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How Often Should A Roof Inspection Be Carried Out?

Man on the roof carrying out a roof inspection

Your roof plays an important role in protecting your property from the elements while keeping its inhabitants and the contents safe and dry. To ensure your roof continues to protect your property it’s essential to implement basic maintenance which includes a roof inspection.

This beggars the question “how often should a roof inspection be carried out”.

Roof inspections are one of those important tasks that are forgotten by the majority of homeowners. Depending on your particular residential or commercial property there are numerous factors that determine the regularity of roof inspections. When you think about how your roof protects the building beneath it, it’s only natural for wear and tear to occur. The good news is that you can combat wear and tear by paying more attention to your roof and learning how often it should be inspected.

What to look for during a roof inspection

Even if you have considered a roof inspection or wondered how often you should have one, it’s unlikely that you know what to look for during such an inspection.

How often you have your roof inspected boils down to certain factors. Perhaps you’re wondering if you could simply inspect the roof yourself. Well, sure. There are certain things you can look for even without any expertise, tools, or other equipment. There are a couple of things you can look out for from the ground. These include:

Cracked roofing materials

One of the easiest things to look out for are tiles that are cracked or chipped. While minor breaks will be difficult to see from afar, any major breaks should be visible from the ground.

Signs of moisture

The other easy thing to check for is signs of algae, mould  or grime. If you do notice some mould it’s likely that your roofing materials will appear discoloured in areas.

There are, however, some things that need to be inspected by a professional roofer and may be what a person has in mind when they ask, “how often should a roof inspection be carried out?”

Naturally, if you have noticed any faults in your roof from your inspection then it’s important to call out a roofing contractor as soon as you can. They can determine the severity of the problem and decide what work needs to be done to repair it.

There are a few questions you can ask during a roof inspection including ‘what is the extent of mould and broken roof materials?’, ‘What is the condition of the caulking and mortar?’, ‘ How about the flashing and seals?’

Reasons to carry out a roof inspection

There are some situations where your roof should probably be inspected, including:

  • Following a big storm
  • If you notice a leak coming from your ceiling

If you want to file an insurance claim, it will be necessary to have it inspected first by an accredited roofer.

Why does your roof need to be inspected?

If you’re wondering how often roof inspections should be carried out you need to know why your roof needs inspecting in the first place. The main reason is to ensure your roof is safe and by the same token that your family and house contents are safe too.

Regular roof inspections help to diagnose and fix small problems before they become bigger and more expensive. If you’ve recently purchased a property then a roof inspection can also reveal its condition and whether it needs repair or replacement.  Naturally, new homes won’t require as many roof inspections as older properties.

If you’re still unsure how often a roof inspection should be carried out, then why not start with one now by booking a FREE roof inspection courtesy of The Roofman. Get in touch today by calling 0410 452 234 or visit our website for more information.

Do I Need An Emergency Roof Repair?

emergency roof repair

Do you worry that you may have an emergency roof repair but aren’t exactly sure that your roof problem would be considered an emergency by anyone else? Don’t worry, The Roofman is here to explain all you need to know about emergency roof repairs.

If you think that your roof needs an emergency repair then you’re probably right. The roof of your house is a vital part of your property and not only protects your home but all of its contents too. Over the past 25 years, we’ve lost count of the number of roofs that we have serviced. We provide a wide range of roof solutions and are one of the leading roofing companies in Brisbane. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common emergency roof repairs.

Emergency Roof Repair

Typically, the most common roof repairs that we get called on to fix are:

  • Broken or missing roof tiles
  • Roof leaks, cracks, or punctures
  • Torn underlayment
  • Loose roof nails
  • Damaged flashing, fascia or guttering

Let’s look at these in more detail.

Broken or missing roof tiles

Missing or broken tiles are definitely considered an emergency roof repair. While tile roofs can last up to 50 years that doesn’t make them immune to unexpected hail or rain damage. Missing or damaged roof tiles mean your home is no longer water tight and may be exposed to leaks.

