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. 

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 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

Useful Tips of DIY Roofing Inspection/Repair

One of the most major installations in any home building is the roof and because of its size, often DIY is kept out of the entire scenario. Yes a bit of DIY inspection is always recommended by the experts of every Sydney roofing company, but they add that this too shall be done with full care, attention and caution. 

Adding to this, they further give some precautionary steps that homeowners should never ignore in terms of DIY roof repair or DIY roof inspection.

SAFETY IS KING -

This is a very obvious thing to understand that any small task too related to the roof can be really risky and hence, safety is something that should be kept in the priority. 

In terms of safety during roofing repair or roofing inspection, you need to ensure that you perform these actions on a clear, sunny day when the weather is good. Experts also recommend that you should never ignore safety ropes at all because often these ropes are the difference between the life and death. 

Very similar to this, Sydney roofing company professionals recommend that roof ladder should also be used for steep roofs because they are an additional safety accessory. Lastly, they put their focus on the right footwear that can allow you to get a better grip on the surface during repair, inspection, etc.

GET THE RIGHT MATERIALS -

Inspecting the roofing installation should involve only the highest quality raw materials and tools because only with the right tools, you will be able to perform inspection and then, the necessary repair work in case, flaws are detected. 

As a homeowner, you have to make sure all the time that all the materials, tools, equipments chosen by you are in compliance with your roofing structure type for no delays and better results. 

Sydney roofing company experts suggest buying only from top brands present in the markets so that you don’t just get good quality material, tools, etc., but also guarantees and warranties to cover any damage. 

People may know also : Top Materials Used In Flashing of Metal Roofers Sydney

Top Options Given In Relation to Residential Roofing Sydney

Any roofing company chosen by you will come up with a handful of options in terms of roofing material for your residential roofing Sydney. The number in which they will make recommendations will surely confuse you and thus, it is recommended to first research and study about each individual material and then, take any decision. 

Here in this blog post, let us have a look at the top options that companies usually offer to the homeowners.

Built-up Roofing-

• According to the experts, this that the oldest and the most ancient choice that a Sydney roofing company would in terms of flat roof with a very low pitch.

• This option features two or four thick sheets layering with a hot tar on the top for giving it unmatched durability.

• This tar is also responsible for making the roof structure almost impenetrable and immune from inclement weather conditions.

Asphalt Composite Shingles-

• The next option given by roofing companies in terms of residential roofing is called asphalt composite shingles that are made up of fibreglass topped base with mineral and asphalt on the top.

• The biggest USP of this option is that ease of installation and moreover, it comes with a mammoth 20-25 year warranty.

Wood Shingle-

• If you go for this option for your residential roofing Sydney, this means you are planning to give a stylish appearance to the property. 

• This roof offered by a Sydney roofing company would be made up of natural wood and it will feature thin and wedge-shaped slabs that are sawn precisely.

Concrete Tile-

• This is the heavy-duty option offered as far as residential roofing Sydney is concerned and is considered ideal for windy areas.

• The top USP of this version is that there is a never-ending range of colours available to meet the existing appearance and looks of the property.

Apart from these, in terms of residential roofing Sydney, any Sydney roofing company will also offer you options such as clay tile roof, slate shingle,  rubber slate tile, metal roofing, green roof and so on.

IMPORTANT FACTORS TO KNOW REGARDING CORRUGATED METAL ROOFING

Numerous features have contributed enormously in making corrugated metal roofing immensely popular in this country an some of them are that it is energy-efficient, low cost, durable and long lasting. Now, one would argue that all these features are found in all other types of roofing solutions present in the markets so why go for this one. 

The answer is given by the experts that the main factors that make this version better than others is longevity, durability and ability to be used in commercial facilities. 

There are numerous questions and the answers related to using corrugated metal roofing and once a buyer goes through them, the buying process would simplify further. 

Here in this post, we will cover some important facts regarding corrugated roofing Sydney that will further simplify the buying process.

Cost:

• According to the vendors, the cost of this version is slightly on the higher side because of the fact this is a better version.

