With routine maintenance and care, you can ensure that your metal roofing will maintain vibrant colour and durability. Whether you have Colorbond roofing, concrete tiles, or terracotta, there are things that you can do to keep your roof secure and intact for decades to come.

SCHEDULE YOUR ROOF INSPECTION:

• We recommend inspecting your roof at least twice a year. It’s best to do it before the rainy season and before the dry season, so once in the autumn and again in the spring. Give yourself about an hour each time you inspect your home.AUTUMN: clear any leaves and other debris from the roof and the gutters.SPRING: check for anything that can catch on fire (i.e. loose branches). Be sure to check this before the bushfire season begins.
• If your home experiences a storm with strong winds, inspect the roof when conditions are safe again. High winds can cause damage or leave debris onto your roof or in your gutters.
• Schedule an annual appointment with a certified roofer to inspect your metal roofing. We recommend doing this at the beginning of summer. If repairs are needed, it’s most convenient for you to do them at this time when the weather is warm and dry.

GETTING ONTO YOUR ROOF SAFELY:

• The number one rule: Never work on your roof alone. If you are injured during an accident, then you’ll need someone to help you and call for emergency help.
• A strong, well-placed ladder is essential. We recommend an extension ladder for accessing the roof.
• Make sure the ladder is on a solid, level surface before climbing. To stabilise your ladder, you’d need to:
  • Use a ladder stabilizer that attaches to the top of the ladder
  • Dig holes for either leg to hold the bottom of the ladder in place if the legs are sitting on a dirt or grass surface
• Attach a temporary board right behind the legs to prevent slipping if the ladder is on the porch or a deck.
• Be sure that your ladder is away from power lines and placed in front of doorways.
• Numbers to remember when positioning your ladder:
  • Your ladder extends at least 1 metre higher than your gutter or roof if you are going to get off the ladder onto the roof
  • The angle of ladder should be 4 in 1, that is, for every 4m you go up, you set the base of the ladder 1m away from the gutter line.
  • When you are on the ladder, always making sure you are facing it with 3 points of contact (both feet and a hand on stile).
• Always wear a safety harness and secure it to something sturdy, like a structural part of the house or a tree. If you should slip, a harness will prevent you from falling off the roof.
  • Your safety harness should use a safety rope with at least 700kg breaking strain. Use a bowline knot that is strong but easy to undo.

HOW TO INSPECT YOUR ROOF:

• Make sure to clean your gutters each time you inspect your roof. Check your gutters and downspouts just before winter after the trees have shed their leaves. A build-up of leaves can cause fire damage to your roof and home if not cleared promptly Check out our tips on how to fire safe your gutters
• Check for any breaks or gaps in the gutter seams. Make certain that the gutter brackets are securely holding the gutters in place to the home.
• A power washer is a great tool to clean your roof. Give special attention to any mildew, moss, or algae growth. These can cause damage to your home.
  • If you do have algae or moss on your roof, a water and chlorine solution is an effective way to kill it quickly in a single washing.
• Check the flashing and the flashing sealant. Flashing makes the home resistance to weather and water leakage. Check the flashing around vents, exhaust pipes and chimneys.
• Prune back any trees and overhanging limbs. These can cause damage to your roof or tiles and are a fire hazard.
• Look for animal damage and signs of insects. Any damage to your roof can invite animal or insect infestation.
  • If you live in an area that is prone to termites or carpenter ants, keep an eye on the roof for signs of activity, like sawdust or insect faeces. These types of infestations can create considerable repair costs.

HOW TO SPOT DAMAGE ON YOUR ROOF:

• Older roofs require more care. If your roof is more than 20 years old, have it inspected by a certified roofer to assess any damages or repairs.METAL ROOFING: Metal roofs typically last 30-45 years.TILES: Concrete tiles can last up to 50 years.
• For shingled roofs, look for shingles that are lifting up, cracked or missing, with curled edges, or with smooth dark areas, which indicate that the protective granules have worn off.
• Go into the attic as part of your inspection:
  • With the lights off, check the underside of the chimney and the stack vent. Any little spots of light indicate that the flashing is cracked and your roof will need repairs.
  • Look for any signs of water staining since the last inspection in the underside of the roof sheathing as well as any moist spots.
  • Any signs of bees, insect infestation, soft spots in the wood, or water damage are indications that your roof needs repairs.
• If your indoor ceilings or interior walls have water staining it is an urgent sign of a damage roof system. Water can drip onto electrical wiring and causes shortages or fires.
• Any unseasonal changes in your heating or cooling bills are another indication of roof damage. A leak or hole can allow in cold air in the winter or hot air in the summer.

If you’re in the Brisbane and Gold Coast area and your roof is due for a professional inspection, give our team at Certified Roofing a call on (07) 3823-6888.

Alternatively, you can contact us for any roofing questions and enquiries.