Roof repairs are exclusively specialized projects. Sometimes they are done by the handyman and homeowner. But qualified tradesmen will repair your roof quickly and thoroughly, so weigh this up if you are trying the project yourself. Roofs protect you and the contents of your house from the weather, so repairs are vital.
If you're hiring someone else to repair your roof for you, only use a licensed roofer that you can trust, and use them again if needed. Licensed roof contractors will very often offer a guarantee, so look at this as a benefit and take it up because it does ensure that the repair job was done correctly.
Roof Degeneration
Roofs can degenerate quickly as the result of a storm, or over time due to general age related factors. Neglected roofs are most prone to bad storm damage.
I view a lot of roofs and often see leaks that have come from mostly neglect, especially from rusted gutters which are full of leaves and have disconnected from the down-pipes and water going everywhere but where it should. This consequential breeds other problems which encroach on neighbors creating a domino effect. Its not uncommon to be treating one problem for two different households especially in close inner city communities. Its handy to be on a friendly basis with them!
So, clean out gutters yourself or get in a roofer for a small price. While you're at it, cut those overhanging branches. If roof problems still exist, be suspicious that the fall of the gutter is incorrect. Practicality and general knowledge of the laws of gravity are vital here!
Some Types of Roof Problems
- Asbestos-cement is really an issue if it's damaged so due vigilance is a must. For example do not remove any screws without safety wear and it's probably best left to the roofer. Yet these roofs can be repaired quite successfully, which can be a relief if you are concerned about it.
- Skylights are a bit of a bother when they leak, which they do when left too long without maintenance and periodic applications of sealant. Our roofing company deals with these often and our best tip here is to use a good tradesman in the first place to install the skylight and ask them for advice on keeping them in the best condition. They too will ever need replacing, but you will know when if you are on top of the repair.
- Broken tiles can be the result of stepping where you should not, and metal roofs can be prompted if you do not follow the screw line so my tip is if you want to fix it yourself, educate yourself on the structure of the roof by getting on the net or reading about the anatomy of the roof structure.
- Ridge capping covers the two faces of meeting tiles, and if this is loose it needs to be what is called "re-bedded and re-pointed", again something to be conversant with if you have one of the most popular roofs in Australia . This type of damage to tiled roofs can be hard to spot, but leaks will become noticeable with a little bit of neglect.
Tile, metal and slate are the most common types of roofing in Sydney, each with their own specific handlings. Metal roofs for new homes have become more in-vogue, due to their ease of maintenance and sleek looks. But they are not immune to repair and will have their own degree or wear and tear.
Roof damage is inevitable as a roof is the most exposed part of a house and susceptible to some mighty elements that can come unexpectedly. So ideally build roof repairs into your budget with the rest of the house or even just have a plan worked out in case your roof is suddenly in need of repair.