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.

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.

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.

Roof Flashings – What Are They and What’s Their Purpose

roof flashings

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.

DIY Roof Restoration – When Can I Perform DIY Repairs?

DIY roof restoration

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 – Top Tips

cleaning a roof

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.  

Leaking Roofs – What Causes This Problem?

leaking roofs

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.