Determining Some Less-Obvious Signs of Roofing Wear and Tear

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Every roofing structure wears down due to constant exposure to nature and severe weather conditions. They reveal some undeniable and easy-to-spot signs of damage and wear and tear. Since they are obvious and easy to spot, it is not tough at all for any roofing contractor to handle them right in their premature stage. But there are some less obvious signs that any homeowner needs help to trace easily. They require specialised eyes to detect, which is why bi-annual inspection is recommended for your roofing structure. Some significantly less apparent signs of damage to your roofing structure are reviewed here.

ANIMALS RUNNING ON THE ROOF

Animals on the roof are the most obtuse when determining the signs of roofing damage. The fact is that it is a real problem and must be handled as soon as possible. Some animals find your broken or damaged roof ideal to hide or make their nest. This is a clear sign of your damaged roof structure and that you require specialised attention immediately.

WHISTLING SOUND IN YOUR HOME

If there is some mysterious air flow inside your home, it will generate some whistling sound. If you are experiencing any of these two things, it is evident that your roofing structure is damaged somewhere. It is a minor but persistent damage that will worsen with time if not handled by roofing contractors. This is another sign of your roofing structure’s wear and tear or damage that needs immediate intervention.

BLACK SPOTS ON THE ROOF

According to the vendors of corrugated roofing solutions, homeowners often ignore some less obvious signs of roof damage, like black spots. It is not a very common issue, but these black spots can be hazardous, and if they are present, you must get professional roof repair services immediately. Ignoring black spots on the roof structure is the worst mistake any homeowner can commit, as this issue will progress and swell in no time.

BUCKLING SHINGLES

Missing shingles are easy to spot, but there are buckling shingles as well, and they are difficult to identify. Yes, spotting them is easy when a professional roof inspector inspects the roof; otherwise, this damage will surely go ignored. This is why an in-depth roof inspection is recommended every month, as well as bi-annual roof inspections, i.e. done by professional inspectors.

Steps Taken to Prolong your Metal Roofing’s Life

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The sound of the rain hitting the roofing can be a massive concern for those who have ignored the maintenance part of their metal roofing. However, there is not too much to worry about as metal roofs are durable, energy efficient and low maintenance. But still, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the roof, and for this, experts have recommended several steps. We look at these steps in this blog post, but let us first understand why metal roofing suffers from damage.

WHAT CAUSES DAMAGE TO A METAL ROOF?

The metal roof protects your family and your home from harsh weather, and it is your responsibility to protect it from the same, but we often fail to do so. Long-term exposure to severe conditions takes a toll on the roofing material, and as a result, even the most robust roofing solution, like corrugated roofing, gets damaged. So many factors are responsible for this, and a small list is presented below.

High winds

Sunlight

Saltwater corrosion

Rain, snow, hail, or ice

Tree branches and organic debris build up

Poor installation

Inadequate space for thermal expansion

Oil canning

Dissimilar metals and materials

Inconsistent maintenance

Improper ventilation

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR METAL ROOFING INSTALLATION?

As mentioned above, metal roofing installation professionals offer numerous tips, and the first step is inspecting the roof.

THOROUGH INSPECTION IS MANDATORY

Remember, timely and in-depth inspection is the key to maintenance and can save a considerable amount of money in the long term. Vendors of colorbond and corrugated roofing installations recommend metal roofing inspection at least four times every year, and regular instructions should be carried out almost every week. This inspection should cover the metal for scuffs, scratches, fading, flaking, cracks, rusting, etc. Remember, several factors apart from nature can damage the roof, and the most prominent are tree branches, salt water, moisture, UV rays, etc.

REGULAR ROOF CLEANING

Even the most robust roofing solutions like corrugated roofing and colorbond roofing require timely cleaning to stay perfect for years and years. Professionals should do In-depth cleaning bi-annually, and general day-to-day cleaning should never be ignored. This cleaning should remove dirt, mould, mildew, debris and other waste materials from the roof, as they can damage the paint and substrate.

This cleaning is a simple process that you can complete, and just three steps are listed below.

