Checking The Proper Installation Of Roofing Fixtures

Most people assume the main source of roofing problems to be the damage of sheeting or tiles, more often than not it’s the fixtures that cause issues. Improper installation of roofing fixtures can have a serious impact on the structure of your roof. They can also allow water to penetrate your roofing, making its way inside to cause serious damage. As your roof can be hard to access, the work carried out during the installation of roofing fixtures is rarely checked once completed.

A common mistake we see when it comes to the installation of fixtures is poor or incorrect sealing. Silicone could be the most abused building material we have ever seen. Improper installation can also refer to damage caused by foot traffic and access during the install. As water ingress is the most likely outcome from poorly installed penetrations, having your roof checked after a fixture is installed makes a tremendous amount of sense financially.

Here Are The Most Common Fixtures We Find To Be Incorrectly Installed During Inspections

  • Flashing: Flashing is used around chimneys, vents, and other protrusions to prevent water from penetrating your roof. Improper installation of flashing can lead to leaks, which can cause mould, rot, and other damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
  • Skylights: Improper installation of skylights can result in leaks, which can cause damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
  • Gutters and downspouts: Improper installation of gutters and downspouts can cause water to overflow, which can lead to leaks and damage to your roof and the foundation of your home.
  • Vents: Improper installation of roof vents can cause air to become trapped in your ceiling, which can lead to moisture buildup, mould and rot, and damage to your roof structure.
  • Solar Panels: Improper installation of solar panels can lead to leaks, structural damage, and even electrical hazards.
  • Ridge cap: Improper installation of ridge caps for tiles can cause them to blow off in high winds, leaving the underlying structure of your roof exposed.
  • Ice and water shield: Improper installation of ice and water shield, a material used to prevent water from penetrating your roof, can lead to leaks and damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
  • Roof underlayment: Improper installation of roof underlayment, a material used to protect your roof decking, can lead to moisture buildup, mould, and rot, and damage to your roof structure.
  • Chimneys: Improper installation of chimneys can cause leaks and damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
  • Roof penetrations: Improper installation of roof penetrations such as antennas, pipes, and ducts can cause leaks and damage to your roof and the interior of your home.
Installation Of Roofing Fixtures
Installation Of Roofing Fixtures

Don’t Risk Untold Expenses, Arrange A Roof Inspection From Trusted Inspectors

As you can see, improper installation of any roofing fixtures can result in significant damage to your roof and the interior of your home. It’s important to have them installed by a professional and make sure that the installation is done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the building codes to ensure the proper installation and avoid future damage. While this all sounds great, getting access to your roof can be difficult and can be dangerous if you are not experienced.

At Roof Inspection Reports, our team is highly experienced, with decades of roof inspections amongst the team. With this experience comes the knowledge on how to safely carry out inspections on any type of roofing material. We will also include any relevant snippets from the manufacturers instructions in your inspection report if any of your roofing fixtures are found to be improperly installed. This makes it easy to have any issues rectified with the original contractor, making it a must have after fixture installations.

To arrange a roof inspection on your home or office, get in touch with Roof Inspection Reports on 0418 677 524. You can also click here to contact us online, we will get back to you as soon as possible.