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The wet season is slowly approaching, and you might be subjected to heavy rainfalls or even cyclones. To protect yourself, you need to make sure that your house’s roof is strong enough to withstand the damage. Roof materials fair differently under the weather.
Let’s have a look at the weaknesses of roofing materials when it comes to rain and other natural disasters:
- Concrete Tiles: Vulnerable to water leaks, can crack over time, need snow stoppers
- Clay Tiles: Vulnerable to extreme winds, crack easily
- Steel: Certain steel types are vulnerable to corrosion
- Asphalt Shingles: Vulnerable to storms, can chip from the corners and leak water into the house
There are plenty of other roofing materials, but these are the ones that commonly make up a roof. On average, roof replacement and repairs cost between $6,000 and $20,000. So, you can imagine why roof care is of utmost importance.
Keeping that in mind, we have come up with 4 ways to make your house roof strong and reliable:
Table of Contents
1. Maintenance, Maintenance and Maintenance
Proper roof maintenance calls for sweeping and cleaning at least twice a year. You need to keep up with the routine so that when you see any damage, you can get it repaired immediately. Inspect the roof thoroughly at the start of fall, so that when winter arrives, your roof is secure and in full protection mode.
Here are the four things that you need to focus on:
- Sweep the surface to remove any debris
- Clean the downspouts and gutters, so that there’s no blockage
- Power-wash the areas where you see moss growing
- Inspect the attic to check for any leaks and if you do find one, patch it up with roofing tape and cover the roof with a tarp
Leaks are tricky and can cause severe ceiling damage. Call for professionals such as ReKote Roofing Wollongong, who can immediately before the damage increases.
2. Take Preventative Measures
What is the one thing that prevents water from damaging your ceiling? A fully intact insulation layer! However, the insulation layer can develop some wear and tear over time. This is why we suggest adding a vapour retarder layer underneath the rafters for extra protection. This preventative measure offers plenty of benefits, which include stable interior temperature and energy savings.
Next, check the ventilation system to prevent the build-up of water vapour. This will keep moisture away from the roof. Cover the vents with screens to stop animals from nesting and lastly, install a ventilation fan at every opening to guarantee dryness.
3. Do Patchwork Until Help Arrives
Look for the following problems when inspecting the roof:
- Cracks
- Sagging
- Missing shingles
- Loose material around the chimney, pipes and vents
- Detached gutters
- Algae growth
These problems can be easily fixed with some nails, roofing tape and a tarp. Catch these problems early in the season and get them fixed immediately by a professional. If you have proper insulation, then chances are that your roof might escape severe damage.
4. Caulk Finishing
Roof penetrations near the chimneys, skylights and dormer walls are the spots vulnerable to water. Add an extra layer of caulk finish to reinforce the structure. Keeping your roof clean can be a daunting task. You will probably spend 5 to 6 hours inspecting and cleaning the roof the first time. Get help to speed up the process… a second pair of eyes is better than one. After that, maintaining the roof will be pretty easy.
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