Roof Inspection Reports offers a brief consumer guide to buying materials for a new roof.

Buying a roof: What is the best material?

The short answer is that the best roofing material is the material that meets your needs and budget.

When you are considering what roofing to choose, weigh looks against cost and durability. Roofing materials come in a range of grades for each type of material, and they will be priced accordingly. Make sure you get familiar with the entire product range even after you have narrowed down your choice of material. Make your choice wisely, based on your budget, the climate, and type of housing as well as your aesthetic preferences.

Keep in mind also that performance and longevity vary widely among roofing types and brands. Do your consumer homework – and don’t be afraid to ask for independent professional advice.

Estimating costs

Generally, suppliers will sell roofing by the square metre or hundred square metres. To measure how much roofing you’ll need, multiply the overall length and width of each roof section in metres to gain the overall area, and add 10% to allow for waste. You will need to add to your materials cost the costs for labour, which could range from $4000 to $10,000. Keep extra supplies of your roofing materials for replacements, for example, after storm damage.

Watch the warranty

A full warranty will cover replacement of defective materials while a materials warranty offers pro rata coverage. Most warranties will offer full reimbursement for materials for a limited time – check and compare how long. Most won’t cover faulty installation. You will need a separate labour warranty from the installer – and a roof inspection report to ensure the workmanship is shipshape.

Solar panels?

A great idea. Get them installed at the same time, not later. Ask for a professional roof inspection to determine the roof’s condition and how much weight it can handle. Ensure compatibility between the warranties on your roofing materials and solar panels.

For all your roofing inspection report needs, contact Roof Inspection Reports today.

So, you are thinking about replacing your roof. You probably have a few questions. Roof Inspection Reports answers a few FAQs about the ins and outs of getting your roof replaced.

When do I need a new roof?

Replacing your roof is often one of the best things you can do for your home. It is a big investment, and one you should not delay on, if you want to save yourself possibly thousands of dollars and structural damage.

Make sure of the quality and integrity of your roof by having it professionally inspected at least every six months, and again after major storms. Roof Inspection Reports will inspect thoroughly for signs of damage and will let you know in their independent opinion if it is time to replace. Even if you can’t see any outward signs of damage, you should still have your roof regularly inspected, as only a professional may be able to detect some damage that is nevertheless serious.

How can I prepare for my new roof installation?

Okay, so the roof inspection has been done and yes, you need a new roof. There are a few things you can do now to help smooth the process. Remove loose items from your walls and shelves – hammering and other strong vibrations can make unsecured items fall. Clear your driveway as much as you can and the other spaces around the outside of the house. This is both to avoid hazards from any falling materials and to give your contractor the space they may need for their vehicles and equipment.

How long will my new roof last?

The better your materials and your contractor, the longer your new roof will last. Twenty years is generally an acceptable lifespan for a new roof. But the lesson here is to choose both materials and contractor well – and follow up with regular inspections.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today to book a new roof inspection.

Roof colour – dark or light?

Customers have traditionally preferred lighter coloured roofs in this country, as they are thought to reflect more heat. And the idea is that this would flow on to reduce cooling costs. This has been based on rating systems such as BASIX. However, many councils have restrictions on how light a colour you can use on a roof, which has to do with not creating a clash with the great number of dark roofs already out there.

The belief that lighter coloured roofs will be cooler is founded on fundamental physics – dark coloured surfaces will absorb more heat energy than light coloured ones.

The upshot is that the fastest way to make the biggest difference to cooling through your roof is to paint it in a lighter colour.

However, darker coloured roofs can also perform just as well with reflecting heat, if you use simple strategies like sarking, insulation and ventilation. And many houses in our country, especially newer ones, do have dark coloured roofs, many of them grey or black. So, if your taste runs to dark coloured roofs, don’t despair. Just get canny.

Cooling with darker roofs

Reduce the flow of heat into your home by ensuring that your roof space will resist heat transfer. You can do this by using a double barrier of foil insulation under the roof material and bulk insulation just above the ceiling.

You can also force ventilation into the roof cavity, using a mains or solar powered fan. To keep on top of roof heat transfer, you should aim to ideally be replacing all of the air in the roof cavity every 10 minutes or so. Wind powered fans will likely be inadequate for the job.

