Many parts of Australia experience severe storms and high rainfall events. While these events are more common from spring to summer, they can occur at any time of the year and have the potential to cause significant damage to your home. Your roof is your property’s first line of defence against storms — If it’s not in the best condition before an extreme weather event hits, the consequences can be severe.
Roof
Ensure you get every aspect of your roof checked for damage and structural weakness if a storm is forecast. Where the roof attaches to the wall structure is particularly critical. Any gable roof frames should have adequate bracing at the gable ends. The cyclic nature of wind that comes with severe storms can progressively deteriorate the strength of fasteners over time.
If fasteners loosen and pull out during a storm, your windborne roof and wall cladding debris can cause significant damage to surrounding buildings. Ongoing maintenance is also essential, such as regularly inspecting the sheet metal or tile roof cladding to ensure it’s in good condition and properly secured.
Gutters, Downpipes and Drains
Invest in quality gutters, downpipes and drains to make sure water doesn’t sit around areas of your roof after rainfall, causing damage. Clear away debris on a regular basis and any material that could clog the path or water flowing off your roof. Gutters are especially prone to damage when they are filled with leaves. Ensure they are properly cleaned and well maintained to prevent leaks, damage and other issues during storms.
Flashings
Flashings protect the parts of your roof where the roof membrane meets angle changes and penetrations in the overall roof assembly. Flashings are one of the first things to wear down and fail on a roof, and tend to be more vulnerable to water intrusion. In a storm, they can rip right off, letting in water. Ensure you check the flashing regularly and address issues such as wearing and damage as soon as you see them. Invest in quality flashings in the first place and have them installed by an experienced roofing contractor.
Checking Your Roof After a Storm
After severe storm events, you should always have the roof and walls professionally checked for damage to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
Some signs of roof damage include:
- Water stains or sagging of your ceiling
- Indentations or cracks on your roofing
- Loose materials
- Localised discolouration
- Warped or damaged roof frame
- A damp, stale smell in the ceiling space
- Overflowing gutters that aren’t caused by blockages from twigs and leaves
Keep in mind that some damage may be undetectable just by looking at it from the ground. If in doubt, always call in a professional roofing contractor for a proper inspection.
Professional Roof Inspections and Repairs Perth
Air Roofing has provided quality roof inspections, installations and repairs across Perth for over 30 years. To book your roof in for an inspection before a storm or for any other maintenance or repair services, get in touch with us today by calling 61 8 9361 6088 or contact us online and we’ll solve your roof problems at your earliest convenience.
