With summer fast approaching, it may be time to get your ladder out and do your seasonal roof maintenance. Homeowners often overlook common roofing mistakes during this process, which can lead to costly repairs later. Depending on the age and condition of your roof, this could be as simple as washing out the gutters or as complex as repairing broken tiles and shingles.
Many Australians avoid the hassle of seasonal maintenance by having local experts do the roof repairs Melbourne homes need annually. In addition to taking the stress out of getting difficult jobs done, it also gives homeowners peace of mind that quality materials and techniques are being used.
Everyday Roofing Mistakes That Roof DIYers Should Watch Out For
Whether you’ve been cleaning and repairing your own roof for years or you’re planning to tackle this task for the first time, there’s always the risk of something going wrong. This doesn’t only include getting hurt, but can also involve using the wrong equipment or materials. Here’s our list of the top roofing mistakes that our experts want you to avoid.
Mistake #1: Opting to do it DIY
There’s nothing wrong with opting to do your own seasonal maintenance, especially for the easier tasks, such as minor gutter cleaning. However, more complex tasks, such as repairing loose gutters or replacing missing tiles, should be left to the professionals.
Handing this task over to your roofer ensures that repairs are done safely and properly. Professional roofers will also use the right tools and equipment to get the job done. Your local roofer also offers a host of different services to help you with all aspects of roof repairs and maintenance.
The most significant of these include the following:
- General roof repairs
- Replacing broken or missing tiles
- Re-cementing
- Roof sealing
- Gutter replacements
- Roof painting
- Roof cleaning and de-mossing
- Re-roofing tiled and metal roofs
- Replacing timber fascia and eaves repairs
Mistake #2: Buying Cheap Materials
Sometimes all your roof needs is a simple switch out of a faulty or damaged component. When this happens, you may be tempted to buy the cheapest materials. Our roofers want you to know that not all roof materials are the same. Cheaper materials can be inferior or low-grade.
This can make your roof more susceptible to damage and wear and tear. You’ll also find yourself having to spend money on another round of repairs a lot sooner than you had anticipated. Save yourself time and money by using quality materials and having the job done right the first time around.
Mistake #3: Opting for Incorrect Nailing Techniques
Dealing with a loose component on your roof may leave you thinking the best course of action is to simply nail it down. If you’re repairing your roof for the first time, you may not know that there are specific nailing techniques to ensure that the components don’t get damaged.
You’ll also want to be careful not to damage the flashing below the tiles. A professional will not only know which nailing techniques to use for your specific materials, but will also use the right nails, screws, or anchors for the job.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Flashing
It’s uncommon for people to look for a simpler way to do things. This often includes taking shortcuts or ignoring the addition of certain components. One of these is not adding the necessary flashing. Our roofing experts advise against these types of shortcuts.
Flashings are a crucial part of your roof and keep it waterproof. If you’re having issues with leaks or moisture in your home, it may be time to replace the flashing over the damaged area. Never do roof repairs without the necessary flashing being properly added.
You should also not reuse flashings, as these may already be weak and could make your home more prone to dampness and moisture. The simplest way to ensure that this is done properly is to enlist a professional roofer to do it. You’ll also have peace of mind that durable flashing products are used.
Mistake #5: Using Mismatched Tiles
If a few of your roof tiles break or go missing long after you have your roof installed, it can be challenging to find the best replacement option. You may think that this means you can simply replace the missing tiles with what’s available. However, our roofers point out that this can lead to functional problems such as poor alignment and leaks.
Mismatched tiles can be viewed as falling into the unstable category, which could potentially affect your homeowner’s insurance. Your roofing team will always choose tiles that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional.
Final Thoughts
There’s no need why you should deal with the hassle of roof repairs. Speak to your local roofer about the services on offer. It’s also a good idea to have your roof assessed before the start of summer.
This will enable your roofer to identify the exact repairs that your roof needs. Using a professional roofing service will give you peace of mind that repairs and replacements are done safely, securely, and properly to ensure long-term success!