Mix a quarter cup of mild detergents like dish soap or car washing soap into a bucket of water. 

Gently wipe the surface of your roof with the solution using a microfiber cloth, soft-bristle brush, or a sponge. 

Rinse your roof with a light-pressure spray from your garden hose.

CLEANING GUTTERS AND DOWNSPOUTS

Dead leaves, small branches and other dirt and debris can get trapped in gutters and downspouts to block them and weaken the structure. The blockage present there will become a reason behind puddles that will generate rusting and other similar issues and damages. It is essential to remove all the dirt and waste materials from gutters and downspouts to ensure that they function correctly in the rainy season. You can also consider investing in gutter guards to free gutters from leaves, dead branches and debris. 

Tips Related To Choosing the Best Colorbond Roofing Colours

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Australia is known for being warm and a land with a sunny climate. This country has an average of 280 sunny days, and in this situation, people are forced to get a roofing installation that can endure the heat and resist ultraviolet exposure. Colorbond roofing is the best solution by far, and one primary reason is the availability of so many Colorbond roofing colours. This metal enhances the aesthetics and is a practical and energy-efficient solution. However, Choosing the right colour is a significant concern, and we have attempted to clear the confusion by exploring the best colours the vendors offer.

CLASSIC PAPERBARK COLOUR

Paperbark is a classic and timeless colour out of all Colorbond roofing colours and is known to complement several architectural styles. The warm and neutral shade blends seamlessly with any surrounding, including lush greenery, and this makes it an excellent choice for traditional and modern properties. One of the best Dulux Colorbond roofing colours reflects sunlight and ensures that your property is cooler during the scorching heat.

SURF MIST COLOUR

This colour is perfect for those seeking a clean and contemporary appearance. The light grey shade works well within the city's modern architectural design. This colour makes a fresh and bright appearance, and is ideal for sunny climates.

WOODLAND GREY

This is a versatile colour used by Colorbond roofing manufacturers to complement diverse architectural landscapes. It has a deep charcoal grey hue that adds sophistication to properties and enhances energy efficiency.

EVENING HAZE

One of the most versatile Colorbond roofing colours is evening haze, known to add elegance to any Australian property. Its appearance functions well with various architectural styles and is best for properties with modern designs. This colour generates a comfortable indoor temperature during the winter season.

Some other Colorbond roofing colours are also available from the vendors. The most versatile is the monument colour that strikes contrast against vibrant greenery and blue skies around your property. Shale grey also works well with different architectural styles due to its soft grey tone. Next comes the cove with a blue and green shade to match your city's coastal proximity. This colour awakes a sense of tranquillity, followed by a dune colour that has a warm and earthy texture to harmonise with your area's natural landscape. 

The best tip for choosing Colorbond roofing colours is to discuss your requirements with the roofing provider. You must consult your requirements, budget and the type of roofing solution you want. Based on these factors, they will suggest the best colour while ensuring that the warranty stays intact and you enjoy peace of mind for the rest of your life. 

A Deeper Study of the Top Roofing Materials

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Reviewing different roofing materials is the most critical part of the roof replacement process. Several factors must be considered, such as weather resistance, roof pitch, durability, cost, etc. Keeping these factors in mind, one can review the top roofing materials in Australia. We have also done the same and come up with the pros and cons of the best roofing materials.

ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING

This is the top choice of homeowners today due to being a cost-effective roofing solution. They come with a lifespan of 30 years and are available in many colours and styles. Below are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing.

PROS

• Most cost-effective option

• DIY roof installation possible

• Available in several qualities and colours

• Viable for most climates

CONS

• Frequent replacement and maintenance needed

• Vulnerable to high winds, curling and buckling

• Fades over time due to sun

SLATE ROOFING

According to the vendors of roof installations, slate roofing is costly, long-lasting, and a durable roofing solution. The most significant feature is the slate's density, making it the most durable roofing material. It is entirely fire-resistant and can hold itself well in wind and rain. It is also resistant to mould and fungus growth. You can find the pros and cons of slate roofing below.

