Fixing a Leaky Roof

Practical people can learn how to find and fix a roof leak.  But it is not easy!

Finding the source of a roof leak.

Yes! Time to get up into that roof space

 

Clambering up through the manhole from the top of a shaky old step ladder is how most DIY “handymen” get into their roof space.  After a quick look they normally come back down to grab a torch and some old clothes to cope with the darkness, dust and spider webs.

Properly equipped and back in the roof space, the search for tell-tale water stains begins.  The idea is that water stains will lead to the source of the leak – simple in concept, but not always so easy in practice, as discussed below.

 

foot-thru-ceiling
Hazards of balancing on narrow ceiling joists.

But even if following a trail of water stains were easy, doing it in a roof space while balancing on narrow timber joists to avoid putting a foot through the ceiling “raises the bar” somewhat.

Quite apart from such difficulties, finding the source of a leak can be very time consuming – even for experts.  Stains may reveal that water has been dripping from a certain point on a rafter, for example, but because the rafter slopes downward, the source of the leak may be much higher up and not even close to the rafter, depending on the shape of the roof.

Dripping water would make the source of a leak more obvious, but that requires either rain, or a friend on a ladder hosing the roof while your search.  So normally, the search is for stains left previously by water from the leak.  On surfaces such as wood or plaster board, those stains may be easy to find, but on tiles or metal surfaces the water may have left no stains.

ladder to roof
High up, moving from ladder to roof

For the DIY householder, finding the source of a roof leak can be extremely time consuming and frustratingly difficult.  But that difficulty pales by comparison with the danger involved in getting onto the roof to fix a leak.  Unless you are experienced and fit, climbing to a genuinely dangerous height on a ladder and carefully – ever so carefully – moving from the top of the ladder onto the sloping surface of a roof is a scary experience.

 

Expert roof repair – free quote: 0410-655-033

Why roof leaks must be found and fixed quickly

Despite the challenges, roof leaks must be found and fixed early.  The consequences of procrastination include serious damage to a property and its value and significant danger to the lives of its occupants.

electrocutionWhen water leaks into roof spaces or down in between walls, it can come into contact with electrical wiring.  The consequences can be catastrophic short circuits, fires, costly damage to electrical devices and even electrocution of people attempting to use the electricity.  And even if none of those occurs, roof leaks can stain and deform the plaster board in ceilings and walls, driving down the value of the property.

For these reasons, roof leaks need to be detected and fixed at an early stage before they can cause major safety hazards or significant property damage.

Common causes of roof leaks

ridge cap cracked mortar
Cracked mortar on the ridge capping

 

Loss of ridge cap mortar and cracked roof tiles.  Direct sunlight, extremes of temperature, strong winds and driving rain cause roofing materials to deteriorate.  The upside-down V-shaped ridge cap at the top of a tiled roof, for example, sits in a “bed” of mortar (sand and cement), which cracks easily.

 

 

ridge cap mortar loose
Ridge cap mortar that fell out

 

After a few years of withstanding Australian weather conditions, the mortar used to bed the ridge capping begins to work loose and pieces start falling out.  Those same conditions make roof tiles more brittle, so they crack when someone walks on them to fix ridge capping, or fix loose tiles, or roof flashing.

 

flashing around chimney
Flashing around a chimney

 

 

Flashing deterioration. Flashing is what roofers use to place a waterproof seal around things that penetrate the roof, such as chimneys, roof vents, skylights etc..  As weather causes flashing nails to work loose or caulking to dry out and crack, flashing will need to be repaired.

 

 

Gutter cleaning unsafe
Very unsafe gutter cleaning

Clogged gutters and downpipes.  Leaves and other debris can clog gutters and downpipes and cause water to overflow into eaves and flood roof spaces. It is vital to regularly clear debris from the roof, clean out gutters and use a hose to test that water flows quickly and easily off the roof, along the gutters and down through all downpipes.  The amount of work involved can be reduced considerably by installing gutter guard that keeps the guttering relatively free of debris.

 

Holes in the roof. Obviously, all holes in a roof must be properly sealed. Holes can be caused when items such as TV antennae are removed. Finding small holes in a roof can be difficult and time consuming for the average DIY “handyman” as noted at the beginning of this article. The painless solution is to call in the experts at Reliance Roofing ACT.

