8 Most Common Problems With Roofing

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home or commercial building but is also the most often overlooked. More often than not we are called out to inspect or carry out maintenance of a roof only to find multiple issues that have progressed into serious problems. Your roof protects your home from the elements and helps regulate temperature so it makes sense to keep it healthy by booking regular maintenance with an experienced professional.

While some tasks such as clearing gutters are able to be completed by yourself, a roofing expert is able to identify potential issues early and head them off before they escalate. This is incredibly important as problems such as leaks can end up causing significant damage to the internal structure of your home, resulting in a much bigger repair bill. By keeping an eye out for the most common problems with roofing you stand a better chance at maintaining a healthy roof.

Roof Is Leaking

This is the most obvious problem and is typically only noticed once water has made its way inside, discolouring your inner ceiling. A roof leak can be caused by a number of reasons such as a broken tile or sheet, improper sealing of roofing attachments or cracked flashing. As soon as you notice any discoloration of your ceiling, particularly around fixtures such as vents or skylights, you should call a professional immediately in order to get the issue rectified before it spreads and becomes an even bigger problem.

Gutters Are Clogged

Even though your gutters are attached to the edge of your roofing, they can still cause damage if left unchecked. If you have trees overhanging your roof eventually your gutters will become clogged with leaves and start to hold water. This is a big issue, especially during the storm season we experience during the summer where massive amounts of rain results in constant pressure on the guttering. If the gutter is left to overflow it can eventually leak into your roofing or even be torn from the roof itself, resulting in structural damage.

Storm Season

The storm season we experience in Australia can be extremely intense, with offshore cyclones whipping up fierce winds and sending pelting rain down upon us. This is when we experience the bulk of calls for roofing repair and a big reason why we strongly recommend having maintenance carried out before it hits. Having your roof damaged during a storm typically means significant amounts of water flowing in so it makes sense to give your roof the best chance possible by being proactive.

Water Pooling

This is one of the harder issues to spot as it requires you to be able to view the roof to spot it. Typically only an issue with flat roofing, water can start to pool if the material starts to warp or after heavy hail which can cause denting. When water is left to sit it can cause issues such as mould or rot, threatening the integrity of your roofing structure. If you have an awning or outside living area with a flat roof, inspecting it after hail hits is a great way to determine if calling a roofing professional is a good idea.

Improper Installation Of Attachments

If you have recently had additions made to your roof and are concerned about the quality of work carried out, it is a good idea to have an inspection carried out. This includes ventilation, skylights and solar panels, all of which can lead to water leakage if not properly installed. By engaging a qualified, respected roofing inspector such as Roof Inspection Reports, you can arm yourself with a thorough report which will make getting the issue rectified much easier as it gives the shoddy contractors no room to move.

Branches Are Falling From Overhead Trees

Having trees that overhang your roofing is a recipe for trouble. Not only will the leaves result in gutters needing to be cleared more often but falling branches pose a significant threat to both your roofing structure and gutters as well. We recommend hiring an arborist to clear away any suspect branches in order to prevent damage and save yourself a headache down the line. If you have heard branches falling onto your roof, having a qualified roof inspector take a look is the best course of action.

Roofing Was Not Properly Installed

If you have had a roof recently installed on your home, whether it be a new building or a renovation, and you were left with a feeling of unease about the quality of work carried out, we recommend getting a roof inspection service. As time goes on it will be harder to have issues rectified and it affords great peace of mind knowing that your roof is sound and presents no issues. Should we determine any part of your new roof is in violation with Australian building standards we will provide references which makes having the issues resolved much easier.

Flashing Appears Damaged

Flashing plays an important role in your roofing system by covering vulnerable areas and protecting the internal structure from water damage. Flashing essentially seals your roof so it’s important to keep an eye on it from time to time. This is made easier due to it being visible from the ground and one should act fast if any damage is noticed. High winds can tear flashing from your roof and poor sealing can result in water seeping through causing the flashing to rot, exposing your roof and causing significant damage.

Concerned That There Is A Problem With Your Roofing?

If you are concerned about the condition of your roof it is always better to err on the side of caution and engage an experienced roofing professional such as Roof Inspection Reports. We have decades of experience and a deep understanding of Australian building standards which means nothing will escape our attention. We provide comprehensive roofing reports with images, references to what code an issue is in violation of as well as recommendations to extend the longevity of your roof.

Any reasons for concern will be conveyed to you in an easy to understand manner. To get in touch with Roof Inspection Reports about the condition of your roof, call us on 0418 677 524 to talk with a qualified roof inspector. If you would like to get in touch with us online, fill in the online form on our contact page.