If you are an Australian homeowner, you already know that property management is an ongoing thing, and with the roof being the most important component of your home, it is essential to inspect regularly and carry out prompt repairs when necessary. If you are new to property ownership, here is a guide to roof maintenance to help you take care of the most important part of your investment.

  • Regular Roof Inspections – Some homeowners have their roof inspected every 3-6 months, although on average, once a year is acceptable. A roof inspection cannot really be carried out from the ground, as you are unable to inspect the corners and areas that are not visible from ground level, so you are advised to contact a local roofing contractor, who would be happy to carry out an inspection.
  • Prompt Repairs – As soon as you are aware of any roofing issues, they should be repaired promptly, which should avoid any serious damage. A single missing roof tile can see the start of internal damp issues in your roof, affecting the joists and rafters, which might have to be replaced. If any water enters the roof, this will soon cause plaster to rot and timbers to decay, and if the first you know of a leaking roof is the upstairs ceiling has a damp patch, then a lot of damage has already been done. If you are in need of roof repairs in Sydney, an online search will help you to source a local roofing company, who can carry out minor repairs before they cause too much damage.
  • Cleaning Out the Guttering – The guttering is a system of pipes that enables excess rainwater to escape to the drains, via the downpipes that run from the guttering into the drains. Leaves and twigs can quickly build up to cause a blockage, so you do need to get out the ladders and clean out the guttering from time to time. When the roofer comes to insect, you can ask him to clean out the guttering, which will save you a job.
  • Treating Timber – Most homes use timber for fascia and soffit boards, which protect the roofline and the underside, and these will need to be repainted every couple of years, or better still, replace them with PVC sections, as they do not need to be maintained. If you prefer to stain the boards, this is simple enough, but do remember to varnish the wood when finished.
  • Roof Sealants – If you would like to prolong the life of your roof, ask a competent roofer to seal the roof with a silicone spray, and by power washing the roof first, the sealant will bond correctly and protect the surface. The cost of sealing your roof is minor when compared to the extra years of trouble-free use, which could give your roof a further 10 years.

If you inspect your roof on a regular basis, any minor issues can quickly be resolved, which should be enough to ensure you don’t have any serious roofing problems.