Preventing roofing disasters: how to do it and why it matters

Even though roofs are so important, they can be easy to forget about. Sitting up so high, it can be hard to see signs of wear and tear. However, if left too long, you could find yourself with a leaky roof.

Water seeping in through the roof can cause all sorts of problems. It can damage walls and ceilings, fry your electrical systems, or ruin your insulation.

A hole in your roof can also attract rats, possums, and other unwelcome visitors looking for a place to live.

The best way to keep the inside of your home dry and possum-free is through regular maintenance. Allianz Prevention has partnered with TV host and carpenter, Scotty Cam to share some tips.

The first step to any maintenance or DIY project is to make sure you’re safe while you work.

Working on a roof can be risky business (PDF, 176 KB). You could get stuck on the roof, fall through or off it, or be struck by falling tools or tiles. There’s also the risks of working outside, such as sunburn, heatstroke and injuries.

When working on your roof, try to have a partner that can help out. Tread carefully and always treat your roof as fragile. As with any DIY project, if you start to have doubts about what to do, or aren’t confident making certain repairs, enlist the help of a certified expert.

If you do decide to DIY, remember to always use safety equipment, including gloves, proper footwear, and eye protection.

You should be checking the condition of your roof roughly every six months as part of routine maintenance checks around your home.

Exactly what you’ll need to check for, and the type of repairs you may need to make, will vary depending on the type of roof you have.

Here are some common signs of ageing and how to repair them:

Both tile and slate roofs will start to chip, crack or separate over time. Any of these three types of damage can let water into your home. These should be repaired sooner rather than later. The good news is that broken tiles are easy to replace if you have spares, and roofing companies can often source matching replacements for popular designs.

To replace a broken tile, you’ll first need to lift the one sitting immediately above the one being replaced. Carefully slide the tile you’re replacing out. In some cases, your tiles may be nailed in place. Always check this before removing the tile.

Once you’ve pulled out the broken tile, pop its replacement in. Then, lower the upper tile back down into place. Adding a new tile is simply a matter of repeating the process mentioned above but, this time, in reverse. Be sure to check that it’s secure and sits flush against its neighbours before climbing back off the roof.

Pointing is the cement or mortar used to seal tiles on ridges and edges. You can often spot damaged and loose areas with a simple visual inspection. This could be from a ladder or the ground.

Before starting, look closely at the remaining pointing and take note of the small holes placed along it. These are weep holes that allow water to drain out. It’s important not to block these as you replace the pointing.

Next, remove any loose and cracked material from around the area you want to repoint. You can usually do this with a flathead screwdriver and a brush with firm bristles.

Once the area is clear of old debris, you can use a pointing compound and trowel from your local hardware store to fix the affected areas.

Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your compound. Ideally, time your repairs for sunny weather.

Flashing is a thin metal sheet used to waterproof vulnerable areas, like wall edges, chimneys, and skylights. Without functional flashing, water will start leaking through your roof.

The type of materials you’ll need to replace your flashing with will depend on what your home and roof are made from. It’s important you get the right type of flashing for your home, so be sure to do your research.

Once you’ve got the right parts, measure your new flashing to match what’s being replaced and cut it to size. Pull out the leaky old flashing, pop your freshly cut sheet in, and nail it into place.

As you layer your new flashing on, add some sealant between the layers. This is to keep water from seeping through the gaps.

Depending on what type of flashing you’re using and where it’s placed, you may also need to add tiles over the top and affix peak flashing.

Rust and corrosion can be a big issue for people with iron roofs, especially in coastal areas. By spotting rust early, you may be able to repair the problem before the entire roof sheet needs replacing.

To salvage a rusty roof, clear away the corrosion with a wire brush and apply a rust converter. You can pick this up at a hardware store.

Sometimes the rust may have eaten small holes in the roof sheet or caused existing holes to widen. If that’s the case, you’ll need to fill these in with an epoxy putty.

You can also prevent further corrosion by painting your roof. However, if you’ve been patching holes, you’ll first need to sand down the putty after it sets and apply a primer.

Blocked gutters and downpipes are probably the most common roofing problem of all, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Gutters are designed to drain water away from your roof. When they stop working water can pool around sensitive spots. Fortunately, blocked gutters and downpipes are also one of the easiest problems to solve.

The first step is to check for blockages, such as a lost cricket ball jammed into the downpipe. Remove any blockages you find. Excessive leaf litter can also cause blockages, so be sure to dig leaf litter out of your gutters too.

If you can’t clear the blockage by hand, try using your garden hose to force it through instead. More stubborn blockages might need to be snaked out. You can get specialist equipment for this. Sometimes it’s possible to do the same job with a sturdy piece of wire, like an old coat hanger.

Installing gutter guards and larger downpipes may also reduce the likelihood of future blockages.

Applying a protective coating or waterproof sealant can significantly extend the lifespan of your flat roof. This proactive measure helps shield the roof from the elements. It can reduce wear and tear over time.