The roof is one of the most important parts of our home as it helps protect the structure from the harsh elements. However, as it is exposed to the weather, things can easily go wrong. Strong winds and storms can cause havoc with a roof, especially if you live in a coastal region. Here are some of the common roofing hazards that you should avoid.
- Chimney Damage – If you have a chimney on your roof, it is likely to be above the roof line, which means it can easily be damaged by flying debris. The brickwork joints are eroded by weather and will sometimes need to be repointed, which is something your local roofing company can handle. There are articles online which details some of the common roofing issues and what to do about them, which is recommended reading for all novice homeowners.
- Missing Roof Tiles – The most common of all roofing issues, tiles can easily be lifted by gale force winds and if this goes unnoticed, water can seep into the internal structure. Fortunately, there are specialist roofing contractors based in Sydney or in your local area who can quickly replace any missing tiles. Plus, they can match with the original tiles. While you can probably see a large portion of your roof from the ground, there will be sections that are not visible, which is why you need to have the entire roof inspected.
- Moss & Algae – Moss and algae can cover a roof, and aside from looking untidy, this can damage the roof tiles. A power wash will remove all moss, dirt and grime and some roofing companies will clean the roof if requested.
- Blocked Guttering – If there are overhanging branches above your roof, the chances are the guttering will become blocked, and should this occur, rainwater will run down the exterior walls, causing a lot of damage to the brickwork. When you ask the local roofer to inspect your roof, he will clean out the guttering if it requires cleaning. Plus, he will ensure that the downpipes are also free from obstruction. Wet leaves and small twigs are the main causes of a blocked gutter, which should be cleaned out every few months to ensure rainwater has an escape route.
- Storm Damage – You should inspect your roof after a heavy bout of bad weather, as flying debris can cause havoc with your roof. Your local roofing company would be happy to inspect the roof if you think there might be an issue. Tree branches, outdoor furniture and other objects can all cause roof damage, which might not be apparent, so an inspection is always advised right after a storm.
The roof is the one part of the house that isn’t visible from the ground, and without regular inspections, you cannot be sure that the roof is in good condition. That is why regular roof inspections are advised, and should there be any issues, they can be promptly dealt with before any damage is caused. Taking good care of your roof is important, as the roof protects your investment and will continue to do so for many years.