Category: Hints and Tips

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Your home is undoubtedly one of your most expensive purchases but are you ignoring the real costs of owning it? Heating and cooling our homes uses a lot of energy and much of this is wasted by not having an energy-efficient roof.

Brisbane is known for its extreme weather conditions and with winter edging closer we’re likely to be facing more unpredictable days. We’re going to be sharing a few simple tips to help you achieve an energy efficient roof and lower your energy bills. So let’s dive in and take a closer look.

5 Simple Tweaks For a More Energy Efficient Roof

1. Change your roof colour – According to a recent article on ABC News dark roof cladding can cost you half a star in energy rating. Dark coloured roofs tend to absorb heat and light and direct it inward whereas a light-coloured roof will reflect the heat and lower your AC bill.
2. Insulation – Having your house properly insulated is a game-changer. If your roof is poorly insulated then adding new insulation to the lining will be of benefit. You might want to consider cellulose insulation which is extremely efficient because it fills cavities completely to prevent any gaps. It’s also an environmentally friendly insulation option since it’s made from recycled paper.
3. Cool roof coating – Another way of gaining a more energy-efficient roof is to consider one of the many cool roof coatings that are available on the market. These work by reflecting the sun’s heat before it can heat up your roof and can keep the surface of your roof cooler by 20 to 30%. This, in turn, can keep the rooms below cooler by 6 to 10%.
4. Ventilation – Homes that are properly ventilated also help to create a more energy-efficient roof. A lack of ventilation in cool weather can cause moisture to build up by trapping cold air and this can result in mildew, mould, and damage to your roof and gutters.
5. Consider other roof materials – Metal roofing is a great option because it’s energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, lightweight, strong, and long-lasting. It’s an ideal option for new builds but can also be installed over an existing roof and not only does it withstand extreme weather conditions but you can expect it to last for up to 50 years in some cases.

Here at The Roofman, we can discuss ways of helping you gain an energy-efficient roof as well as assist with all of your roofing needs from installations to inspections and repairs. With our FREE roof inspection service and obligation free quote, you’ve got nothing to lose. Give The Roofman a call today on 0410 452 234 to book your inspection.

When was the last time you looked at your roof? While most of us regularly check the paintwork and clean the windows, it’s easy to forget about the roof that’s over our heads. If you have an older property in particular, then it’s worth getting a roofer to examine the pointing on your roof for signs of deterioration.

Older houses are likely to have cement mortar used for the roof pointing which is the same material that’s typically used for the bedding which holds the roof tiles in place. Both of these components are exposed to damaging natural elements such as UV rays, rain, wind, and dirt which over time break down the cement mortar.

This causes the tiles to loosen or slip and leaves them vulnerable to elements such as the wind and the rain. As a result, your roof may leak when it rains and there is a distinct possibility that your tiles could be lifted off in a strong wind and could cause damage to people passing by or vehicles parked near your home.

Re-bedding and re-pointing

When your roof needs re-bedding, we will replace the cement mortar and cover that with a layer of flexible pointing compound which strengthens the mortar’s hold on the tiles and provides a hardwearing protective layer which lengthens the life of the bedding.

Cement mortar was replaced in 1995 with a flexible compound for pointing and unlike cement, this won’t crack with the natural expansion and contraction of the roof.

The benefits of re-pointing

Re-pointing and re-bedding your roof can stop mould growing and water damage. Damaged mortar allows water or excess moisture to penetrate the inside of your property which not only promotes the growth of mould but can lead to additional problems.

Health risks from mould

Mould spreads quickly and can even enter your ductwork, posing a health risk for you and your family. It’s particularly serious for those who suffer from asthma, respiratory issues or allergies. Furthermore, removing mould takes time and is costly.

Wood rot

Excess moisture can also cause wood to rot and as this happens it becomes weaker until it cracks or breaks. Should supporting beams or joists rot, it could increase the risk of ceilings or floors collapsing.