If your property has an underlayment you could be at even more risk of further damage. The role of the underlayment is to provide additional moisture resistance for your property and when it’s exposed to the sun, for example, it can start to deteriorate. Missing or broken tiles can also expose the underlayment to rain which may cause it to rot over time. So now you can seen why broken or missing tiles should be dealt with immediately.

Roof leaks, cracks and punctures

This is one of the most common roof jobs that we service and is classed as an emergency whether you have a big or a small leak. Roof leaks are particularly dangerous because they can trigger electrical issues and if the water pools on part of the roof, it can cause ongoing damage to the home

Torn underlayment

We’ve already mentioned that the underlayment acts as further protection for your roof and contents of your home. If a tear occurs it should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid exposure to leaks and moisture damage.

Loose roof nails

These are often caused by environmental issues that can’t be controlled such as temperature or by poor roof installation. Searing hot temperatures can cause roof nails to expand causing them to pop out of place. Since nails are used to hold other parts of the roof in place, loosening can cause other areas of the roof to become mispositioned.  Loose nails can also lead to corrosion.

Damaged flashing, fascia or guttering

Fixing damage to the fascia, flashing or guttering immediately will protect your home and its contents. Together they work to provide protection from water and cover open or exposed sections of the roof. They also provide a flushing system that directs the water to more manageable locations. Damage to any one of these roof elements can lead to potential water damage.

Ultimately the roof of your home is there to protect your property, its inhabitants and its contents so it has a vital role to play. Our durable roof metals, tiles, and premium finishes mean The Roofman can provide a solution for any type of roof repair and carry out emergency roof repair. If you think you may have an emergency roof repair call The Roofman asap and save yourself further damage and expense. If you haven’t had a roof inspection in a while, The Roofman also provides a FREE roof inspection service. Call today on 0410 452 234 or visit our website for more information

What is a Roof Valley and What is Its Purpose?

roof valley

If you’ve ever had to discuss your roof with a roofing contractor you’ve probably noticed that we speak a lot of roofing jargon. One term that often floors customers is ‘roof valley’ so we thought we’d use this article to shed some light on the subject and keep you informed.

It may seem odd to learn that you have a valley on your roof. It’s a term for the place where two roof surfaces meet together and it’s also one of the most common places for a roof to leak. These joins or roof valleys are typically covered with non-permeable materials such as roof rolls or metal sheets to keep out the moisture.

The definition of a roof valley

The majority of a roof is made up of a large flat expanse that’s normally covered with non-permeable materials such as slate or metal titles or asphalt shingles that serves to protect both the roof structure and the interior of the property. When two different roof surfaces come together it creates a valley. This valley or channel is intended to allow moisture to run off the roof.

Why flashing in valleys is so important

If your roofer states that there is a need to put flashings into a roof valley it’s because he is concerned that moisture could enter between the joins. Flashing is used to create an impermeable seal in the channel.

A build-up of leaves and debris in the channel is the reason that often roof valleys deteriorate faster than any other sections of the roof. Simply put, if a roof valley is clogged, the water is unable to run off. The accumulation of debris causes the flashing to weaken and corrode.

If your roof is leaking, a roofing contractor will often inspect the roof and find that the source of the problem is a leaking roof valley.

The Roofman offers a FREE roof inspection and will present you with a detailed report and a no-obligation quote for any repairs that need doing. Even if you don’t have a roof leak, it’s still recommended to inspect your roof on a regular basis as problems spotted early are easier and cheaper to repair. If you need assistance with your roof give the Roofman a call on 0410 452 234.

How To Deal With A Roof Leak – Know Your Options

roof leak

Have you discovered that your roof is leaking? Knowing how to deal with a roof leak is imperative when you are a homeowner, both in terms of costs and preventing further problems.

When it comes to a roof leak, you have just two options:

  • repair your roof
  • replace the entire roof

Read on to find out how to determine the best option for you.

Repair the roof

It’s essential to fix roof leaks as quickly as possible since putting off repairs will only add extra costs to the bill. Not fixing the problem can damage your ceilings and ruin any insulation you may have. If left unchecked it can also cause mould and rot.

