Broken tiles, and what gets in through them

In short: Broken and cracked tiles recorded on a Schofields property.

What we recorded

Broken and cracked tiles on a Schofields pre-purchase inspection, in more than one location.

Water passes it and lands on sarking, if there is any, or on the ceiling structure if there is not.

Persistent damp in a roof space keeps timber wet, and wet timber is what a termite inspection is looking for reasons to worry about.

Staining on the ceiling structure below, which tells you whether the tile has been doing damage or merely could.

Replacing individual tiles, which is inexpensive and routinely deferred until it is not.

Written by the Owner Inspections team from inspections carried out in Schofields. Licensed building practitioners, NSW Fair Trading licence 366177C.

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Questions Schofields owners ask about this

Can you see them from the ground?

Some. A drone or safe roof access finds the rest, which is why we use one where conditions allow.

Is sarking always there?

Not on older roofs. Where it is absent, a cracked tile puts water directly onto the ceiling structure.

Does it affect the pest report?

It can, because it is a moisture source. The two halves of the inspection read each other.

How urgent is it?

Not dramatic, but it is the cheapest repair on any list and it prevents a much larger one.