Roofs are constantly exposed to a variety of different threats and environmental challenges. However, there are many ways to prevent damage and keep your property’s exterior in peak condition.
Whether your roof is made of terracotta, concrete, or Colorbond steel, regular maintenance is important for every material and surface. As they say, the best cure is prevention! So, if you’re stressing about water damage, chipped tiles, or structural concerns, we’ve compiled eight essential roof maintenance tips that every property owner needs to know.
From clearing gutters to the benefits of professional roof restoration, this guide will cover the various ins and outs of roof maintenance in Australia. Let’s get started.
Regular Roof Maintenance Tips
Although every property has its own unique challenges and demands, many of the same roof maintenance rules apply across the board. Let’s cover the eight you need to know right now:
1. Booking Regular Inspections
A roof doesn’t just need attention when it is leaking or damaged. It’s equally important to commit to regular upkeep to prevent damage in the first place.
Whether you’re hiring a professional to maintain your roof or inspecting it yourself, we recommend a check at least once every 12 months, ideally every spring, autumn, or the aftermath of major storms or harsh weather in your area. This way, you can discover small problems (such as a build-up of leaves, tree branches, or bird nests) and get them fixed before they escalate.
Of course, in the vast majority of situations, this task is best left to the professionals. Roofing, especially for any property higher than a single storey, has significant safety risks. Experienced roofing contractors will also be able to quickly identify any existing issues and then recommend a suitable solution–whether it’s minor roof repairs, new tiling or roof restorations.
2. Trim Your Trees
Roof maintenance is not only about the structure itself. The surrounding area is just as important, including your landscaping! You don’t want branches hanging over your roof or dropping leaves and branches that will clog your gutters, trap moisture, or cause premature roof decay or algae build-up.
During a storm, tree branches may easily snap and put a hole through your roof, allowing critters to invade your home. So, make sure that any branches, shrubs, and other landscaping allow room for gutters to drain water away from your property.
Fully grown trees are excellent for shade during spring and summer, but take precautions during the colder months. As a general rule of thumb, trim any trees extending over your roof. Of course, make sure to check with your local council and obtain approval before carrying out any significant landscaping works.
3. Keep An Eye On Inside Damage
Sometimes, water damage isn’t noticeable from the roof exterior. In this situation, you’ll need to look inside your home for signs of leaks, water stains, discolouration, structural damage, mould, rot, moisture or wetness on exposed beams.
Start by assessing the ceilings and lower levels of your home. Cracks, stains, or sagging along beams could all be red flags that represent structural stress. If this is present, you’ll need professional repair work to control the damage as soon as possible.
Considering a full roof replacement? Check out our ultimate guide to roof extensions and replacements.
4. Observe Fascia And Seals On Skylights
As boards that run directly behind your gutters, fascia boards can be at risk of water damage during rainy seasons. Water build-up from a clogged guttering system can then splash onto the fascia, and this constant water exposure has the potential to cause rot and deterioration.
Debris, dirt and leaves also have a tendency to build up at the top of the skylight. The seals between the frame of the skylight and the glass itself can shift, and the seal can be broken. Maintain skylights by regularly resealing around the glass or replacing them with newer brands such as Velux.
Do you want to prevent costly repairs, signs of damage and invest in regular maintenance? Xclusive Roofing offers roofing restoration for Seaford, Narre Warren, Dandenong, Cranbourne, Cheltenham and Caulfield residents in Melbourne.
5. Remove Moss And Mould
The wind can carry moss, algae, and mould spores, spreading them from one roof to another.
Although it may seem innocuous, moss can actually affect the structure and strength of tiles over time, and may also run down into your guttering. This can then wear out guttering joints as well.
Mould can also cause decay to a roofing structure and lead to costly damage, so you must remove moss and mould immediately. Whether mould builds up on the roofing cavity or the tiles, it poses a serious risk in terms of structural damage. Mould of any form is also a potential health hazard, so make sure to get it dealt with as soon as possible.
