, or bird nests block the flow of water, causing it to back up and overflow into your soffits or ceiling cavity.
Signs:
- Water dripping from eaves or fascia.
- Overflowing downpipes.
- Internal damp patches near walls.
Fix: Regular gutter cleaning and proper fall correction.
For internal gutters, Aquashield can reline or regrade them to prevent pooling and future leaks.
4. 🪜 Damaged Roof Sheets or Tiles
A single cracked tile or punctured Colorsteel sheet can let litres of water in during a storm.
Often, these issues are caused by previous trades walking on roofs incorrectly or flying debris in strong winds.
Fix: We replace damaged sheets or tiles, ensuring overlaps and fixings are watertight — not just patched over.
5. 🧱 Poor Workmanship or Temporary Repairs
Sadly, we fix a lot of “repairs” done by unqualified handymen or rushed roofing crews.
Silicone smeared over a crack might hold for a few months, but it won’t survive Horowhenua’s wind and rain.
Fix: Our team doesn’t guess — we inspect, diagnose, and repair correctly using proven roofing methods.
⚡ Bonus: Why Horowhenua Weather Makes Leaks Worse
Between salt-laden coastal air, sudden downpours, and temperature swings, materials expand, contract, and corrode faster here than inland.
That’s why local experience matters — we know what fails first in this region and how to prevent it.
✅ Don’t Wait for a Downpour to Find the Problem
Most leaks start small — but they don’t fix themselves.
A professional inspection can uncover early signs before you’re staring at a ceiling stain.
👉 Call Aquashield Roofing — Horowhenua’s roof leak specialists.
We’ll identify the cause, fix it properly, and keep your roof watertight for the long haul.
📞 Book your roof inspection today and protect your home before the next storm hits.
