When you have down the hard work and acquired a mortgage for an existing property it is important to reduce the risk of problems that can be expensive. One of the biggest things that is over looked with property care is roofing problems. This can have a big impact on your mortgage repayments and services such as reroofs can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Here is a brief overview of common roofing problems and what to look out for.
The most common roofing problems are:
- Roof leaks
- Pooled Water
- Clogged and blocked Gutters
- Snow and/or Ice Damage
- Punctures and Holes
Leaks – Roof leaks mostly happen under damage shingles, nearby the chimney, around gutters, at flashing points, in close proximity to vents and pipes, at skylights and also in low spots or valleys. Look out for signs and symptoms of a roof leak including damp walls or discolored ceilings.
Pooled water – This is mainly a concern for flat roofs. To prevent this in the short term you may be able to use tarps to create a slope to displace the water. This is not a long-term solution and a roofing company such as Roof Restoration Northern Suburbs Melbourne should be contacted to fix the roof from long term water pooling.
Gutters – Water can seep into the eaves and lead to rot if it is allowed to build-up. You are able to prevent this sort of problem by checking your gutters regularly. You can even install screens in the gutter openings to help you prevent leaves and twigs from getting in. A maintenance schedule is also a great idea as cleaning the gutters will prolong their life.
Snow and Ice Damage – Snow and ice melt into water and seep underneath shingles. And when they refreeze, they push facing shingles or flashing and might even lift them. This leaves gaps in which water or higher ice can enter. A maintenance schedule is also a great idea for spring to check on this issue.
Punctures – Local wildlife or foot traffic can leave puncture marks, scrapes, or big holes in a roof. Large falling branches and even hail can also break tiles and cause punctured. Punctures and holes can build up as time passes and impact the underlying wood or expose it to rot causing moisture. A maintenance schedule is also a great idea for spring to check on this issue.