PROS AND CONS

PROS

• Low maintenance

• Long life span (75+ years)

• Durable and resistant to the sun

CONS

• Requires professional installation

• No manufacturer warranty

METAL ROOFING

Metal roofing has emerged as the most formidable competitor for all the roofing materials discussed here. The most significant feature of metal roofing is colorbond roofing, available in a wide range of colorbond roofing colours. Some vendors even offer Dulux colorbond colours for outstanding looks and versatile appearance. Several metals are used in metal roofing, and they have their own pros and cons. Read below for the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing and the cost of different roofing materials.

PROS AND CONS

PROS

• Long lifespan of 40-70 years

• Resistant to the elements, including winds up to 140 mph

• Variety of colours, styles, and types available

• Fairly lightweight

COST OF METAL ROOFING MATERIALS

• Aluminium sheets: $3.75 – $4.25

• Aluminium shingles: $4.50 – $4.75

• Copper: $20 – $25

• Galvalume: $1.50 – $2

• Galvanized steel: $3.25 – $3.75

• Standing seam aluminium: $5 – $7

• Standing seam steel: $4 – $4.50

• Tin: $3.50 – $12

• Zinc: $6 – $8

WOOD ROOFING

Wooden roofing immediately boosts your property's overall aesthetic appeal. It is ideal for you, and you can choose either wood shakes or hand-cut for your home's more rustic appearance. The wood offers total resistance to bushfires after being treated, and redwood cedar is considered the best roofing material, along with others like teak, Wallaba, pine and composite. The pros and cons of wooden roofing are listed below.

PROS AND CONS

PROS

• An aesthetic-looking option

• Treated wood roofs have A-Class fire rating

• Twice the insulation value of asphalt shingles

CONS

• Requires chemical treatment

• Needs frequent maintenance

CLAY ROOFING

Clear roof tiles offer excellent resistance to salty air and extreme heat. They are more used in coastal areas. The drawback is that clay roofing is more expensive, and DIY installation is impossible. The pros and cons of clay roofing are listed below.

PROS AND CONS

PROS

• Excellent solar reflectiveness

• Water and pest-resistant

• Low maintenance

• Provides solid insulation and temperature maintenance

CONS

• Incredibly heavy [2,000 pounds per 100 square feet]

• Requires professional installation

Features That Make Metal Roofing Better Than Asphalt Roofing

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After some decades, a time comes in every homeowner’s life when he has to get a new roof installation done. Most homeowners search for cost-effective, easy-to-maintain and long-lasting roofing materials, and this is where they shortlist the two most popular options. The names are metal roofing and asphalt roofing. The key to selection is understanding these options and their differences. According to the experts, these two options are different based on three key factors, and we discuss them in this blog post.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ASPHALT AND METAL ROOFING?

The first difference is the cost, as the asphalt roof is cheaper, quieter and easy to install. On the other hand, metal roofing options like colorbond roofing are easy to maintain, long-lasting and more eco-friendly.

THE COST FACTOR

The upfront cost of metal roofing, like colorbond roofing and colorbond sheets, is undoubtedly higher than the cost of asphalt roofing and the cost ranges between $18 and $36 per sheet. In other words, you can pay between $18000 and $24000 for a new colorbond roof.

COST PER SQUARE METRE

• Basic Corrugated Steel: $18 Per sheet

• Powder-Coated Colorbond: $21.50 

• Colorbond Ultra: $36.50 

• Double-Sided Colorbond (Suited To Patios, Pergolas, etc.): $24.00

On the other hand, the cost of an asphalt shingle roof is between $4 and $5 per square foot, including the installation charges. This means an average 100-square-foot property will consume just $460. Premium-looking architectural asphalt shingles cost is between $5 and $8.

