When it’s not your profession getting to grips with some of the roofing terminologies can be difficult. Take ‘roof flashings’ for example. You may have heard mention of them but what exactly are they and what’s the point of them? We thought we’d base this article around roof flashings since they are an extremely important part of your roof and it certainly won’t hurt to know more about them. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look.

What exactly are roof flashings?

Roof flashings are a type of structural metal fitting that used to prevent leaks occurring in your roof and sometimes they’re also used to strengthen and repair vulnerable areas. Flashings can be hard to spot on polycarbonate or metal roofing although you can sometimes spot new fittings even on a modern roof

Roof flashings – the bottom line

When you stop to consider the consequences of a leaking roof, the importance of roof flashings is easier to understand. A leaking roof can cause unbelievable damage to the inside of your property. A single leak can wreak havoc with your electrics and could even cause a fire. It can also rot the timbers supporting your roof and promote the growth of mould and fungi which can spread rapidly.

You’ll probably be astounded by the cost of repairing this type of damage – and not in a good way! Add to that the cost of significant repairs to your roof and the overall cost of fixing the problems caused by leaks can be astronomical.

Roof flashings and guttering are your arsenal in the battle against water leaks and form the frontline defence. Fortunately, an experienced roofer can detect and fix roof flashing problems quickly – and even better, it doesn’t cost a fortune. Spending a few dollars on roof flashings can save thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential damage.

Do your roof flashings need repair?

You don’t have to be a roofer to notice possible signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you have an older property, then it’s more than likely that some of the flashings are looking worn down.

Here are some signs to look out for:

• Misaligned roof tiles or panels – A classic sign that your roof has suffered an element of deterioration is roof tiles or panels that don’t look properly aligned. While this is a fairly minor problem, it does need fixing. The Roofman can check your roof for any structural issues and carry out a thorough repair.
• Ceilings or interior walls are discoloured – A fairly common sign of a leak is when you spot what looks like a stain on your ceiling or internal walls. If you see discolouration then you do have a leak and it’s important to call us right away to get it fixed. A leak that is well established can cause serious trouble especially when there is torrential rain.
• Smells of mould – Mould only grows where there is water. It’s a sure sign that water is getting into your property from somewhere – and usually, it’s entering through the roof. Even if you can’t see where it’s coming from, a roofer will be able to locate it and fix the problem. The sooner you get this issue sorted, the better. Mould can cause a health risk, particularly to people suffering from respiratory issues such as asthma. Young children and elderly people are also at risk.

Do you need help with your roof?

Hopefully, you’ve found this information about roof flashings to be useful. If you’d like some professional assistance with your roof in Brisbane then The Roofman provides FREE high-quality roof inspections. We’ll give you a comprehensive report together with a no-obligation report for any necessary repairs and a projected timeline. This service helps extend the lifespan of your roof and we’ll also give you some simple maintenance tips you can do yourself too. Contact The Roofman today and help your roof last longer.

“When can I perform DIY roof restoration?“

Your roof has an important job to do, protecting your house from the elements, saving energy, helping to avoid leaks, not to mention adding curb appeal and value. So it makes sense to keep it in tip top condition.  

Over time your roof starts to lose its glare, which means it’s time to consider restoring it and getting it back to its former glory. You will also need to consider restoration if you suspect that elements of your roof need fixing.

When it comes to roof restoration there are two options to consider: DIY roof restoration or working with a roof repair company. Below are some of the situations where you may find yourself considering DIY roof restoration or repairs.

Minor Restoration

On occasions there may be a need for minor restorations on your roof. Such small jobs barely justify hiring a professional roofer to do the job for you and you may decide to do the job yourself. One minor DIY roof restoration you may consider is filling small leaks. However, you should only ever consider repairs, however minor, if you have the skills to do them yourself.

Have roof restoration training

If you have previous training in roof restoration then provided you have the time, it makes sense to do it yourself and save money.

It’s always advisable that homeowner learn skills that enable them to do minor jobs around the house. But before deciding to any sort of repair work on your roof by yourself, make sure you have the relevant knowledge and can handle all that’s involved in the job before going ahead.

If it seems more complicated than you first thought then please don’t attempt it. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could do more damage than good, injure yourself in the process, and find that it costs you more in the long run.

When your budget is tight

It may be that your roof requires restoration, but you don’t have the budget to call in an expert. If you’re reasonably handy then you can always find a video that shows you just how to repair your own roof but ultimately it boils down to whether or not you should. If you have a straightforward roof and take all the necessary safety precautions it might be okay to fix your own roof, but we would never recommend a homeowner climbs on their roof, let alone mends it.

The bottom line

If you have common sense and the right tools, you may do a decent repair job on a simple item like replacing a couple of shingles. But ultimately, you should be asking yourself why am I missing shingles? Is there more extensive damage that perhaps I can’t see? If your spot any problems with your roof, getting advice from an expert is always the first step you should take.