• The cost is also decided by the durability factor that is certainly better in this version and experts say that corrugated metal roofing can typically last much longer than a traditional asphalt shingles roof. 

• This is mainly due to the fact that Corrugated and ribbed metal panels are made of metal sheets.

Longevity Factor:

• According to the venders, the overall age of the corrugated metal roofing would depend entirely upon the thickness of the panel as well as the type of coating used in there.

• In this regards, experts add that thicker the panels are and better the quality of the coating, longer would be the life of corrugated metal roofing.

• The type of maintenance offered to it will also pay a crucial role in determining the overall age or longevity of corrugated metal roofing.

• There are several varieties of coatings that can be applied to a corrugated metal roof to keep it free from rusting, to reflect heat or to increase its waterproof properties.

WHY OPT FOR METAL ROOF AND METAL ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN SYDNEY?

Are you thinking of replacing the roof of your home or commercial facility? Obviously, you will get a whole plethora of suggestions from different people and this is where the real confusion would start. However, experts say that you need not get confused at all and focus solely on getting the metal roof and reputed metal roofing contractors Sydney. 

The reason is that the metal roof comes with several features and benefits that are not found in any other kind of roofing. Some of them have been discussed here in this post. 

Reduced Costs:

• One of the biggest benefits of hiring metal roofing contractors in Sydney is that you will pay very less in terms of installation cost.

• However, this will happen only when the installation team is from the vendor itself.

• Other than this, with a metal roof, you will even experience reduced maintenance cost and this is another way through which you will be able to save a lot of money.

• The lifespan of the metal roof is a benefit in itself because the average lifespan is almost 50 years with periodic maintenance, repair work, etc. and this means that you will not have to invest in installing roof again and again.

• The fact is that the life of a metal roof is more than the average life of asphalt or bitumen roof commonly used in commercial settings.

Fire Resistance:

• According to reputed and affordable metal roofing contractors in Sydney, a fact that makes metal roof best for commercial setup is that it is absolutely fire-resistant.

• With this roof, there comes a guarantee that the staff and equipment at your commercial facility would remain absolutely safe in case of fire incidents.

Environmentally Friendly:

• One more feature of metal roof offered by metal roofing contractors Sydney is that it is absolutely environmentally-friendly and this means that when not in use, it can be recycled. 

HOW MUCH DOES A ROOF REPLACEMENT COST IN SYDNEY?

Roof replacement has always remained as one of the biggest steps taken in terms of home improvement. This action or step is not taken that frequently because, with little and regular maintenance, the life of the roof part can be extended. 

But when it’s time for replacement, heavy investment is to be made and in this post, we will go through the overall expenses of Colorbond roof replacement Sydney.

Should I replace, restore or repair my roof?

• Before taking any decision regarding replacement, it is important that you get the assessment done to determine whether it requires replacement or not

• This can be done easily with the help of a team of experts that will assess the entire structure to determine the shortcomings and judge, whether they compel for replacement or not.

• There is also the option of restoration that would generally include steps like cleaning, repairing and re-coating your roof. 

General considerations:

• The following information will help you a lot while taking decisions related to Colorbond roof installation & replacement Sydney.

• Concrete tiles usually cost between $80 – $120 per square meter

• It may cost between $10,000 to $15,000 to replace a metal roof with Colorbond® steel

• It may cost between $15,000 and $25,000 to replace a tiled roof with Colorbond® steel.

• It may cost between $20,000 to $30,000 to replace an asbestos roof with Colorbond® steel.

Important questions to ask to the team hired for Colorbond roof replacement Sydney

• Is your workmanship guaranteed?

• Do you have insurance including public liability insurance?

• Do you employ your tradespeople or rely on subcontractors?

• Do you hold all necessary licenses including a builder’s permit and an asbestos removal license? 

Useful Advice Related To Metal Roofing from Metal Roofing Contractors Sydney

Before getting metal roofing installed at your home, you will have to consider a number of things and some of them would be absolutely important. The best step you can take in this regards is that you can pick one of the best metal roofing contractors Sydney and let them be your consultant in this. 