Flooding

Damaged pointing or bedding also increases the risk of flooding. Damage to cement mortar can allow rainwater into your property which could pool in the ceilings or even run down the walls and into a basement, should your property have one.

These issues can impact the structure of your property particularly if water enters your basement. Constant exposure to water can cause the foundations to weaken and crumble and when this happens your entire home can be at risk.

Re-pointing your roof tiles is recommended to replace old-style cement mortar used for pointing before 1995. As already mentioned, cement is prone to shifting or cracking. Flexible pointing overcomes this issue.

Your tiles may even need pointing if your roof was constructed after 1995 as natural wear and tear can cause pointing to deteriorate.

How do I know if my roof needs re-pointing?

There are several signs of roof damage that can point to the need to have your roof tiles re-pointed. These include:

• Loose tiles
• Leaks in the roof
• Excess moisture
• Missing roof tiles
• Pieces of roof tile or granules in the gutter

If you notice any signs of roof damage then we urge you to let a professional roofer inspect your roof. Repointing can protect your property from further damage which could cost you far more in the long run.

Call The Roofman today on 0410 452 234 to arrange your FREE roof bedding and pointing inspection. We will provide you with a comprehensive report and a no-obligation quote for any work that needs to be done.

Concrete tile roofs are beautiful. They’re also long-lasting and durable but just like any other roof they can develop problems. Spotting and carrying out concrete tile roof repairs early can help you keep your roof in good shape and save thousands of dollars on replacing it.

Homeowners are often tempted to perform small repairs themselves; although we don’t recommend this as there is always the danger of falling off the roof. However, if you feel that you have sufficient knowledge and the ability to carry out the necessary repairs, then take a moment to look at 5 common mistakes which homeowners often make, so that you can avoid them.

Not replacing like with like

In your rush to carry out concrete tile roof repairs, it’s quite easy not to give sufficient thought to the type of tile you’re replacing another with. Not only does it need to be the same type of concrete, but it also needs to be the same colour. Ignore either of these criteria, and your replacement tile will stand out like a sore thumb. Not only will it look awful, but the tile itself may not click into place with the others, which means your house is exposed.

Taking tiles from other areas of the roof

Some of the ‘quick fix’ tips you find on the internet may suggest you take a concrete tile from a place on your roof that’s hidden out of view and use that as a replacement tile. You should never do this under any circumstances, as not only is it lazy, but it’s likely to cost you more in the long run as this will leave another part of your roof exposed.

Top tip: Keep a supply of 8-10 roof tiles in your garage as spares. Should a roof tile break, all you have to do is remove the broken piece or pieces and slot a brand-new tile in its place.

Being too forceful

Getting a concrete roof tile of its place isn’t as easy as it sounds. You can use a tool like a crowbar to gently lever it out, but it’s important to take care when doing so. If you’re too forceful with the crowbar you could end up breaking another tile or even causing one or two tiles to go flying across your roof. Just apply the pressure you need to.

Not looking at the bigger picture

When carrying out concrete tile roof repairs, never assume that a damaged or broken tile is just a one-off. We know from experience that there is always a reason for a tile to get damaged. It could be due to inclement weather or there may be a fault with your roof itself. Always check the tiles closest to the damaged one, as this could alert you to a larger problem and save the need and expense of replacing more tiles in the near future.

Not watching your step

You may be so focused on replacing a single broken tile that you fail to take into account other factors relating to your roof. One of the biggest dangers is yourself. You can do a lot of damage when you aren’t watching where you’re placing your feet and thinking about the effect the weight of your body is having on your roof tiles. Try not to place your weight directly onto a tile as this can cause it to break while you’re replacing the broken one.

To be sure of avoiding all of these mistakes, why not contact a professional to carry out your concrete tile roof repairs. The Roofman has 25 years of experience, is fully licensed, and experienced in all aspects of roof repair. Call us today on 0410 452 234.