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Roof Maintenance & Repairs
A season change brings about a change of focus to what is required to properly maintain your properties and avoid costly water damage. Unfortunately, the cost of water damage can be very high and far outweigh the cost of regular maintenance. Insurance won’t cover the costs if they suspect owner negligence due to lack of maintenance.
It's time to prepare for rain
A quick check of Perth’s annual rainfall graph confirms it is time to consider this maintenance, before the rainy season is upon us.
It is best to prepare for gutter cleaning and repairs early, as once things get wet:
- Costs can increase to remove gutter debris once it’s wet, due to the additional time required.
- It can become unsafe to have workers on wet roofs, increasing likelihood of gutter debris being wet.
Blocked Gutter Hazards
Seeing a few leaves poking out of the gutter from the ground is a good indication that the gutters are too full. Lurking below, out of sight, can be a sludge of debris, dirt and water, causing blockages that could potentially cause great damage in the winter wet. So just what damage can a blocked gutter cause?
- Blocked gutters and valleys
When the gutters are full of debris, water can’t flow away freely to the downpipes like it is meant to. When heavy winter rain comes, trapped water can overflow causing water damage to the eaves, ceilings and even walls. In some instances, when a substantial amount of water pools in the ceiling gyprock, the excess load can cause the entire ceiling to collapse, causing damage to flooring and contents.
- Water damage can cause mould
When water damage occurs, mould can become a serious issue. With an inability to breathe clean air, health can be jeopardized, suffering allergies and severe respiratory conditions as a result of the infiltration. Removing mould, once inside the home, can also be expensive. It is important to do everything you can to prevent it.
- Debris can damage your gutter
When roof gutters are blocked with leaves and debris, they don’t drain or dry out after rain which results in warm pools of water containing decaying vegetation and animal matter. This sludge also adds unnecessary weight to the gutters. The added strain and constant wetness can reduce the gutters lifespan by increasing corrosion to metal and jeopardizing the seals.
Roof maintenance & repairs
The roof is one of the most important parts of the home, though it also tends to be one of the most neglected areas since it is not in full view. The roof is the main barrier and protector from damage due to wind and rains.
So what should you check or do to make sure the roof is water tight this winter?
- Check ceilings for signs of water damage.
- Check eaves for signs of water damage, especially at in-eave downpipe cross-overs.
- Get any branches pruned from trees that might be overhanging the roof.
- If there are a lot of trees, consider getting gutter guards installed.
- Ensure valleys, gutters and downpipes are clear of debris.
- Check gutters for cracks, holes, corrosion or areas of potential leaks and make any repairs.
- Make sure gutters flow to the downpipe and not the other way!
- Ensure any slipped tiles in valleys are pushed back and any cracked tiles are replaced or repaired.
- Ensure roof pointing doesn’t have any major cracking and make any repairs
- Check around the base of flues and other services to make sure the seals are still in good condition and covers intact.