DURABILITY AND LIFESPAN

Comparing asphalt and metal roofing based on costs while ignoring the durability and lifespan factors is entirely useless. Metal roofing is more expensive, but the return on investment is higher as it can endure more than others. You will find vendors offering a warranty of more than 50 years with their metal roofing options like colorbond roofing, aluminium shingles, copper shingles, corrugated metal panels and so on. Similarly, asphalt shingle roofs come with a warranty of 15 to 30 years and the biggest challenge to confront with this roofing option. Water pooling, heavy rain and too much humidity can lead to damage like cracks and algae and fungus growth.

MAINTENANCE FACTOR

Maintenance is the most significant factor to consider while selecting the roofing material. This area is not easy and small to maintain. Properly installed metal roofing will require less maintenance as the installation team will make it completely moisture-proof. However, getting it inspected at least twice per year for damages and other potential threats is recommended. This inspection will also allow you to clean the roof and make it look new and better every time.

How to Choose the Right Metal Roofing Contractor?

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Your property’s roof is the most crucial structural component, as it offers complete protection to your belongings and family in all weather conditions. It is important to pay attention towards its inspection, maintenance, and repair. Whether it is metal roofing or any other type, you will need a roofing contractor for these tasks. The problem is the availability of so many contractors, as all claim to be the best in the niche. You can eliminate this confusion by asking some questions that help in choosing the right metal roofing contractor.

ARE YOU FULLY LICENCED?

Maintenance, repair work, replacement and installation of metal roofing require special expertise and different skill sets. It is important to ask the roofing contractors in Sydney whether they are fully licensed and experienced in the task handed over to them. The presence of a licence means the company is government certified and authorised to perform any task on metal roofing and any other roofing type. Hence, this becomes the first question that you should ask all shortlisted roofing contractors in Sydney.

WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE DO THEY PROVIDE?

Working on metal roofing for its restoration or replacement can be expensive and risky. Professional roofing contractors in Sydney must have enough insurance to protect both parties in case of any injury or accident. The company should offer comprehensive protection on any issue that could arise while working on the metal roofing installation. In this regard, experts recommend that roofing contractors in Sydney must have public liability insurance and product liability insurance for complete protection from unwanted and unprecedented situations.

WHAT KIND OF GUARANTEE IS OFFERED?

Reputed roofing contractors in Sydney and roofing insulation companies offer written warranties by default, but it is your right and responsibility to ask about this. You should enquire precisely about the warranties on their work and the products they use in metal roofing maintenance, replacement or repair work. Nothing is better than a company offering a 10-year workmanship warranty on every job they do. Depending on the product chosen for metal roofing replacement, you are also liable to get the warranty offered by the metal roofing manufacturer. For example – ‘Bluescope Steel’ provides a warranty against corrosion on colorbond roofing for up to 36 years from the date of installation.

What Is Corrugated Roofing and What Features It Comes

The popularity of colorbond roofing has made people get inclined only towards this option. You will find people equally interested in corrugated roofing, but they are always doubtful about the decision. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-install option that is as durable as any other roofing material available in the market. It is designed to withstand severe weather conditions, including hailstorms, snow storms, heat waves, and hurricanes and is completely fire-resistant.

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WHAT IS CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING?

This is a metal sheet that is roll formed into metal panels attached to the roof with screws. This metal has an exposed fastener panel, and it is a low-cost, lightweight, durable, energy-efficient, long-lasting and easy-to-install option. This is a much more durable roofing solution than asphalt shingles and clay tile roofs. The durability factor makes it ideal for both commercial and residential applications.

HOW IS CORRUGATED METAL MADE?

The metal used in corrugated roofing is accomplished by roll forming, and this means that the sheet metal is pulled off of huge round metal coils. Then, the sheets are passed through rolling dyes and sheared off at the correct panel lengths.

TYPES OF CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING

The fact is that corrugated metal is a generic term, and any type of sheet steel that is prepared for use in the construction industry can be called a corrugated metal roof.

BENEFITS OF CORRUGATED ROOFING

COMPLETELY LEAK PROOF

Unlike shingles and tiles that are always susceptible to leakage, corrugated roofing ensures that the leakage problem will get eliminated forever. However, proper installation is the key, and getting installation services from a reputed roofing company is essential.