However, before going ahead with a roof repair it’s important to determine the condition of your roof. Regular roof maintenance will give you a better opportunity of spotting a problem in its early stages and getting a roof inspection done by a professional can help make your decision to repair or replace your roof that much easier.  

An experienced roofer can tell whether the roof leak has been caused by summer storms which may have displaced the guttering or whether your roof is simply old and needs replacing.

Replace the roof

There’s no denying that replacing a roof doesn’t come cheap but it pays to remember that your house is an investment and adding a new roof to your property will increase its value. If your roof only shows minor wear and is years away from its expiry date, then it probably only needs a spot of repair work to fix the roof leak. If the damage is more widespread, then chances are you may need to replace the roof.

If you’re still unsure, here are some scenarios when you may get away with just a roof repair.

When to repair your roof

The damage is minor

If the damage is minor a total roof replacement could be seen as an excessive and costly expense. After all, a roof should last for several years and withstand extremes of weather. If the damage is limited to small areas, usually The Roofman can repair it. For instance, a small roof leak over the bathroom or kitchen could be the result of isolated damage to what is otherwise a relatively healthy roof.

Your budget is tight

If you don’t have the funds for a complete roof replacement having your roof repaired will save you thousands of dollars when compared to the price of a new roof. While it may on first glance seem like a significant problem, repairing your roof leak may only set you back a couple of hundred dollars.

You want to preserve the character of your home

If you live in classic style of house then naturally you want to retain its character and that isn’t always possible if you need to replace your entire roof. Opting for a roof repair makes it easier to maintain the character and you may only need a small portion replacing

To determine whether your roof leak can be repaired or your roof needs replacing why not contact The Roofman for a FREE roof inspection. With more than 25 years of experience, you can expect an honest answer to your dilemma.

Re-Roofing – Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Roof

It’s difficult to know when re-roofing is required because checking your roof for signs of wear and tear probably isn’t something you do on a daily basis. With so many other things to think about it’s easy to forget about roof maintenance – but unfortunately, this can cause problems. Here are some signs that may indicate that the time has come to replace your roof or at least carry out some repairs.

To check if re-roofing is necessary start inside

If your roof is old and you think re-roofing may be necessary then oddly enough, the first place to start is not with the exterior of your property as you may think, but the inside – in particular the attic. Climb into your loft or attic and check if there are any beams of light shining through or any stains or water streaks which tell you that your roof is leaking.

Check out the shingles  

Take a look at the top of your roof to make sure everything is in good order, particularly after a heavy storm. Shingles should sit flat against the roof. If there are areas that are cracked, buckled or damaged then repairs are the order of the day. A sign that indicates your roof may be reaching the end of its life is when it is shedding a lot of loose shingle granules. So while you’re up there, take a quick look in your gutters and downpipes.

Examine the flashing

Flashing around chimneys and skylights serves to seal any roof seams from rain and weather in general. Make sure there are no cracks or breaks which could cause leaks. It’s a good idea to upgrade to metal flashing if your older property has flashing made from roof cement

Re-Roofing may be necessary if the roof is sagging

If your roof appears to be drooping or sagging it’s likely to need re-roofing before any further damage takes place. Look at the surface of the roof to see if there are signs of trapped moisture or boards that are rotting. While moss may look attractive lining a hanging basket when it’s on the roof it only causes trouble by trapping moisture. To get rid of moss gently remove it with a stiff brush but be sure that any underlying problems to the roof are dealt with.

Don’t panic

A small leak or a few damaged shingles doesn’t necessarily mean that your property requires re-roofing. If your roof is less than 20 years old and has been well installed, a few repairs may suffice. To be on the safe side, it’s always best to seek advice from a professional roofing company.

Has your roof been checked recently?

Climbing onto a roof is not something that we advise the general public to do. It’ easier and safer to let a professional check out your roof.

The Roofman provides FREE roof inspection and will provide you with honest advice and a no-obligation for any repairs that need carrying out. Contact us today on 0410 452 234 or book online.

Will a New Roof Add Value to My Property?

