Protecting Your Home From Water Damage
I can’t reiterate enough how important roof maintenance is, especially leading into wetter months here in Perth Western Australia where heavy bursts of heavy rain and high winds are known to occur. The causes of roof leaks can vary greatly but can generally be avoided with regular roof maintenance and repairs and so too the damage these potential leaks cause.
This Photo Shows A Severely Corroded Valley On A Clay Tiled Roof
Regular roof maintenance and timely roof repairs can avoid insurance claims while also extending the lifespan of your roof. I always say to clients, a roof is like a car – they both need maintenance, yet most homeowners forego maintenance to their roof until leaks appear. This is counterintuitive considering the most important component on your house, your roof, is your most important asset to maintain.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- Reasons roofs deteriorate.
- Why regular roof maintenance matters.
- Common roof problems we are called out to repair in Perth.
- Signs your roof needs repairs.
- The benefits of professional roof maintenance.
- Choosing the right roofing contractor in Perth.
- Final thoughts.
REASONS ROOFS DETERIORATE
The climate in Perth can be particularly tough on residential and commercial roofs. Your roof, like everything, has a life span and the following factors accelerate their deterioration and / or contribute to roof leaks:
INTENSE UV RADIATION
UV radiation in Perth can be extreme and is really effective at breaking down protective
coatings on both tiled and metal roofs. Once those protective coatings deteriorate, we see a range of issues from corrosion of metal roofs to moisture absorption through tiles. Either way, maintaining and reapplying protective coatings on any roof surface addresses the issues caused by UV degradation of protective coatings on roof surfaces.
SALT ACCUMULATION ON ROOF SURFACES NEAR COASTAL SUBURBS
Just like UV radiation, salt being corrosive by nature is also really great at breaking down protective coatings on both tiled and metal roofs and accelerates material degradation once the protective coating has gone. The same policy applies, cleaning and reapplying protective coatings is especially important in coastal areas to prevent roof components degrading and extend their lifespan.
HEAVY RAIN EVENTS, STRONG WINDS AND STORMS
A poorly maintained roof may cope ok in light rains, but it is the heavy rain and strong winds that really highlight any weaknesses in a roof. It is during these storm events that highlights the difference between a well-maintained roof keeping water out and a poorly maintained roof allowing water ingress in. The storms we experience here in Perth will always remain a possibility, so really the only solution to prevent water ingress is to ensure your roof is in great condition.
SALT ACCUMULATION ON ROOF SURFACES NEAR COASTAL SUBURBS
Just like UV radiation, salt being corrosive by nature is also really great at breaking down protective coatings on both tiled and metal roofs and accelerates material degradation once the protective coating has gone. The same policy applies, cleaning and reapplying protective coatings is especially important in coastal areas to prevent roof components degrading and extend their lifespan.
HEAVY RAIN EVENTS, STRONG WINDS AND STORMS
A poorly maintained roof may cope ok in light rains, but it is the heavy rain and strong winds that really highlight any weaknesses in a roof. It is during these storm events that highlights the difference between a well-maintained roof keeping water out and a poorly maintained roof allowing water ingress in. The storms we experience here in Perth will always remain a possibility, so really the only solution to prevent water ingress is to ensure your roof is in great condition.
WHY REGULAR ROOF MAINTENANCE MATTERS
Without regular maintenance, small roofing issues can quickly escalate into leaks that only get worse the longer the issue is left unresolved, leading to:
| Structural timber damage and degradation (repeated exposure of timber to moisture will lead to timber decay and loss of structural strength). Termite infestations (termites are attracted to damp timber). Water stains on ceilings (leaks onto ceilings will most certainly leave brownish stains on the underside of the ceiling requiring repair / painting). Mould growth on ceilings (mould will essentially grow anywhere damp conditions allow it). Sagging ceilings (wet ceilings and insulation can easily cause a ceiling to sag). Insulation damage (wet and sodden insulation does not dry out easily and will soften the ceiling plasterboard. Repeated water exposure will require the affected insulation and ceiling to be replaced). Electrical shorting in the roof space (we have been to many roof leaks that have resulted in an electrical short circuit and subsequent loss of power to the home. Besides the inconvenience of a power outage, add on the cost of an electrical contractor to attend). | Corrosion of metal roof sheeting, valleys, flashings, gutters and downpipes (Poorly maintained roofs often go hand in hand with corrosion). Water absorption into tiles and supporting timber battens (unsealed cement tiles will absorb water, which then transfers into the underlying supporting timber battens and rafters leading to delignification of the timber and loss of structural strength). Damage to internal living spaces and furniture (we have seen it all, from damaged couches, antique pianos and furniture, carpets etc. All these can be costly and sometimes irreplacable). Scheduling routine roof inspections helps identify problems early before they become major repair projects.  Corrosion of metal flashing under air conditioner |
COMMON ROOF PROBLEMS WE ARE CALLED
OUT TO REPAIR IN PERTH
Leaking roofs are one of the most common roofing issues we are called out to assess across Perth and can be caused by a range of issues:
