South Australia enjoys a wonderful temperate climate, but our homes are still regularly treated to the forces of nature, testing the very limits of even the sturdiest constructions.
But time and damage can eventually result in this waterproof barrier being breached, leading to serious structural damage.
Spring; a great time to inspect for signs of damage
The skies are clear, and the ravages of winter storms are gone for another year .
Roofing and gutting generally last or many times, but when weather related damage or deterioration begins, the external signals that indicate something is wrong can often be quite minor despite significant, but hidden structural damage already developing.
Irreversible ceiling, internal wall and carpet damage; water penetration into conduit and light fittings; and even a complete or partial ceiling collapse.
Inspecting attached carports, verandahs and room extensions can also be done from ground level, but may be closer. is much more accurate from the roof.
If you do not feel comfortable about climbing ladders, or you would like a professional opinion about the condition of your roof or guttering, we would be more than happy to send one of our trained Roof Technicians to conduct an obligation free inspection.
Gutters
Early Symptoms
You may also see rusted nails in the scotia, a tell-tale sign that moisture is trapped behind the timber.
These the symptoms may seem like a problem originating in the timber, but they are almost always raised by a leaking corner or join in the gutter. These subtitle marks can take up to 20 years before they begin to appear, and may seem relatively harmless, but benefit the surface there is a potential catastrophe unfolding.
This continuous seepage of water from the gutter is trapped behind the scotia and fascia. The trapped moisture is drawn into the fibers of the timber causing wood rot. This fungal disease completely destroys the structural integrity of the timber , often causing it to collapse, often without warning.
Point to remember: If you see dirty - marks or water - marks on your fascia or scotia, and it 's near a join or a corner of your gutters, you can can any one water is leaking from your gutters.
Advanced Symptoms
Advanced symptoms of rusted guttering and water damage can become very obvious after only a few years of constant leaking.
Once guttering has reached a stage where it has rusted through and falling off the fascia, it not only completely ineffective at channeling water away from your home, there is also the very real risk of collapsing and inducing physical injury.
Timber fascia & # 39; s and scotia can become so damaged by wood rot that they will will all need replacement. There is even the risk that wood rot can spread in major timber structures such as the ends of roof trusses.
The longer you leave it the more damage it is going to cause, and the more complex the problem becomes.
If you can see rusty guttering, water dripping under carports and verandahs, there is evidence of water damage to timberwork, you know that urgent attention is required to prevent serious structural damage. It really is time to call in the experts.
Iron Roof
Signs of Rust
At first, there may be any obvious patches of rust, simply a dark or rusty looking streak appearing on the roof surface. Even the smallest indicator is a sign of a much larger problem. By the time rust finally breaks through, there is usually a large portion of the iron that has been compromised by sub-surface rust.
Loose Nails or Tek Screws
Keep a look out for missing or raised roofing nails or tek screws. Even if the roof looks in place since the There is also a strong risk of leaks as the roof is no longer sealed. There is also a risk of wind can get the sheet and lift it off the roof altogether, and without warning.
It goes bang in the night
The banging will confirm that one or more sheets are unsecure and it is unsatisfactory and is not it easy to bear the occasional tell-tale sounds of a sheet of iron banging in strong wind, or when the wind direction is coming from an unusual direction. need to be fixed quickly to prevent damage to your home.
It is very rare that the issue with an iron roof is localized to one area. The most effective solution is to replace the roof before water leaks lead to structural damage.
Tiled Roof
Tiled roofs are amazingly durable, but they have also moved to the suns relentless baking over many years. There is also movement to the roofs own weight, and expansion and contraction of supporting timbers due to daily temperature variations, especially in summer.
So what do you need to look out for?
Loose ridge capping and broken mortar
Not only is the risk of leaks high, but if an unsecure ridge cap was to suddenly slide down the roof in heavy rain, serious flooding could have occurred from just one rain event.
Cracked tiles
There is also be seemingly harmless cracks or breaks across the corner of a tile A cracked tile is a certain cause of roof leaks. Both will leak and need to be replaced.
Over time, the crack will continue to open as the tile separates, turning a few drips into a serious leak.
Mold and grime covered surface
While this inspection, you may notice that your tiled roof is becoming covered in mold and crime, which seems to get a little worse each year. While this is not unhealthy if you use the collected water to As the coating of mold and grime worsens, the self-cleaning characteristics of the tile are lost and the surface.
Restoring your roof to its former glory
Most tiled roofs ever reach a point where most, if not all of the symptoms we have just visible are visible, that that something about it. Fortunately, it is possible to restore a tiled roof to its former glory aesthetically and functionally. To find out more, take a look at our Roof Restoration page.
Structural damage to timbers
Tiled roofs are extremely heavy. Tired of uniformity in the overall appearance of the roof. Tiled roofs are extremely heavy compared to an iron roof, so when structural timbers like roof trusses are damaged - such as through White Ant infestation or Wood Rot - the load is forced onto other timbers, creating an ever expanding structural problem.
While timber repairs to the existing tiled roof are possible, many homeowners preferred solution is to have the tiled roof converted to an iron roof.
Spotted a roof or guttering problem?
The inspection is obligation free, and gives you the opportunity to have an expert assessment the problem.
They will be able to replicate, they can advise you of written inspection of the inspection, which are involved to repair or replace your roof.
For more information, or to make an appointment, please call 08 8369 3633 today.