Often people make the mistake of thinking that their roof isn’t an important consideration when it comes to valuing their property. This is far from the truth. Not only does your roof protect your property and its contents but it’s also one of the biggest and obvious features that people notice when they look at your home.

With this in mind, it’s important to know how much the roof impacts the value of your property and what should you be doing to make sure it retains that value. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Curb appeal

One of the prime considerations, when your house is being valued, is its curb appeal. First impressions can make or break a person’s decision to place an offer on your property. As any real-estate valuer will tell you, your home’s exterior should be clean and welcoming and match the photo. Often the roof is the first thing that a prospective buyer looks at and it may be that a new one is needed to update your home. A lick of paint can also work wonders for your home’s appearance. A restoration would in most cases be more cost-effective than a new roof and will add value to your property.

The Condition

As already stated, the roof is the one thing protecting your home and all that’s within it from the elements. If it’s in a poor condition, this is likely to be reflected in any offers that you receive from prospective buyers since they know they will have to spend money on it. Keeping your roof in tip-top condition probably doesn’t cost as much as you think and will likely save you money in the long run. The main concerns to look out for are leaks, broken tiles, cracked pointing, and rust or mould. These issues are easily rectified and not only will they extend the lifespan of your roof but they will also boost the value of your property.

Energy efficiency

More people than ever are considering energy efficient roofing. Not only are people more concerned about the increasing cost of electricity in Australia but many of them also want to lower their carbon footprint. If you can offer a home that has a well-insulated roof, uses electricity free ventilators such as whirlybirds or solar vents, and has a heat-reflective coating your home could appear extremely enticing.

So how much value will a roof restoration or a new one add to your property?

It’s hard to say because it all depends on many variables. However, research suggests that new roofs can add between 10% and 15% to your property.

A new roof won’t always offer you the best ROI so it’s always best to speak to a roofing expert to determine what is the best option for your home and budget.

Why not contact The Roofman. We provide FREE roof inspections and quotations and can help with all manner of roof repairs. Call today on 0410 452 234.

How To Choose The Best Roof For Your House – 6 Top Tips

how to choose the best roof for your house

It’s exciting to build your own house but at the same time, there are lots of things to consider, with one of the factors being what type of roof to choose. It’s important to make the right choice because a roof ultimately determines how your house looks. It also determines what the resell value is likely to be should you eventually come to sell it. With this in mind, here are some top tips for how to choose the best roof for your house.

Durability

The most important consideration is durability, after all, you don’t want to have a roof that is regularly going to need repairs or that needs replacing after a couple of years. Therefore, the type of roof you choose should give you a good return on your investment. Since durability is determined by the materials used and how effective they are at withstanding the harsh Australian climate, prepare to have a good budget in place.

Weight

Another important consideration when knowing how to choose the best roof for your house is weight. This is going to be determined by  the strength of the roof framing. Naturally, you don’t want the roof to be too heavy or it could end up damaging the roof frame over time. You also need to consider the type of materials being used to build your house as the weight of the roof needs to be in proportion to the building material to ensure the sturdiness of the structure

Style

The style of your house also has a bearing on the type of roof you choose since it needs to complement the building and look appropriate and attractive. You might want to consider seeking advice from your building contractor or a roofer as they are the experts when it comes to the different types of roofs and the sort of buildings they suit.

Material

Material is key when you’re wondering how to choose the best roof for your house. There are several types of materials used for roofs including wood, shingles, metal and fibreglass so look to choose one that suits your preference. Other points to bear in mind are your budget, weather resistance, and whether the material is eco-friendly and recyclable.

Cost

This is an obvious consideration because different roof types come in at different prices. Not only do you have to consider your budget but you also need to consider the quality of the materials being used. As a top tip, we’d say avoid the cheapest roofs because they’re likely to be poor quality.

Appearance

Finally how you choose the best roof for your house may boil down to its appearance. Your roof makes up a large part of your house and therefore you want one that makes a good impression so that your home has curb appeal. It’s important not to compromise the overall look of your new house by choosing the wrong type of roof.

