Common roofing cracks and leaks often go undetected in the early stages, and by the time they are spotted it can be too late. There are some tips for a homeowner who is looking to determine when they might be in need of quick roof repairs in Melbourne. This amateur inspection technique is by no means an exhaustive search and certainly not equivalent to a professional assessment, but can still be worthwhile in confirming a suspicion.
As a general rule, wherever possible you should try to stay off of your roof. With no or little experience in walking on a roof you risk slipping, stepping on unsupported ground or even doing more damage. The pitch is often much steeper than what is perceived from the ground, and the tiles aren’t designed to add grip. Ladders alone are the cause of a great many deaths. In a report from Safe Work Australia, in the eight years between 2003 and 2011, 37 people died as a result of falling from a ladder, and 25 as a result of falling from a roof. A great many more suffered injuries, and so this hazard should be avoided wherever possible.
Enter your attic space and ensure you know which floors are supported. In fact, a general assessment can be completed standing at the entrance alone. Walking around risks not only treading on unsupported beams, but also compressing insulation under your weight and therefore reducing its effectiveness.
Many hints in your attic can alert you of a problem, although of course if a leak or crack has already penetrated to the attic it could have already caused some damage. Rusted nails, rotting wood or mould suggest moisture is present, and could indicate a leak. Observe the ceiling above any example of moisture, and also assess your ventilation. Ensure bathroom fans and whirlybirds are functioning correctly, as these assist with air flow throughout the attic space.
If you spot a problem or potential problem in the attic, then you will want to determine the extent of the damage. Assess interior ceilings beneath the attic for watermarks. Bubbling of wallpaper, yellowed stains and mould can all eventuate from a leak. Any observations of this sort can be offered to your roof inspector when they come to work on your roof. It will help them find the source more quickly. If you have knowledge of a second layer to your roof, this could be a real help to your roof tradespeople. In order to save costs, reroofing is sometimes performed over the original layer of shingles, without removing them. This added weight can be supported, but it may also be the reason behind a buckling roof.
Try and observe what you can of the exterior from the ground using binoculars. Take a look from a distance and assess the general shape of your roof. Can you detect any sagging or asymmetry? Next make the most of any upper storey windows and balconies. From this vantage point, you may be able to get a close up look of some of your tiles and roofing materials. Popped nails, cracked tiles and also a granular, disintegrated surface are all some signs that homeowners can look out for.
Another thing that homeowners can do is regularly clean out their gutters. Blockages are not only frustrating; they can cause water to pool in areas of your roof. This added weight and moisture can be a disaster over a period of time. When using a ladder on the ground, always ensure the ground is flat, the mechanism locks in place and that you have a buddy spotting you. If you would prefer a more thorough Roof Repairs Inspection in Melbourne from the start, or have noted a cause for concern, then contact C & L Coghlan Roofing.
As a general rule, wherever possible you should try to stay off of your roof. With no or little experience in walking on a roof you risk slipping, stepping on unsupported ground or even doing more damage. The pitch is often much steeper than what is perceived from the ground, and the tiles aren’t designed to add grip. Ladders alone are the cause of a great many deaths. In a report from Safe Work Australia, in the eight years between 2003 and 2011, 37 people died as a result of falling from a ladder, and 25 as a result of falling from a roof. A great many more suffered injuries, and so this hazard should be avoided wherever possible.
Enter your attic space and ensure you know which floors are supported. In fact, a general assessment can be completed standing at the entrance alone. Walking around risks not only treading on unsupported beams, but also compressing insulation under your weight and therefore reducing its effectiveness.
Many hints in your attic can alert you of a problem, although of course if a leak or crack has already penetrated to the attic it could have already caused some damage. Rusted nails, rotting wood or mould suggest moisture is present, and could indicate a leak. Observe the ceiling above any example of moisture, and also assess your ventilation. Ensure bathroom fans and whirlybirds are functioning correctly, as these assist with air flow throughout the attic space.
If you spot a problem or potential problem in the attic, then you will want to determine the extent of the damage. Assess interior ceilings beneath the attic for watermarks. Bubbling of wallpaper, yellowed stains and mould can all eventuate from a leak. Any observations of this sort can be offered to your roof inspector when they come to work on your roof. It will help them find the source more quickly. If you have knowledge of a second layer to your roof, this could be a real help to your roof tradespeople. In order to save costs, reroofing is sometimes performed over the original layer of shingles, without removing them. This added weight can be supported, but it may also be the reason behind a buckling roof.
Try and observe what you can of the exterior from the ground using binoculars. Take a look from a distance and assess the general shape of your roof. Can you detect any sagging or asymmetry? Next make the most of any upper storey windows and balconies. From this vantage point, you may be able to get a close up look of some of your tiles and roofing materials. Popped nails, cracked tiles and also a granular, disintegrated surface are all some signs that homeowners can look out for.
Another thing that homeowners can do is regularly clean out their gutters. Blockages are not only frustrating; they can cause water to pool in areas of your roof. This added weight and moisture can be a disaster over a period of time. When using a ladder on the ground, always ensure the ground is flat, the mechanism locks in place and that you have a buddy spotting you. If you would prefer a more thorough Roof Repairs Inspection in Melbourne from the start, or have noted a cause for concern, then contact C & L Coghlan Roofing.
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