What can you do? If you have access to the roofing structure and/or the gutters, a high pressure washer can be used to remove any moss or mould. This is both an effective method and more environmentally friendly than chlorine based products.
Otherwise, contact professional cleaners or a roofing maintenance team to ensure that any moss and mould is removed effectively.
6. Cleaning Gutters And Downspouts
A sloped roof will send water down your gutters and carry it away from your home, so they play a critical role in keeping your roof and foundation dry. In this case, you don’t want them to be clogged.
If you’re dealing with a major backup, this can send water straight down to your foundation, cause your roofline to rot or freeze along the roofline and form a barrier leading to excess water and snow on the roof. Gutters can also sag from the weight of debris, water, or ice (or loose hangers).
How do you keep them protected from the weather? If you’re not comfortable clearing them yourself or simply want to play it safe, the best course of action is to contact a professional. This will keep it in the hands of licensed and qualified contractors who can clear your gutters in a safe manner.
If you are comfortable enough to handle the job, always proceed with caution regardless. Using a stable ladder, you can check your guttering, and then use a trowel to remove mud and dirt. Use a bucket, rubber gloves and a brush to remove debris, then install gutter guards to cover them.
For a more comprehensive guide, read how to keep your Colorbond gutters in good condition!
7. Use Safe Cleaning Methods
Always use a stable ladder (it’s also wise to have an assistant on hand to keep it from moving), and wear non-slip shoes and rubber gloves before you begin cleaning. Start at the end of the roof and walk backwards so you’re not walking on wet and slippery spots.
At Xclusive Roofing, our contractors only use high pressure water cleaning techniques with no harmful solutions or chemicals. This method is eco-friendly, safe, and highly effective for a wide range of different roofing materials.
8. Rebedding, Repointing & Repainting
Cracked, broken, or damaged mortar can provide entry points for rainwater, mould, wood rot, and other moisture-related problems.
If the existing bedding on your roof is worn or damaged, you might experience leaks and tiles that shift or loosen. If this is the case, rebedding and repointing are two of the most effective forms of roofing maintenance available. This work is recommended at least once every ten years to prevent damage from a deteriorated mortar.
Both of these services are highly specialised and will need to be handled by experienced roofing contractors.
Rebedding
All ridge cappings are stripped off, including the bedding cement, which is replaced by a new layer of mortar mix (the bedding) and the ridge capping is put back on. This cement also needs to be set before the flexible pointing!
Repointing
Sometimes, it’s a good idea to avoid a full re-bedding because bedding or cement work under the ridge capping, valley, and gables may not need to be taken off. Existing hardened cement is used, and old cement work isn’t lifted if it isn’t needed.
For professional roof maintenance, restoration, or repair in Melbourne, the Xclusive Roofing team has you covered. Our contractors have years of experience, and have an in-depth knowledge on how to maintain and restore various different roofing materials.
Repainting
Another common form of roofing maintenance is repainting, which has a wide range of benefits in the long run. Most notably, this process improves the aesthetic appeal and lifespan of the structure, all while offering greater protection from harsh weather.
Repainting is also quite a cost-effective means of maintenance. Alongside the obvious visual upgrade, this work can even increase the energy efficiency of your home, as well as prevent future algae and mould growth.
Xclusive Roofing: Reliable Roofing Professionals
Does your roof need extensive maintenance, but you don’t have the time to DIY? As a family-owned business with extensive experience, you can expect nothing less than precision and care.
Whether you have plans for a fresh installation of roof tiling, Colorbond roofing to add value to your home, gutter replacements, custom made flashing, Klip-lok roofing or new downpipes, Xclusive Roofing has everything you need. With premium suppliers such as Bristile, Apex, Premier Roof Coatings, and Colorbond, our team is always equipped to complete the job to a high standard.
Contact us today for a no-obligation quote! If you require after-hours support for roofing maintenance in Melbourne, our lines are always open.