The Roofman offers FREE roof inspections to check the health of your roof and determine if any repairs are necessary or if you need to replace it. If you’re overdue a roof check, then why not book a no-obligation with the Roofman today.

Roof Valley Leaks and How to Avoid Them

roof valley leaks

Roof valley leaks can occur no matter where in the world you live and have the potential to cause problems. In Brisbane, roof problems are one of the most common housing issues for homeowners and often they’re forced to replace their entire roof. The good news is that roof valleys leaks can be prevented with roof maintenance.

Roof leaks start off as minor issues but over time leakage can become a serious problem. In this post, we’re going to talk about the most common cause – leaking roof valleys.

What are roof valleys and what cause roof valley leaks?

For those of you who may not know, roof valleys are the troughs formed where two roof slopes meet. Their purpose is to collect any water and direct it away from the roof and into a gutter.

Why do roof valleys leak?

The lifespan of a roof valley is pretty impressive. In fact, roof valleys can last for up to 20 years, but unfortunately certain external factors can cut that short. You may not believe it, but the leading contributor to a leaking roof is leaves. Wet leaves have a habit of sticking to the roof valleys causing corrosion and the formation of rust bubbles. These quickly escalate into holes on the valley which, in turn, can destroy neighbouring parts of the roof.

Leaves can also collect in the roof valleys which in the winter can lead to ice formation. Water expands when it’s freezing and this, in turn, causes the shingles to move, which also causes a roof to leak.

Sometimes, roofers overlap the shingles when forming the valleys and this can often cause water to find its way between them.

Roof Maintenance

If you’re a handyman and don’t mind a spot of manual work, you can do much of the roof maintenance yourself and save some money.

Roof leakages can be avoided by taking care of your roof. The first thing to do is to carry out an inspection using a tall ladder and a good set of binoculars. If you spot signs that may cause roof valley leaks, then a quick reaction can save you time and money.

The best form of prevention is to keep your roof clean at all times. Cleaning your gutters out is recommended twice a year and also lopping off any tree branches that are overhanging your roof will help.

Repairing roof valleys

If you’re going to attempt to repair roof valleys and stop leaks yourself, its best to have someone to help. Start by clearing any debris away from the valley. Roof valleys can be repaired by patching any holes or inserting a sheet of metal along the length of the valley depending on the severity of damage.

Roof valleys are an important part of your roof and not to be taken lightly. You should know that lack of maintenance or poor construction will always lead to roof valley leaks and the deterioration of more expensive parts that will ultimately cost more money to repair. For that reason, check your roof valleys regularly to ensure they are in good health.

It’s advisable to contact a professional roofing company if you are inexperienced since failing to fix roof valley leaks properly can cost you more money in the long run.

When was the last time your roof valleys were cleaned and sealed?

To avoid roof valley leaks and leaking roofs, it’s important that valleys are regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained. The Roofman provides a FREE roof inspection so why not give him a call today on 0410 452 234.

How to Prepare Your Roof for the Storm Season – 4 Top Tips

prepare roof for storm season

Now that spring is upon us here in Brisbane, temperatures start to rise but unfortunately, it’s also an indication that storms are on their way.  Don’t worry, we’ve put together a few tips to help you prepare your roof for the storm season. So, pull up a chair and take a read.

What sort of damage can storms do?

You’re probably familiar with the chaos that summer storms can cause – torrential rain, hail, and high winds can cause untold damage to properties and cars, also bringing down power lines to add to the misery. Unfortunately, it’s a time of the year that roofs and gutters are extremely vulnerable to damage.

Wind damage

Heavy winds can blow tiles or metal sheets off your roof or gutters, rip hardware such as aerials off your roof, and blow heavy tree branches onto your roof causing damage.

Hail damage

Large hailstones can damage structures like whirlybirds and skylights. They can also cause cracks in your gutters or roof. And older roofs, in particular, are especially at risk of damage from hail.

Water damage

Heavy rain also has a habit of finding any sections of your roof or gutters that are damaged leading to overflowing gutters and inevitably water entering your home and causing damage.

