Leaky roof? Here are some simple tips for you
A roof is an essential part of your home—of course! But it might play a bigger role than you realize. Sure, you don’t give it much thought, but it does a lot of work to keep your family safe and comfortable.
You don’t have to be a roof expert, but it is a good idea to maintain some basic knowledge of your roof, so you know what’s happening if your roof starts to leak.
If you find a leak during a storm, wait until everything is dry before heading up to your roof. For your own safety, do not climb up in a storm to fix the leak! Yes, you’ll want to fix it right away but it’s better to allow a bit of water in while you stay safe! Wait until it’s dry to inspect the leak so that you will be safe on your roof.
Signs you might have a leaky roof could be discolouration or bubbling in the plaster inside your home (often on ceilings, but sometimes this can extend to the walls). You might have an obvious drip, or leak… or in very bad situations water could be affecting your power, causing lights to flicker or turn off- This can be very damgerous and many house fires can start when lighting in your roof is damagd or obstructed. This is where you need to keep safe.
In fact, safety should be your main consideration when caring for your roof. Even when the weather is beautiful and dry, your roof’s steep angles and potentially slippery tin can mean unsure footing and a long fall. Inspect your roof from the safety of a ladder or secure yourself to your roof if you absolutely must go up there. Better yet, call a roofer to help you.
If you do find a leak in your roof, be aware that there might be more than one leak. One small leak is an indicator that there could be other small leaks you’re just not aware of. During a storm, consider climbing into your ceiling space with a strong torch. Not only is it safer than crawling onto your roof, it will give you more information too: look at the roof from underneath; watch for leaks but also watch for water running down the trusses.
When you look for a roofing expert, try to get one out to your house right away. If they are not able to come out right away (or if you choose to wait so you can get multiple quotes) then you may need to do a temporary repair yourself. Avoid using any permanent patching chemicals. Instead, consider nailing a heavy plastic over the leaky area (and, if possible, block off the higher edge of the plastic or, better yet, attach it on the other side of the peak of the roof. This isn't the best way to manage leaks, and is definitely NOT a permanent solution, but it can help you out in a pinch.
Look for a roofing expert with great online reviews who is helpful and explains everything. Avoid hiring a “fly by night” roofer, or your friend who has done some roofing in the past. Instead, hire a professional who can provide you with a warranty and clear pricing.
A leaky roof is frustrating and worrisome but it doesn’t have to be permanent. When you see a leak, investigate further and temporarily cover it (but do so safely!) and then give an expert a call.
Our team at Alpine are qualified local experts, servicing the Yarra Valley and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. We have years of experience and have all the necessary PPE and Work Safe Methods to investigate and fix a leaky roof. We are also experts in reroofing, so if you need a quote on a new Colourbond roof, gutters or downpipes we have great prices to! We can even assess any damage inside the home and assit it the nessasary repairs. Keeping your roof in excellent condition means your home and valuables will be protected for many years to come.