Free roof inspection: 0410-655-033

Why Overflowing Gutters Endanger and Devalue Your Home

Gutter weedsWhen gutters overflow, they’re probably full of leaves or the downpipes are blocked.  If rainwater can’t escape through the downpipes, it escapes whichever way it can.  The overflow can create puddles big enough to damage your gardens, or be forced inside your home where damage is often far more costly.

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix that can make gutter problems a fire hazard that endangers your family. And if gutters overflow into your roof space, ugly stains can appear on your ceiling and devalue your home, perhaps your biggest asset.

 

Gutter Guard

Gutter Guard largeGutter Guard is a protective mesh installed over your gutters. It lets rain in, but keeps leaves, sticks, bark and other potential blockages out.  It’s quick and easy to install, and considering how much it can save you in the long term, it’s incredibly cost-effective.

The Result Is: No blockage.  No rust or leakage.  No damage to your property.

Plus: If you live in Bush Fire prone area, Gutter Guard keeps potential fuel out of your gutters, keeping your family safe.

Free Gutter Guard Quote:  0410-655-033

Gutter Repairs

Inspecting down pipe

 

If your house has rusty or leaky gutters, or blocked or undersized downpipes, every time it rains your property is being subjected to water damage.  The longer you leave your guttering problems, the worse they get.  Water can overflow into spaces containing electrical cables making gutter problems a fire hazard that endangers your family.  Plus, unsightly gutters reduce your home’s asset value.

 

Gutter Inspections

A full inspection of your gutters can last about 45 minutes and includes digital photos of:

  • Any contaminated (rusting) areas on gutters.
  • Guttering problems requiring immediate action.
  • Any potential risks, such as rotting timbers, eave damage, blocked or damaged storm water or downpipes.

valley-blocked-with-leavesA verbal report will then outline the most cost-effective solution to your guttering problems.

If you’d like a detailed, written report to review, we’ll post it within 24 hours.  Valued at $159, you’ll receive it for just $59 AND if you go ahead with our services, this cost will be taken off your quote.

After your inspection, you’ll be fully informed about your gutters and what they require.  We’re happy for you to compare our prices with other roofing companies so you can make an informed decision.  Make us one of your three quotes and you’ll see how competitive our prices are.

Free Roof, Gutter & Downpipe Checkup:  0410-655-033

Satisfaction guaranteeWith Reliance Roofing, you’ll experience the highest standards of value, workmanship, knowledge and advice.  All of our work is guaranteed from start to finish, so you’ll always receive the best value for your money.

 

Reliance Roofing ACT

Tradesmen you can trust

Prevent Water Stained Ceilings

Inspecting down pipe

Gutter GuardMaking sure your roof is sound and secure is incredibly important, yet many homeowners neglect their roof. Like everything in your home, it requires maintenance.

Blocked down pipes and overflowing gutters can cause ugly stains on your ceilings that devalue your property.  Prevention is better than cure, so call our friendly service team to unclog your gutters and down pipes and inspect your roof for leaks.

Gutter cleaning, gutter guard installation and roof repair is considerably more economical and much less invasive than a ceiling replacement.

If you haven’t had your roof inspected recently, we’re here to help. Maintaining your roof is a low-cost way of ensuring that your home – and your family – stay safe.

Take it from the experts: a sound roof is the foundation of a comfortable and valuable home!

Call 0410-655-033 for your free quote

Fire Season Safety Inspections

Bush fire

Gutter weedsLike most gutters, yours are probably blocked with leaves. If you live in a Bush Fire prone area, a gutter inspection is vital to the safety of your home. We offer cost effective recommendations that can easily prevent potential hazards.

With a Reliance Gutter Inspection, we take digital photos of your roof to show you your roof’s condition. A full inspection is about 45minutes and includes digital photos, and a verbal outline of your gutters condition.

If you’d like a written report, we can post it to you within 24 hours. Valued at $159, you’ll receive it for just $59, and if you go ahead with our services, this cost will be taken off your quote.

Your written report will include:

  • Any contaminated (rusting) areas on gutters.
  • Guttering problems requiring immediate action.
  • Any potential risks, such as rotting timbers, eave damage, blocked or damaged storm water or down pipes.
  • More in-depth information on cost effective gutter repair solutions.

Call 0410-655-033 to book a fire safety inspection