For all roofing problems big or small, give The Roofman a call on 0410 452 234. We provide a FREE roof inspection and will give you a comprehensive report on its condition, an obligation-free quote, and how long it is likely to take.

Cleaning a roof may sound like a boring task for the weekend, but it’s something that needs to be done regularly to help maintain it. If you’re not sure where to start, then here are a few tips that can help you.

How to Get Started Cleaning Your House Roof

Do your research

If this is your first time at cleaning a roof then we recommend you do some research. Having a proper understanding and the correct information is key to getting the job done right. You might first want to consider if you actually want to clean your roof yourself. If you don’t, then you can hire a roofing company to do it for you.

Have the right tools and equipment

If you decide to clean your roof yourself, then you’re going to need the proper tools and equipment. Again, do some research and look at all the facts. Find out all you can and do an online search for a store that sells the materials you need. Remember, using the right products and tools can prevent unnecessary damage to your roof and save you money in the long term.

Which method should you use?

There are 2 methods of cleaning a roof. One method uses natural products or chemicals to give what is called ‘a soft wash’. The other method uses high pressure washing cleaning.

As a rule of thumb, soft washing is recommended for most roofs because high pressure washing doesn’t always remove the dirt and can damage the roof. A professional roofing company knows how much pressure a roof can withstand and how to use the pressure washer so that it doesn’t cause damage.  

If you do have moss or algae on your roof then it’s important to get it removed. Algae can feed on organic material in the shingles which could lead to wood rot. It can also spread, getting into the timber and underneath the roof.

The advantages of using a professional roof cleaning service

If all of this sounds like hard work to you, then why not ask a roof cleaner to do the job for you. Often they will use ammonia or bleach to kill algae whereas others may use vinegar and water, which is more friendly for the environment. Whatever solution they use, a good roof cleaner should protect your plants beneath from any excess solution which spills out from the gutters and could kill your plants.

Roof cleaners don’t just clean roofs, however. They also check for places that may need repairing. For instance your roof may need repointing, re-bedding or even re-capping. A good roof cleaner can point out these repairs and even give you a quote to get them fixed.

Often roof cleaners will clear the gutters at the same time. This is often necessary after the roof has been cleaned because algae, leaves, dirt, and moss are likely to collect in the gutters once the job has been done.

Each of these services is likely to have a separate cost but it is still cheaper than getting each job done by a different company.

Cleaning a roof and maintaining it can be dangerous to attempt yourself especially if you don’t have the right tools, experience, and knowledge. Fortunately, The Roofman has over 25 years of experience and can clean your roof efficiently and thoroughly in relation to its condition.

If you’re not sure if your roof needs cleaning then why not book a free roof inspection or of you prefer, simply organise your roof pressure cleaning service today by calling us on 0410 452 234.  

If you constantly have to fetch out buckets to catch leaks from your roof when it rains then you know how annoying this problem is. But, were you aware that leaking roofs can also be dangerous, especially if they’re left for a long time untreated?

Understanding where the leak is coming from can be quite tricky since the water can travel from the point where it is leaking, but there are several reasons why this may already be happening or could happen in the next day or two.

Age

Age is the most common cause of leaking roofs since the roof surface deteriorates with age, so it becomes less effective. Constant fluctuations in temperature and changes in the weather also cause roofing materials to become dry and to crack over time. Furthermore, the tar also starts to melt when it’s exposed to the sun for long periods, which is why a roof generally need replacing when it becomes old.

Cracked flashing

Flashing is the name for the thin strips of metal which are installed beneath the shingles and their role is to create a water-resistant barrier on the roof. Broken flashing can be detrimental to your roof and can also be the cause of leaking roofs.

The flashing is often held in place by tar and when this starts to deteriorate, it leaves the flashing exposed and open to natural elements such as rain and wind which can cause it to crack. This issue is best fixed by a roofing contractor so be sure to contact The Roofman if this is a problem you’re facing.

Broken shingles

Shingles form the exterior surface of the roof and are vulnerable to damage. Sometimes they can get distorted and moved out of place by heavy rain or strong gusts of wind. Other times the roof clips which hold the roof tiles in place are broken or have become clogged with debris, causing the roof to leak. Signs that you need new tile clips are water stains, black patches of mould, and holes in the ceiling.

Clogged gutters

Gutters are intended to help drain water away from the roof but at times they can get clogged, particularly when trees are dropping their leaves. Dropped leaves and other debris can cause a blockage which means there is nowhere for the water to travel. Instead, it accumulates in the area of the blockage and eventually seeps through any cracks. It’s important to clean out your gutters on an annual basis and always keep your roof surface clean too.

Whenever you see the signs of water leakage don’t delay. Matters will only get worse. Instead phone The Roofman. We offer a free no-obligation Brisbane roof inspection and can tell you right away if there are any problems with your roof that need fixing. Having an annual roof inspection will help spot minor issues before they become major issues and keep your roof healthier for longer.

Call The Roofman today on 0410 452234 or contact us by email. If you want to speak to a professional tradesman and leaking roofs, then look no further.