Paints and materials for cooling

Then you can choose paints for your roof that will reflect infrared radiation, which is the main component of sunlight that contributes to heating surfaces. While many of these are light in colour, they are available in a wide range of colours including very dark ones.

The choice of material for your roof is also important. You need to choose materials that will re-radiate any absorbed heat back into the sky. Corrugated galvanised iron roofing doesn’t do this very well, unfortunately. The best materials to choose will be both good reflectors and good emitters.

For all advice and services about your roof and for roof inspections, contact Roof Inspection Reports today.

What are the functions of a roof?

Let’s get back to basics in this Roof Inspection Reports explainer.

The fundamental purpose of a roof is to provide protection from the elements to the people housed under the structure. This means bright sunshine, obviously, in our part of the world, and it also means keeping us dry in rain, unruffled in windy weather and safe from hail. Snow and sleet are part of the mix in some southern climates and foreign ones.

The secondary function of a roof is to keep possessions and property protected. Everything inside would quickly be damaged or ruined without adequate roofing protection: floors, doors and walls, not to mention furniture, electrical goods, carpets, artwork, books and papers, and clothing.

Why do houses have sloping roofs?

Roofs always have to be at least slightly sloped to allow for proper drainage. If a roof is flattish, it still must have a slight slope made either towards the middle or the edges to allow water to drain off properly. When roofs experience leaking it is often because of poor drainage, so continuing maintenance through regular inspections is very important.

Consequences of poor roof maintenance

A roof is the first line of defence for your structure. It is an umbrella that deflects all of the potentially harmful weather that we would otherwise receive. It is therefore at greatest risk of damage from the elements of all the parts of the building. High winds can remove shingles or lift panels. Continued exposure to rain can cause holes and leaks.

Your solution? Keep your roof in good shape through a professional inspection at least twice annually, and again after any major storms. Damage found early is more easily – and less expensively – contained.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today to book your professional roof inspection.

Buying a property? Get a roof inspection report

If you are considering buying a property, do not neglect to get a professional, dedicated roof inspection report. Your future home is likely to be your most valuable asset, so don’t take risks with it – financial risks or safety risks.

We are a neutral party to the sale, and we will give you frank and fearless advice. You can trust us to provide you with information about the state of a roof that is not only impartial, but also straightforward and easy to understand and act on. Depending on what we find in our inspection, you might be able to use our report to negotiate price or demand repairs before sale.

What a roof inspection report covers

Our reports are thorough and exacting. You can expect us to:

• identify any actual or potential risks or flaws
• provide an analysis of the installation, with information about whether it is correct to the manufacturer’s specifications
• diagnose any problems such as leaks
• give you an assurance that the roof is fit for purpose generally
• propose a suitable maintenance schedule
• certify the roof to all applicable standards.

You can trust an inspection report from Roof Inspection Reports. Don’t settle for anything less.

Why a specialist roof inspection?

Given that your home is likely your most valuable asset, it is incredible that so many people are willing to cut corners on it. A specialist roof inspection is simply a must. Only a specialist professional roof inspector can inspect with confidence for roof flaws and possible future risks. Plus, as specialists, we have expert knowledge on all aspects of relevant compliance matters when it comes to roofing.

So, don’t settle for a generalist building inspection. Only a fully qualified and experienced roof inspector can tell you whether, for example, the builders have installed the roof according to the manufacturer’s instructions. And only a fully qualified and experienced specialist roof inspector can assure you that your roof complies with all of the relevant standards.

Contact us today to book a fully professional expert roof inspection report.

Philip Beveridge of Philip Beveridge Consulting brings three decades of experience to roof inspection. His expertise lies in ensuring safety, compliance, structural integrity and value for money in roofing.

Many roofs unfortunately present often-silent yet unacceptable risks to the people below them, to the finances of the owners, and to the structural integrity of the buildings they support.

Thorough inspection by an experienced professional at the right time can and does save a lot of money, worry, risk and heartache. Yet still people neglect to invest in possibly the best and most necessary upfront expense against problems or even tragedy down the track.

So, for everyone who spends any time underneath a roof, here are three reasons to invest in having it professionally inspected today. Because whether the roof in question is domestic, commercial or large-scale industrial, it will benefit from inspection by a qualified, proficient and unbiased roof inspector.

