Common Roof Issues

Your roof cavity is an ideal environment for the types of pests that keep you up at night. Not only are they a nuisance, they are also often responsible for damage to electrical cabling, damage to property, debris, and health risks associated with disease carrying pests.

The four most common animals you’ll find in your roof space are:

• Mice
• Rats
• Snakes
• Possums

The cost of removing the animals and fixing the damage they cause is usually less than the costs to protect yourself against their entry in the first place.

Protect – Ensure all cracks, holes and openings are sealed to significantly reduce the threat of infestation. Installing secure metal gutter guard mesh will ensure your gutters are protected, and wire mesh products can be used to seal smaller holes.

Call a professional – If pests are already nested in your roof then a professional will know the best methods for removal, and common points of entry to be sealed to prevent further access.

For more detailed information on animals in your roof space, please view our blog

Blocked downpipes or gutters is very common cause of roof leaks in SEQ. Some signs you have blocked gutters or downpipes are:

• Water pooling in gutters
• Water pouring over gutters
• Water damage on ceiling
• Rust

Typically caused by leaf litter and debris build up, fortunately, blockages are usually simple to diagnose and rectify. There are also actions you can take and products available which are designed to prevent them occurring such as:

• Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters and downpipes to ensure clear flow from roof to downpipe (Vantage Point Roofing recommends at least every 6 months, and call a professional if required)
• Maintenance of your garden especially if you have overhanging trees
• Install gutter guard (mesh product) to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters and downpipes

For more information on gutter guard you can view our blog here.

Galvanic corrosion occurs on roofs when incompatible metals are installed in contact with each other and water, or can even occur when water runs from a roof in one metal into gutters made of another. It’s particularly common on older Queenslander roofs that were installed with galvanised metal sheets or other combinations.

Complete roof and gutter replacements should be of no concern, however in instances of partial roof replacements or roof replacements where existing gutters are to remain, it is critical that consideration be given to the pre-existing metal and what is being installed.

For more information about galvanic corrosion please read our blog or download our e-book which includes a full table of roofing materials and their compatibility to each other.

Your roof provides you with protection against the elements such as wind, rain, hail and heat, and is exposed to the harsh Australian climate every day. By the time you’ve noticed a roof leak, there may already be damage within your roof cavity costing you time, money and inconvenience whilst the problem is located and repaired. If you know the tell-tale signs and put the right preventative measures in place you can stop a leak in it’s infancy and minimise any damage it causes.

Some common causes of roof leaks are:

• Incorrectly installed materials,
• Poorly sealed flashings,
• Rusted or cracked roofing materials,
• Inadequate drainage in heavy rain (can be caused by blocked gutters and downpipes), and
• Loose roof fixings.

Often roof leaks are caused by poor roof maintenance, poor workmanship, old age or a combination of these.

Some of the common areas a roof can be leaking from are:

• Chimneys,
• Vent pipes,
• Flashings,
• Valleys,
• Skylights,
• Gutters, and
• Lapped roof sheeting.

Some common warning signs of roof leaks are:

• Mould,
• Watermarks or dark spots,
• Musty odour,
• Sagging ceilings,
• Dampness to walls and ceiling,
• Rotting battens and framing,
• Overflowing gutters, and
• Actual water drops.

Engaging a reputable company to perform regular maintenance on your roof is the best way to ensure it’s long lasting protection for you and your family.

Blocked gutters, valleys and downpipes can cause water to overflow under the eaves, into the roof cavity and down walls. This is turn can cause watermarks, or discolouration. If left untreated wood may weaken and can be unsightly.

Excess moisture in your roof space can cause mould. As well as being unattractive with an unpleasant smell, it can also affect your health and trigger respiratory problems.

The appearance of watermarks and mould on your ceiling is a likely sign that you are experiencing problems with your roof. Whilst cleaning the mould and repainting over the watermarks may hid the problem in the short term, we recommend that you also hire a professional to check your roof and roof cavity to accurately diagnose the problem, so it can be rectified permanently.