Start by looking up more often. Early signs usually appear as small stains or discolouration on ceilings, especially near corners or light fixtures. The paint might bubble slightly, or the surface may feel a bit softer than surrounding areas. Sometimes you’ll see hairline cracks with a faint brown ring around them – that’s dried water.
In upper floors or attic spaces, check the underside of the roof during or after heavy rain. Look for damp patches on wood, darkened areas, or tiny drips. A musty smell in upstairs rooms can also be a hint that moisture is present even if you can’t see it yet.
Don’t ignore “just a small spot” that appears after every storm. Roof leaks rarely repair themselves. Catching them at the stain stage means you might only need a local repair instead of a full-blown ceiling replacement later.