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Roof Maintenance Tips

Residential Roof Maintenance Checklist

Residential Roof Maintenance Checklist

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The winter months bring rain and wind, and although our houses are designed to try and keep the elements out, sometimes they need a little help. Leaks can be expensive. How has your house fared over the course of winter? Are there any repairs you need to look at doing in the dry months to prepare you better for next winter?

We have written a quick checklist to help you check your roof and gutters after winter.

1. Check for interior signs of leak damage.

Water marks on the ceiling or in the corners of bedrooms. Drips, mould, mildew or peeling paint can all be signs of a leak.
If it is safe to do so, check your roof space which may reveal some damp insulation or a leak.

2. Check the roof surface for signs of damage or weathering.

Can you see tiles missing? Can you see sheets of metal that have been dented or are lifting? Are there any lifting or missing nails or screws?
Check old repairs for damage or failure. Make sure there are no signs of leaks returning.

3. Check the rooftop for dirt or debris.

If your roof is covered in a lot of leaves and/or branches, you may need to schedule some tree maintenance.

4. Check spouting and guttering.

Do they need to be cleaned? Are they clogged? If there are lots of trees around, they will need to be cleaned more regularly. Blocked guttering and spouting stops water being directed away from the house.

5. Check the external components of your roof.

Chimneys, flues, range hoods, skylights, flues, and cowls. Anytime there is a penetration in the roof, the chances of it creating a leak increase.

If your house is showing any signs of roof leaks or you think it may need an inspection, we can perform a roof leak investigation or roof assessment. Contact us at 0800 HUGE LEAK or through our contact page.

*There are strict working at heights regulations in New Zealand and we do not encourage you to climb into or onto your roof without the necessary and proper safety equipment. We take safety seriously and uses a combination of harnesses and/or scaffolding to safely access rooftops.

Smart Roof Maintenance Tips

Smart Roof Maintenance Tips

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The most important aspect of any house is the roof. Every year, many homeowners get their roof replaced or repaired. Even though you will have to replace or repair your roof sooner or later, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the health of your roof.

Our roof maintenance checklist will help you analyse and identify potential damage to your roof. Checking your roof regularly will benefit your roof’s health. Roof maintenance also increases the roof’s life.

Smart Roof Maintenance Tips

Roof Leaks

Check your roof for any possible leaks. You might be able to see some cracks on the ceiling. Even water stains on the ceiling can be a sign of leaks in the roof. A small roof leak can become a major problem for you. It can introduce mould to the area, the mould can spread further and damage a large area of the roof. It can also hamper the insulation.

Damaged Roof Tiles

Tiles are exposed to such different weather conditions here in New Zealand and face wear & tear on a regular basis. Heavy rain, strong winds, dry air, strong sunlight, etc., can damage tiles. Sometimes tiles can even go missing due to strong winds. Damaged or missing tiles allow water, pests and debris.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters get cluttered without even knowing. Regular cleaning is important to extend their life. Sometimes gutters are also damaged by birds and other pests. This can lead to further damage like roof leaks.

Chimney Removal

Factors like bad or damaged flashings, broken chimney, old chimney, worn-out roof profile, etc., are harmful for your roof. A damaged roof will result in roof leaks, big repair, poor safety, mold growth, and decreased property value. A chimney is made up of more than just bricks. Flashings cover the chimney from all four sides to prevent water from going inside. Even if one flashing is damaged, it can cause significant damage to your roof.

We recommend removing your chimney completely as it is a risk during earthquakes. We can replace chimney with flue.

Check for Loose or Missing Flashings

Flashing is a thin construction material used to prevent water from entering into sealed areas such as corners and roof edges. Flashing is waterproof and protects the roof from the direct flow of water. Flashing can become loose due to bad weather conditions, rodents, birds, etc. Loose flashing can result in a lot of damage to the roof and increases the possibility of a roof leak. Kick-out flashing is the most common to fall out of its place.

Organising Your Roof Space

Roof spaces  are mostly used for storage purposes. Keeping your roof space organised is helpful in preventing it from getting cluttered. It also helps in keeping the roof dirt and rodent-free. You should check the roof in 3-4 months interva s to keep it clean.

Insulation Check

Checking ceiling insulation is another smart roof maintenance tip. Insulation and ventilation in the roof space help to prevent moisture. Insulation can also be damaged by rodents and birds. Additionally, check your insulation for dampness. If there is a tiny hole in the roof, your roof insulation can become damp.

Trim the Trees

Tree branches can become too long and reach your house’s roof or gutter. Roots can grow under your house the same way. Overhanging branches offer easy access to rodents, birds and insects. They can easily enter your house through these overhanging branches. Leaves from trees can pile up and clutter the gutter, rodents and birds can build their nests in gutters. To safeguard your roof from becoming a pile of leaves or to be safe from birds, trimming the tree branches is a good idea.

Roof Inspection

If there is any major problem in your roof, then we recommend calling a certified roofer who can fix the roofing problem for you. There are places that you cannot reach without taking safety measures. Dangerous actions like accessing top of the roof, checking for severe roof damage, etc., must be done by professional roof inspection team.

For roofing services like roof maintenance, repair, upgrade and installation; call Southern on 0800 484 353. Our services are available across Wellington