DURABILITY

This material lasts longer than all its counterparts due to the ridges and grooves that make up for its lightweight nature. Also, this material is less or less susceptible to corrosion and wear.

EASIER INSTALLATION

There would be no complications in installing corrugated roofing, and this contributes a lot to its popularity. Because of its lightweight nature, the installation team will easily install it and ensure that the property's aesthetic appeal stays intact. Other benefits include enhanced indoor comfort and increased property value. Also, there are reduced environmental impacts, and as we all know, corrugated roofing is very low maintenance and superior in energy conservation.

Features and Characteristics of Three Top Metals Used In Roofing Installation

 In terms of metal roofing, people have numerous options, and this often makes the situation more confusing. Those who are determined to use metal in the roof will stick to this material, as they fully understand that it can withstand different kinds of harsh weather conditions very easily. Moreover, it has unmatched durability and is incredibly long-lasting, provided that the Sydney roofing company has installed it to perfection. Let us go through the different metals available in the markets, and we will start with aluminium.

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ALUMINIUM ROOFING

Aluminium is incredibly popular in metal roofing due to its lightweight and flexibility. The downside is that it is susceptible to dents and scratches. Despite this, it is an excellent choice for roofing any residential or commercial property and can provide benefits like resistance to wind, fully waterproof and heat and rust resistance. This material will last for around four decades, and in the presence of timely maintenance, this life can be stretched further for another decade.

COPPER

Another highly versatile material that is used in roofing these days is copper because this metal provides all the benefits that a homeowner could ask from a roof structure. Sydney roofing company professionals say that copper is naturally rust-resistant, fire-resistant, water-resistant and heat-resistant, and these four features make this metal the most preferred option for any roof installation. It is an expensive metal, but the durability factor is something that you cannot ignore at all. Using timely maintenance and look after, you can stretch the life of this material to almost one century.

COLORBOND STEEL

Colorbond steel remains the most preferred choice in terms of roofing across Australia. It is specially devised steel that is manufactured for being used in roofing, fencing, guttering and other similar tasks. You can get it to your choice, and irrespective of your customization, it will stay immune to all kinds of weather conditions in Australia. This material is highly durable, heat and cold-resistant and fully waterproof. In the presence of maintenance and look after, the life can be anywhere around 70 years.

Top Reasons Why Roof Restoration Is Important For Home Owners

 The arrival of the spring season is a perfect time to check and inspect your roof thoroughly and detect the damages that it has suffered during winter. This is a good practice that, when performed with the help of a Sydney roofing company, can help you in several ways. The damages detected during the inspection process can be repaired, and the roof can be restored to its original condition one more time. There are different reasons why roof restoration is essential, and some of them are discussed in this write-up.

TO ENHANCE THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR ROOF

Roof restoration ensures that your home stays safe and protected from harsh weather conditions and climate. The summer season in Australia is known for hot weather and high temperature, but at the same time, thunderstorms, heavy rain and wind are widespread. These elements can have an adverse impact on the roof if it is not in a sound condition. Roof restoration prior to the arrival of the summer season ensures that the roof is ready to face all the adversities that might come during the summer season.

TO INCREASE YOUR PROPERTY'S VALUE

If you wish to sell your home in the near future, you can be assured that the roof will not become a detrimental factor in its cost determination. In fact, the roofing restoration will ensure that you get a justified price of your property and it does not hurdle your property's resale value at all. The roof installation team will give the necessary makeover to your roof and restore it to its new condition if you ever plan to sell your home.

COMPLIANCE WITH INSURANCE COMPANY POLICIES

The restoration of your property's roofing installation is necessary because insurance companies might reject the claim for storm damages if the roof was previously damaged. Most insurance companies offer policies that exclude wear and tear and damages caused by the failure to maintain your home's roofing.

Some other reasons why roof restoration is necessary are listed below – 

To improve the overall presentation of your property

To extend the life of your existing roof

Roof restoration is more cost-effective than roof replacement

Roof restoration is better for the environment as compared to roof replacement

The effectiveness of your roof increases manifold times with this restoration