Going solar – for the environment and supply

Upgrading to solar panels? You’re not the only one. At Roof Inspection Reports we have seen a spike in demand. But a professional roof inspection is essential before you install solar panels. Owners and managers of large commercial and public buildings as well as householders are requesting our roof inspections.

While Australia may have committed to reducing emissions by 26 to 28 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030, businesses and private citizens are taking action themselves. They are concerned about increases in power price and decreases in the stability of supply. Joining the circular economy for power makes sense to a lot of people.

Making energy savings – with safety first

Home owners and body corporates are doing the sums. So too are owners of such large south-east Queensland institutions as Bundaberg Hospital and the Brisbane Convention Centre. “Energy bills for buildings like this can run into seven figures per annum,” Philip explains.

“And solar does represent a way to achieve very significant savings over the long term. But essential to these long-term savings is that roofs be checked for problems first before solar panels are overlaid.”

“Often you find that while some sections of roofs are fine but others need to be replaced before you go ahead. Rusted areas and damage from air conditioning needs to be identified and rectified in order to make those long-term savings.”

Prevention better than cure

The key is prevention. “Best trade practice in materials, installation and maintenance pays for itself. Sometimes many times over, in the course of this strategy for long-term savings.”

Roof Inspection Reports recommends annual inspections. This is the best way to insure your investment in your roof – and, ultimately, to help drive down emissions.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today.

0418 677 524

Philip Beveridge of Roof Inspection Reports knows roofs

Philip has 35 years of experience in inspecting roofs. For all that time, he has provided his expertise to commercial and residential property owners around Australia.

He also gives expert advice at the design stage for large commercial buildings. Philip’s reports are renowned for their quality, thoroughness and reliability. He is a straight-shooter who is proud of his independence and impartiality. These qualities serve you, the client.

A little background

Philip was a founding director of Northside Roofing. He helped to establish it in 1989 in Brisbane. Phil played a key role in its outstanding reputation and market leadership. For 25 year, Northside Roofing was known in the trade for quality, innovation and credibility.

In 2015, Philip retired from Northside Roofing and sold his interest in the company. He had identified a market for independent inspections and design reviews. He is now the key player in Roof Inspection Reports. Here, he offers inspection, reporting and design advice for new and existing buildings.

Roof Inspection Reports: Market leader

At Roof Inspection Reports, Philip’s expertise has led to the company becoming a market leader in the roofing trade. Philp is in demand for his frank and fearless roof reports. He is proud to ensure installations are fully compliant with manufacturers’ specifications. This means the suppliers’ warranties are authenticated, which means peace of mind for you.

A large part of Philip’s business is in providing roof condition reports or proposals on large existing commercial buildings. He also does pre-purchase inspections, as well as giving expert input to large-scale buildings at the design stage.

The work of Roof Inspection Reports emphasises prevention, maintenance and compliance. This is good news for you and your supplier warranty. Phil is rightly proud not only of his proven expertise, but also his independence and commitment to providing advice that is honest and forthright. Under his leadership, Roof Inspection Reports has a track record on prevention. It also shows consistent results in providing generous savings through knowledgeable and forthright reporting on roof condition.

Philip does both domestic roof inspections and large-scale commercial ones. Through his work at Roof Inspection Reports, he serves and protects home owners and investors. HIs reporting looks for any structural issues or potential risk. It can also serve as qualitative information for negotiation of price.

In all his work, Philip emphasises safety. Roof Inspection Reports has an excellent track record in providing safety, savings and peace of mind to domestic and commercial property owners in Brisbane, south-east Queensland and around Australia.

For all your roof inspection needs, you need look no further than Philip Beveridge of Roof Inspection Reports, Brisbane.

Contact Roof Inspection Reports today.

0418 677 524

The storm season in Queensland brings violent and powerful winds with it. With these winds comes a greater chance of damage to your roof. This damaged can be caused by a variety of reasons related to high winds such as creating stress fractures which can weaken the roof and in term compromise its structure. While most roofs are built to be resistant to winds they can be damaged over time due to these high winds carrying debris that impact the roof and directly cause damage.

If wind damages a roof then the chance of further damage is increased by allowing water and other debris to make their way through. If that happens then you can also be subject to internal damage caused by water which further increases your repair costs. Depending on how your building is insulated you can also be looking at increased power bills due to heating or cooling the building.

How Wind Causes Damage

The design of many roofs are not uniform and so the pressures of wind are not either. Most roof damage starts at the edge of the roof where the gutters are while the centre parts often experience the least stress. This damage can be further ensured by loose guttering than moves more when wind blows against it and cause the roof to peel away. Over time this situation gets worse and worse the more a roof is exposed to the elements. As your roof is also home to insulation it is imperative that you prevent water and other debris from getting inside.

Tree Damage and Debris

While the wind itself can damage your roof it can also be the cause of falling tree branches which can cause significant damage to your roof and internal structure. If you have trees overhanging your roof then the damage can come from repetitive scratching which can remove protective coating and paint. Increased debris from trees can fall into gutters and cause strain on them during rain which in turn further damages the structure of your roof.

What to Do if you think your roof is damaged

The signs of roof damage can be varied. It may visual such as seeing loose guttering or flapping sheets or perhaps noticing water stains on your inner ceilings. You might also hear the sounds of banging sheets or gutters during high winds. The best course of action you can take if you are unsure is to hire a professional to examine the roof.

The longer you wait the more risk you are of significant damage spreading. While roof replacement or repair costs can be significant it costs a lot less when you don’t have to deal with the additional costs of water damage and internal structure repair.

If you feel like your roof has been damaged in a storm then the best thing to do is contact Roof Inspection Reports to have an experienced professional survey the surface and prepare a report that will give you insight into what damage is present and what it could lead to.

Roof Inspection Reports can also help ascertain what can be filed for an insurance claim and provide the relevant information you will need to do so.

Roof Inspection Reports Are a Trusted Name

We have been providing reports to businesses for over 35 years and have a proven track record of excellence within this field making us a market leader in the industry. No matter the size of your roof or its composition we will provide a full and comprehensive report that details every safety risk we come across and also provides insight into what can happen down the track. Our reports can save you thousands both now and in the long run so give us a call today on 0418 677 524 or contact us online and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.

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.