1. New buildings

Even new buildings can display structural roofing issues. Unfortunately, we know that 90% of roof failures are due to poor workmanship. To potentially save you thousands down the track, Roof Inspection Reports strongly recommends that as part of your pre-purchase you request a new building roofing inspection report.

An inspection report for a new building conducted by a professional roofing inspector will cover:

• a comprehensive on-site inspection for compliance to safety standards AS 1562.1, AS 1562.3, and SA HB 39 2015 – the installation code for metal roofing and walling, and manufacturer’s instructions
• comparison of building plans, architectural designs, drawings and diagrams with the finished job
• assessment of the quality of the materials and workmanship.

Your written report will include pictures, notes and recommendations, and will serve as documentation you can use in negotiations with your builder and lawyer.

2. Buying or leasing a property

It’s astounding when you think about it, but the majority of home buyers across Queensland will have a pest inspection but not a roof inspection.

A roof inspection by a seasoned professional roof specialist goes much further than a pest or building inspection, and focuses on structural integrity, the quality of materials and workmanship. It should ideally be performed before you agree on price. This is because if problems are identified, your report can include quotes sourced from reputable roofing materials suppliers so you know what you are facing – and the report can serve as a valuable bargaining chip in price negotiations.

Opt for peace of mind that you won’t be faced with potentially dangerous and expensive repairs or replacement down the track, and request your roof inspection report as a condition of purchase.

All of the same advice applies to those considering commercial leases on established properties.

3. Annual inspections

Poor roof maintenance can have severely detrimental effects that are not just financial (though they are certainly that), but also structural – as well as of course presenting a risk to health and safety. As pointed out above, 90% of roof failures are sadly due to poor workmanship.

But if you have missed the opportunity for a thorough inspection by a roof professional at the construction or purchase stage, you can still have regular inspection reports performed to identify and suggest cost-effective and sound solutions to actual and potential issues.

These may include but are not limited to:

• water penetration
• incorrect installation
• dangerously loose roofing
• any subtle but risky past storm damage

Perceived ‘savings’ from avoiding regular, preferably annual, inspections are certainly a false economy. Inspect early and inspect regularly.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today for a confidential discussion and quote.

Roof consulting services

Philip Beveridge of Roof Inspection Reports offers the expertise of a 35-year career. Through Roof Inspection Reports he provides fully professional, independent, third-party roofing design reviews. His extensive experience means he is able to provide the widest range of roof consulting services in the market. Design reviews are one such service offering of Roof Inspection Reports.

Roofing design reviews represent a highly specialised service. Phil’s wide experience ensures he consistently provides this essential service to architects and builders on major commercial and government construction projects.

It is ideal to perform a roofing design review at the pre-construction phase. This will ensure that roofing design, systems, assemblies and product choices will lengthen the standard service life of the roofing and be:

• fully compliant with all relevant Australian standards
• fully watertight
• the safest and most economical choices for the project.

Independence is key to providing credible and ethical services. Roof Inspection Reports is non-aligned and proud to offer frank and fearless advice. It is on this basis that Roof Inspection Reports has earned its outstanding reputation.

Roof Inspection Reports can offer both general recommendations and review of scope. Philip can also offer product review and evaluation services that will add value to the architectural and engineering processes. Philip’s wide and deep experience means he will devise solutions that are creative and even ingenious, and guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Philip’s service offerings take in the writing, reviewing and editing of specifications. His up-to-date knowledge of roofing products adds further value.

Roof Inspection Report’s track record of positive results speaks for itself. For peace of mind on your major projects, Philip offers to value-add on:

• savings
• compliance
• safety
• acoustics
• aesthetics

For full assurance and completion at the design planning stage, please contact Roof Inspection Reports today for a confidential discussion and quote.

Storm season is coming

With the storm and cyclone season now upon us, it is timely to consider the good reasons to get your roof inspected.

Poor roof maintenance can have severe and serious consequences. These can be financial, structural, and to do with precious health and safety. Residents of Brisbane will be aware that storm activity over the summer can result in damaged roofs being lifted off and/or collapsing.

