Most Common Roofing Problems Found In Sydney Roof Inspections

Over our decades of carrying out roof inspections across Sydney we have noticed some common issues popping up time and time again. Even though your roof is the first line of defence for your home, it is often overlooked due to it being hard to access. This is less than ideal because issues with your roofing can quickly develop into serious problems for your home, especially if they result in water making its way into your internal structure.

It is for this reason we recommend having a roof inspection carried out at least once a year or after any major work has been carried out. The cost of a roof inspection pales in comparison to the resulting repair bills if a problem is left unchecked. We are a trusted provider of Sydney roof inspections, servicing residents, businesses and government bodies. Our reports are designed to be easy to understand while having all the relevant information about any infractions and how to go about fixing them.

Here Are The 5 Most Common Issues We Find When Inspecting Roofs In Sydney

Water Ingress Is A Serious Threat

Water ingress is a very serious matter and should always be rectified as soon as possible. It can be caused by a variety of problems such as poorly sealed fixtures, damaged flashing or broken roofing. As we rarely have an easy way to view our roofs, water ingress is usually only noticed once it has made its way through the internal structure of your ceiling. From there it will pool or start to make its way down the internal walls, showing up as a stain on the other side. At this point it has already caused a significant amount of damage.

We often pick up water ingress in its early stages when we perform our roof inspections. Once detected, we can establish what the cause is and make recommendations to have it repaired as soon as possible. We can provide advice on how to best minimise its impact until repaired, but it really is essential that any fault that is resulting in water ingress be fixed immediately. If you hear droplets in your ceiling or walls we recommend getting in touch with us on 0418 677 524 so we can perform an inspection to determine the cause.

Attachments Not Installed Correctly

Perhaps the most common culprit for roofing issues is the poor installation of attachments. These can include turbine vents, skylights and more recently, solar panels. When installing these attachments, the 2 main areas of concern are damage to the roofing and poor sealing, both of which can result in expensive repairs down the line. If contractors are not careful when carrying out the work, your roofing can be damaged by foot traffic or improper use of tools and this happens more often than you would think.

The most common issue with attachments is improper sealing. All too often we see no dektites being used, either due to cutting corners or lack of knowledge. This means the attachment will be sealed with silicone at best and this can crack when exposed to sunlight over time. Poor sealing results in leaks, which then result in water ingress and as we covered above, this is something that should be avoided at all costs. This is why we recommend having a roof inspection carried out after any additions have been made to your roofing.

Guttering Is Loose Or Clogged

Guttering is probably the first thing people think about when talking about roof problems. The most common issue with guttering is clogging caused by debris and leaves. When this happens the gutters get loaded, unable to properly direct the flow of water. The extra stress from this excess water can result in the guttering becoming loose. Water can also build up against the flashing of the roof, resulting in it making its way into the internal ceiling if the flashing has not been properly installed.

Loose guttering will only ever get worse over time. As it begins to pull away, it can cause damage to the roof where it was fixed, or start to offload water in undesirable locations around your home or office. You should keep an eye on any branches that are overhanging your roof, taking steps to have them pruned back if you suspect they are dropping leaves. Giving your gutters a clean is a great idea, provided you can carry out the task safely using proper safety equipment.

Storm Season Takes Its Toll

Storm season can wreak havoc on your roofing, with torrential rain and roaring winds exposing the slightest of concerns and resulting in significant damage. What makes the situation worse is when the rain just won’t let up after you notice water ingress or suspect damage has been done. As we cannot access your roof during the rain, you will need to wait until clear weather shows up to have your issue resolved, all the while more and more water continues to make its way into your home.

If we had to recommend one time a year to have your roof inspected, it would be just prior to storm season. You want enough time not only for the inspection to be carried out, but also for contractors to be able to resolve the issues properly. We often see a spike of enquiries just after the season ends and this usually results in us detecting an alarming amount of damage that could have been completely avoided if taken care of prior. Being proactive is always the best course of action when concerned about any aspect of your roofing.

Roofing Not Installed To Manufacturer’s Specifications

It might be surprising to some but just about every roofing manufacturer will have detailed instructions in regard to the proper installation of their product. These instructions are put in place to ensure their product performs to the best of its ability and stands the test of time. They can include what type of fixings to use, the right angle to set the roof at and how to properly overlap sheeting if needed. It is vital that roofing contractors follow these instructions to completion during installation.

If your roofing is not installed to manufacturers specifications or Australian building standards, it will have its warranty voided. This means that any damage caused by improper installation will be at your expense unless you start the often messy task of getting payment from the contractor. If you have had new roofing installed, it is recommended to have a roof inspection carried out. Our inspectors are well versed in both manufacturers instructions and building standards, meaning your report makes getting any issues rectified a piece of cake.

Concerned About The Condition Of Your Roof?

We really cannot emphasise the fact that being proactive is always the best course of action when dealing with your roofing. Our roofing reports are thorough, backed up by citations to Australian building standards and most importantly, affordable. We have been conducting roof inspections across Sydney for decades and our understanding of relevant codes and standards is unmatched in the industry. If you are unsure about the condition of your roof we recommend you get in touch with us as soon as possible to arrange an obligation free quote.

To talk with an experienced roof inspector about your roof’s condition, call us on 0418 677 524 or click here to contact us online.