Roof repairs Can Be Costly – Here’s How You Can Protect Your Home and Prevent Damage to Your Roof

As a homeowner, it's critical you check on the condition of your roof, as well as keep an eye on hazards that could cause it damage. Because we don't tend to look up at our roof daily or climb on it, you often don't notice you have a problem with your roof until it's a major one. If you know the major threats, you know the things to keep an eye out for – and can put strategies in place to prevent the damage from happening.

Here are the things that most commonly cause roof damage:

Fallen tree limbs

A broken branch that hits your roof and causes extensive damage, but can be prevented quite easily. Trees are vulnerable to breakage when they are hit by major storm surges and can also become weakened by disease. When they are affected in this way, it doesn't take much wind or rain to make them crack and fall. What can you do? Regularly check the trees around your home for a sign of changes and remove any branches that could fall on your roof or come into contact with it in windy conditions.

Debris

Leaves, sticks, and pine needles that fall from nearby trees can clog up your gutters by when they accumulate on your roof that can also form mulch. This wet pile can lead to your tiles becoming discolored and even rot.

Pests

Birds, possums, and other animals can become an issue. Some animals that push up tiles in an attempt to enter your roof space. Even termites can damage the integrity of your roof structure. A pest control expert will be able to advise you on how you can eliminate the pests and what you can do to prevent them from returning and causing further damage to your property.

Gutter problems

Gutters are important because they channel water away from the roof, and also from the foundations of your home. If your gutters aren't maintained adequately, then they can allow water to seep into the edges of the roof, which leads to rotting.

Strong winds and hail

There’s not much you can do to prevent this, but wind can lift tiles allowing water to seep underneath and leak through the ceiling. If you see any signs of tiles that have broken all fallen, call a roofing contractor to check your roof and ensure there isn’t more extensive damage.

Roof flashing that becomes loose because of weather damage can also cause roof damage. But time can also take its toll. A roofing compound is used to secure your roof flashing and is found around chimneys and vents to create a seal. The compound can dry out, leading to loose flashing. You want to prevent this to avoid water seeping down into the flashing, which can lead to rotting as well as leaking. 

Hail also causes roof damage because it affects the protective mineral coating on tiles and roofing. Weakened spots make your roof vulnerable to damage that can be caused by UV rays and moisture.

What to do before a storm hits?

• Ensure your gutters are secure. Your roof’s drainage system is a large contributor to reducing storm damage. A downpour can cause damage if your gutters can’t do their job well. Take the time to remove debris, which could lead to blockages. Also, check they are attached securely to the home. A loose drainpipe will knock against your siding.
• Trim trees and bushes

Prioritize removing weak, loose, or dead branches, which could be blown into windows or onto your roof.

* Replace old tiles. If your roof has old tile, it’s wise to schedule a roof inspection or replacement to reduce the risk of damage.

The sun

UV rays cans also cause your tiles to dry out, causing them to crack or fall. UV damage is normal and is not preventable, but if you are noticing this has reached a certain point, it may mean it's time to replace your roof.

When it comes to roof damage, the most important issue to avoid moisture penetrating your roof.  Keep an eye out for signs of damage and aging, as well as potential hazards to your roof. Protect your roof to maximize its lifespan, and you can delay repairs and replacements. 

What should you do if your roof springs a leak? The most important thing to do is minimize the water damage. Move your household items out of harm’s way or cover them with plastic covering. Next, place a bucket or other waterproof container beneath the leaks to contain the water. If the paint on your ceiling is bubbling, it’s probably holding water, so puncture it to release the water into your bucket. As soon as you can call a licensed roofing contractor. Many offer 24-hour emergency services.

If you have concerns about your roof, get in touch with Rooflines, they provide professional roof repairs and restoration services throughout Sydney.