Annual roof inspections the key

Many homes have roofs that appear to be in sound condition but are actually harbouring dangerous underlying issues. Many of these underlying issues won’t be visible to the naked eye of non-professionals. This is why Roof Inspection Reports recommends annual inspections on houses and commercial buildings, no matter their size or the complexity of the building. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to roofs in Brisbane’s summer storm season.

Now is the time for a roof inspection

The expert professional inspectors at Roof Inspection Reports can easily identify potential issues and advise you on how to rectify or mitigate them. This applies to problems with water penetration, incorrect installation, dangerously loose roofing and subtle but potentially risky damage that has been caused by severe weather in the past. Now, before storm season gets fully underway, is the best time to have your roof professionally inspected.

This advice applies equally to domestic and commercial buildings of any size.

Storm season: Visible ceiling or roof problems are your cue to act

Storm season can bring to our attention roof leaks that are more easily ignored at milder times of the year. It offers the perfect opportunity to address these potentially troublesome problems.

The most common tell-tale sign of roof damage and leaking is water marks around the cornices of the ceiling. However, if you can see this damage with your naked eye, you can be sure that your roof damage is well-progressed. These are signs that you are in the late stages of roof damage from weathering.

So, if you can see visible signs of damage or you have leaks, now is the time to act. The trustworthy professionals at Roof Inspection Reports will identify your roofing problems and advise you about the safest and most economical ways of addressing them.

Roofs are too expensive and important to take for granted. For the safety of your family, tenants or employees, contact Roof Inspection Reports today to arrange an inspection.

Roof Inspection Reports can save you money, trouble, time and peace of mind.

Director of Roof Inspection Reports, Philip Beveridge, says that by the time you become aware of a leak in your roof, the damage has already become well-established.

Prevention better than cure for roof leaks

Phil recommends preventative annual inspections for all dwellings and commercial properties. This is a must, given how complex and expensive repairs can become if you leave it too late. The annual fee for an inspection is good economy when you consider the size of the bill you can be presented with for one-off major repairs.

My roof is damaged – now what?

But what should you do if you do find you have developed roof damage? Don’t despair! Even the most complex roof damage should always be fixable. And contacting Roof Inspection Reports as a first measure is a fine strategy. You can put your faith in Roof Inspection Reports’ more than thirty years of experience in identifying problems and suggesting optimal and economic solutions.

Unfortunately, poor workmanship is the root cause of most roofing problems. With storm season approaching, if you find that you develop a leak after rain, you know that this is a strong sign that you need to address well-progressed damage as soon as possible.

Ceiling and wall damage from roof damage

If your ceilings and walls show visible signs of water damage, you should also act without delay. If you leave these problems to worsen, there may be consequences you may come to regret – financial and structural, not to mention compromising your safety, and perhaps that of your family or employees or tenants.

Your roof is too precious to your financial and general wellbeing to be neglected.

Protect your assets and your people. Contact Roof Inspection Reports today for a professional inspection and report that will give you peace of mind.

Solar panels for commercial and public buildings: Order a roof inspection today

Many owners and managers of large commercial and public buildings are making the decision to go solar.

Australia has committed to reducing emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030. It is not by any means sure we will reach that goal. But many householders are joining the circular economy and putting electricity back on the grid through solar panels. Now the owners and managers of many large commercial and public buildings are following suit.

There are several compelling reasons for this. One is cost, straightforwardly. The energy bills for very large buildings can run to seven figures per annum. Another is seeking to guarantee the stability of the supply. With solar panels there is a greater chance of being able to guarantee this for your large commercial or public building. And then there is concern for clean energy and the environment, which seems to be growing every day in the wider community.

To return to the main point, however, solar energy does represent a way to make very big savings over the long term. However, your roof needs to be in good shape for this to happen. Don’t risk your investment in solar for your large commercial or public building by neglecting to have a professional inspection first.

Solar savings for large buildings: Only if your roof is shipshape

Check for problems with your roof before you overlay it with solar panels. A professional roof inspection will sometimes reveal that while one section is fine, another part of the roof may need to be replaced before you can safely install solar panels. Common problems are rust and damage from air conditioning units.

These issues need to be addressed and rectified if you want to make those attractive long-term savings. Large-scale long-term investments require a particular mindset. You need to be proactive, preventative and always insist on best trade practice and the highest quality materials.

Yearly inspections are a must after you have installed solar panels on your large commercial or public building.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today for a quote.