Cracked concrete roof tiles on an older Pakenham house
What cracked and broken tiles mean when you are buying an established home.
In short: One cracked tile is a small repair. The question is how many there are and whether water has already found its way in.
Concrete tiles age
Many Pakenham homes from past decades have concrete tile roofs. Tiles crack from foot traffic, impact and age.
What we found
On a Pakenham pre-purchase inspection several tiles were cracked or broken, including on the lower courses where water volume is highest.
Looking from inside
We check the roof space under damaged areas for staining on timbers and the top of the ceiling, which tells us whether water has already got in.
Cost of waiting
A tile replacement is minor. Water damaged ceilings and insulation are not.
What to do
Get a roofer to replace damaged tiles and check pointing at the same time.
Written by our local inspection team from work carried out in Pakenham. Licensed building practitioners, Building & Plumbing Commission registration CDB-U 53425.