How to prepare your roof for storm season

It’s always best (and cheaper) to prepare for storm damage before the storms reach Brisbane. Fortunately, there are several small steps you can take to prepare your roof and gutters for storm season

#1 Clean your roof and gutters

Damaged or blocked gutters and drains can cause significant damage to your home. Rather than draining away, water pools on your roof increasing the risk of it leaking into internal structures such as walls and ceilings. It’s essential to give your gutters, downpipes, and roof a thorough clean to prevent water build-ups and damage. If you don’t have sufficient confidence to do this yourself, then an experienced gutter cleaning company can do this for you.

#2 Cut back any overhanging tree branches

Inspect the exterior of your property for any trees or branches that are perilously close to your property or overhanging. Trimming these back could save you damage and a large repair bill

#3 Book a roof inspection

Were you aware that often insurance companies don’t provide cover for roofs that haven’t been properly maintained? If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently or you worry that it could be vulnerable to storms why not book a free inspection with The Roofman. We will examine all areas of your roof as well as your gutters and downpipes and provide you with a detailed inspection sheet and no-obligation quote. This leads on to our 4th and final tip …

#4 Contact your insurance provider

Speaking of insurance, make a mental note to check that your house is covered in cases of damage to your property and/or contents. As the boy scouts’ motto states “be prepared” ……

Investing a small amount of money and time now to prepare your roof for the storm season, could save you much money and heartache.

Should you experience any damage during the storm season, then don’t fail to contact The Roofman for a prompt response, emergency repairs, and a speedy no-obligation quote.

Residential Roof Cleaning – Discover the Benefits

residential roof cleaning

Every home needs its roof regularly cleaned by a professional who is skilled at his job. Consistent roof washing not only improves the curb appeal of a property, but residential roof cleaning offers other benefits too. Let’s dive in and take a closer look.

Residential roof cleaning prevents damage

While a cracked tile can cause damage to your roof, the type of damage we’re referring to is that caused by unwelcome plants and fungi taking a shine to your roof, such as lichen, mould, and moss.

You may wonder why your roof is growing a ‘green carpet’ and the answer to this is moisture and warmth.

These plants thrive in a warm moist environment which often makes roofs the perfect breeding ground. Unfortunately while your roof is intended to prevent water from entering your property, it can also become the reason for moisture to stay around longer than it’s intended.

Moss thrives in conditions that are damp and shady. Similar to algae and lichen its roots grow into the roofing materials and spaces between the shingles. It also retains moisture because it grows so thick and keeps the roof damp, causing deterioration to roofing materials while promoting further plant growth.

Moss can find its way under tiles causing them to warp, crack, or shift. Additionally, moisture held on the roof by moss and lichen can freeze when the weather is cold causing cracks in the roof. Moisture on your roof also becomes a breeding ground for mould which can pose a serious health risk if it gets into your home and can also expose rafters and other timbers to moisture which can cause them to rot.

Residential roof cleaning is a must for those selling their properties

A reliable roof is one of the first things that homebuyers look for. Even if it isn’t yet causing any damage it will cause anyone viewing your home to regard it as a ‘fixer-upper’ which is likely to result in low offers.

Professional pressure washing from The Roofman removes plant growth and other debris and restores the colour of your tiles and shingles, making your home look more attractive. A clean roof also lets us identify any cracked or warped sections which may need repair or replacement and we can give you a free no-obligation quote for any work that’s necessary.

Residential roof cleaning saves money

Whatever type of growths you have on your roof, the costs of pressure washing your roof, can save you money in the long term by extending the lifespan of your roof and saving you money on replacements or repairs. While a person may look at a roof and see imperfections that make them think they need a new roof, often it just requires a clean and this can save you thousands of dollars!

Summary

Never attempt to get on your roof yourself to inspect it. You could easily damage tiles and run the risk of injury should you lose your footing on slippery algae. The Roofman provides FREE roof inspections designed to detect and treat potential roofing issues before they become major problems.

If you’d like to know more about our residential roof cleaning service then please contact The Roofman. We service Alexandra Hills, Capalaba, Chandler, Gumdale, Redlands, and other areas around Brisbane.