| BROKEN ROOF TILES In most circumstances, concrete and terracotta tiles crack or break from human foot traffic (most common) or storm damage (eg high winds, fallen branches etc). The older the tiles, the more brittle they become and so are more easily broken from either of these causes. There may be other reasons the tiles break but are very rare - either way, a simple broken tile can literally cause a flood into the roof space which can seep through to the living spaces below. RUSTED METAL SHEETS Yes, we all know that metal corrodes over time, but what most home owners don’t know is the corrosion generally occurs where you can’t see far sooner that corrosion appears where you can see. We commonly observe corrosion where adjacent roof sheets or flashings overlap one another and retain moisture, accelerating oxidisation and corrosion. Another common reason we see metal roof sheeting, gutters, valleys and flashings corrode is due to a buildup of leaves and debris. This debris buildup not only retains moisture longer, it is also slightly acidic (humic, fulvic and tannic acid), metallic objects will corrode faster in moist / acidic environments. This is why it is so important to regularly remove any buildup of leaves / debris from your roof, valleys, gutters and downpipes. Not only will it reduce the rate of corrosion, it will allow water to flow freely off the roof, down valleys, around guttering systems and out the downpipes. INCORRECTLY INSTALLED TILES, ROOF SHEETING, FLASHINGS, VALLEYS, GUTTERS OR DOWNPIPES We see this all the time and there’s only one way to rectify these issues - engage one of our experienced tradesmen at Kalamunda Roof Restorers. We have seen so many poorly executed roof repairs (see our website – why trust us) to know why inexperienced contractors are best avoided. https://www.kalamundaroof.com.au/why-trust-us.html STORM DAMAGE Storm damage is a leading cause of roof leaks, but it’s not usually the storm that causes the leak, it is mainly due to the roof having a defect, or many defects, that then lead to a leak when the storm arrives. Your best policy is not to wait until the storm hits and see if your roof weathers the storm, it’s best to take preventative maintenance seriously and have your roof checked and repaired. | BLOCKED GUTTERS, DOWNPIPES AND VALLEYS This is a big issue we commonly see; leaves and debris accumulating on both tiled and metal roofs, in the valleys, in the gutters and in the downpipes. Essentially if the stormwater cannot drain away efficiently, you will get leaks occurring, both in the house (leaves and debris on the roof and in the valleys) and into the eaves (valleys, gutters and downpipes blocked leading to valley and gutters overflowing). I’m certainly not advocating to remove your trees, we most definitely need them, but it does require keeping the roof clear of any obstructions that impede the flow of water from the roof catchment down to the ground and subsurface pipes. Regular cleaning will ensure good water flow and also prevent premature corrosion as discussed previously. You may also consider installing mesh over your valleys and gutters to reduce the risk of leaves and debris blocking up your valleys and gutter drainage. See gutter guard link below to our website which is what we recommend to our clients https://www.kalamundaroof.com.au/gutter-guard.html CRACKED RIDGE CAP BEDDING AND POINTING Cracked ridge cap bedding and pointing leading to water ingress. It is common for us to see cracking along the ridge cap bedding and pointing which is typically a result of roof frame movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction of the timber / metal roof frame during day / night temperature cycles. The cracking is best addressed by pressure cleaning the ridge caps to remove dirt and loose mortar and then repointing the ridgecaps with a flexible pointing compound which can better withstand movement in the underlying roof frame. In some cases, if left too long, the bedding mortar also needs replacing which is a much bigger and more expensive job to complete. FLASHINGS Poorly installed or old corroded flashings around skylights, vents, chimneys, solar hot water systems or solar panels. In some cases we can repair the flashing, in others the flashings need to be replaced. Either way these items on the roof form part of the general roof maintenance checks and repairs we complete on a daily basis. |
SIGNS YOUR ROOF NEEDS REPAIRS
Many homeowners overlook early warning signs of roof damage.
You may need roof repairs if you notice:
You may need roof repairs if you notice:
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If any of these issues appear, the property is older than 10 years or hasn’t been inspected for more than 2 years, arranging a professional roof inspection is highly recommended. |
BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL ROOF MAINTENANCE
| EXTEND ROOF LIFESPAN Routine maintenance can significantly increase the life of your roof by preventing premature deterioration. PREVENT EXPENSIVE REPAIRS Fixing minor issues early is far more affordable than major structural repairs or a full roof replacement. | INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE A clean, structurally sound roof improves street appeal and buyer confidence when selling your home. PROTECT AGAINST STORM DAMAGE Seasonal inspections help ensure your roof is prepared for heavy rain and strong winds we can experience here in Perth. |
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR IN PERTH
When hiring a roofing company, look for:
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FINAL THOUGHTS
Roof maintenance is one of the smartest investments homeowners can make.
Regular inspections, preventative maintenance and prompt roof repairs help protect your property from costly water damage and extend the life of your roof. Whether you’re dealing with leaking roof repairs, broken tiles, rusted metal roofing, or general roof wear and tear, acting early can save substantial time and money.
If your roof hasn’t been professionally inspected in the last few years, now may be the ideal time to arrange a roofing assessment before small problems become major repairs.
Contact Kalamunda Roof Restorers on our contact us page for an obligation free inspection of your roof. https://www.kalamundaroof.com.au/contact.html
Regular inspections, preventative maintenance and prompt roof repairs help protect your property from costly water damage and extend the life of your roof. Whether you’re dealing with leaking roof repairs, broken tiles, rusted metal roofing, or general roof wear and tear, acting early can save substantial time and money.
If your roof hasn’t been professionally inspected in the last few years, now may be the ideal time to arrange a roofing assessment before small problems become major repairs.
Contact Kalamunda Roof Restorers on our contact us page for an obligation free inspection of your roof. https://www.kalamundaroof.com.au/contact.html