The roof is something that is usually overlooked for long periods of time or until something serious goes wrong. Depending on the size of the property, it may be difficult to get to. That’s why unlike other parts of a building, the roof is rarely maintained.
The roof is constantly being exposed to all kinds of conditions so it’s very important to perform regular roof maintenance in order to avoid major damages and increase its lifespan.
Roofing repair and maintenance can be costly, especially if the needed work is extensive. The good news is, you can save yourself trouble, hassle, and further costs if you stay ahead of problems by doing a proper inspection of your roof’s overall health.
While a roofing professional will pick up on even the smallest and the least obvious issues, inspecting your own roof can actually save you a substantial amount of money, provided that you take precautions and know how to spot potential damages.
Roof Inspection Checklist
- Blocked gutters. Accumulated debris like leaves, balls, towels, and plastic bags may build in your gutters over time.
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Water ponding. This happens when water accumulates or stagnates on a roof surface for 48 hours or longer.
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Overhanging trees. Tree limbs or trees that cause a lot of debris can potentially fall onto your roof and cause damage.
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Rust marks. If left untreated, rust becomes a slippery slope to even larger issues.
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Seams, cracks, or other vulnerable areas. Tiled roofs are more susceptible to this, but they can occur on any type of roof.
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Silicone seals around joints and junctions. A roof coating system may be a good idea when the roof is in good shape, but they might have to be replaced with a more long term solution.
Roofing Safety Tips
Inspecting your own roof can be very risky. If you’re uncomfortable with accessing your roof safely, it’s better to call in the experts.
In any case, you should always look out for the following to prevent hazards:
- Survey the area directly over your head and above to check for overhead electrical power lines that you need to stay away from.
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Roof sheets can be rusty and not suitable for walking on. Always walk on screw heads as these should be directly above the battens underneath.
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Never stand on clear or translucent roof sheets or skylights. A lot of these have not been designed to take the weight of a human and you risk falling through.
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As a rule of thumb, stay at least 2 metres away from the edge. If you need to get closer and can’t access from a ladder below, don’t risk it. Instead, call in a roof inspector to do the job.
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Working on a steep sloping roof is not something everyone is allowed to do. It’s safer to just hire someone qualified as special equipment is often required to complete the job.
When to Inspect
The roof is something that is usually overlooked for long periods of time or until something serious goes wrong. Depending on the size of the property, it may be difficult to get to. That’s why unlike other parts of a building, the roof is rarely maintained.
The roof is constantly being exposed to all kinds of conditions so it’s very important to perform regular roof maintenance in order to avoid major damages and increase its lifespan.
Roofing repair and maintenance can be costly, especially if the needed work is extensive. The good news is, you can save yourself trouble, hassle, and further costs if you stay ahead of problems by doing a proper inspection of your roof’s overall health.
While a roofing professional will pick up on even the smallest and the least obvious issues, inspecting your own roof can actually save you a substantial amount of money, provided that you take precautions and know how to spot potential damages.