Top Tips to Keep Your Roof Maintained
When it comes to keeping your house warm and dry, your roof is equally as important as your walls and flooring.
Here at
Richardson Plumbing Service, we've put together a list of tips to keep your
roof maintained properly.
Safety First
Arrange to have another adult remain on the ground while you are on the roof, who can brace the ladder, watch for hazards, and call for assistance if needed.
If you are unable or do not feel comfortable being on the roof yourself, you can try using a pair of binoculars from ground level.
Inspect Your Roof
We recommend that you check twice yearly, at the end of the summer and during the winter months. If there has been particularly violent storm activity, an intermittent check may be needed.
Signs to look for while inspecting your roof:
- Rust : Around nails or screws, on guttering, or around roof fixtures, including chimneys or television aerials.
- Moss, lichen and algae growth : The buildup of any of these can damage the roof surface, allowing moisture to build up and enter the roof cavity.
- Cracks and other damage : These are especially likely after storms or extremely hot periods, due to the expansion and contraction of materials.
- Flashing : Is installed around chimneys, air conditioning vents and other fixtures. Rust, cracks or other damage requires repair.
- Fallen plant debris
: Allows moisture to collect and encourages mould and algae growth.
Regular Cleaning
Cleaning your guttering twice yearly, as well as removing any plant debris, can help extend the life of your roof and prevent damage.
Regular cleaning of the roof also helps keep it looking its best. Bluescope Steel recommends the use of
household bleach and a soft-bristle broom for the removal of lichen and other plant growth.
For safety, it’s best to have an expert cleaner attend to your property, but if you intend to DIY, never use a high-pressure washer as this may damage any protective coatings.
Trimming Overhanging Trees
Plant debris is a major cause of slow but permanent damage to a roof’s surface.
Keeping the surrounding trees trimmed back will help reduce buildup and also protect from damage in the event of falling branches.
Prevention is the Best Cure
Many causes of damage to roofing start out small, and knowing these and other
warning signs can help you resolve a minor concern before it causes significant damage or becomes a hazard.
Roof Maintenance & Emergency Support from Richardson Plumbing
Richardson Plumbing specialises in metal roof replacements,
repairs and maintenance, and our 24/7 emergency support is there whenever you need assistance.
For a free quote or advice on any of your
roofing or
plumbing needs,
contact our friendly team today!
If you're wondering
how to keep your drains unblocked, read our previous blog!