Here are some important points to keep in mind at the time of getting the installation done.

Are Metal Roofs Allowed?

• Before getting started, it is very important to find whether these metal roofs are allowed in your region or not.

• This is very important as a matter of fact that several regions in Australia have different laws related to the type of roofing and therefore, it’s important to confirm whether there are some rules as such in your region or not.

Check with Your Insurance :

• According to metal roofing services contractors Sydney, you will find a number of insurance companies offering discount as much as 30 percent, if the house has been protected using high-quality metal roofing.

• In this regards, it becomes important to know that weather-related durability is the added factor and therefore, it is very important that you confirm this from the insurance companies. 

Commercial Roofing

Consider the Long-Term Savings:

The commercial roofing contractor hired by you should make sure that other than savings on the premium, you also get the opportunity to save a good amount of money using this roofing.

• Industry studies report metal roofs reflect solar radiant heat, which can reduce cooling costs by 10 to 25 percent and this is certainly not a small saving to do.

• This saving can be increased significantly by coating a metal roof with a shiny or granular coating and this way, it will maximize the reflective capacity. 

Get a Complete Quote:

According to the experts, a complete quote should include - 

A full scope of the work to be completed:

• Roof specs:
• Pitch/slope
• Square footage
• Layers
• Number of flashings/penetrations
• Material costs (include quantity and size):
• Metal
• Underlayment
• Fasteners (rivets, screws, etc.)
• Clips
• Decking (plywood, etc.)
• Flashings, RoofBoots
• Sealants, tape
• Other materials (drip edge, gutters, etc.)
• Available Warranties

Important Roof Maintenance Tips Given By Sydney Roofing Company

Often people have two reasons to get in touch with the experts of a Sydney roofing company. One of them is getting the entire roof replaced and the second of them is getting minor repair works done. In terms of repair works, there could be several steps and all of them are to be taken care of by the experts only and no compromise is to be done on this. However, there are a certain things that users can take care of one their own and this post contains some of the most important ones.

Fix the Wood Underneath

• According to the experts of Sydney roofing company, before you could start anything you need to make sure that you get the wood underneath fixed completely.

• The reason why this is recommended is that this step will help you keep a number of structural problems at bay for a long time.

• Moreover, if this part of the roof is alright, you will see that the task of the experts of the Sydney roofing company would become extremely easy.

• Moreover, this is important for one more reason that damaged wood will only shorten the life of the new shingles.

The Roof Shingles should not be Placed directly on the Wood

• According to the experts, it is not a wise idea at all to place the roof shingles on the overlying wood directly.

• The reason they cite is that the roof actually helps you a lot by the process of insulation and hence, your attempt should be to keep it as watertight as possible.

• Those offering Colorbond roof sheets price and several other details say that you should use a protective covering that is made from insulating material.

• According to the experts, you need consider this point really seriously and this becomes even more important in case, you are in an area receives heavy rainfall and snowfall. 

Why Flat Roofs Are Sold More By Every Sydney Roofing Company?

Upon visiting the website of a Sydney roofing company, you will come across the versatility and variety that they can offer in terms of roofs. There are different varieties that they hold specialisation in installing, but the most recommended by them is the flat roof version because of the number of features that they have. In this post, we take a look at the response why this version is more recommended by the experts.

Flat Roofs are Cheaper

• One of the top benefits is that it is the least expensive version present in the markets.

• This one is cheaper not because they use degraded quality raw material or there is any compromise with the quality, but because of the fact the manufacturing and installation, both are very easy.

• Another fact is that recoating of this version is also less expensive because of the rubber or polymer materials used in the process and this is lesser expensive than Colorbond roof sheets price. 

• The bottom line is that if you are look for an eco-friendly as well as pocket-friendly alternative, this is the name to go with.

Easier inspection for leaks and damages

• Another reason recommended by the experts of every Sydney roofing company is that the inspection is this version is extremely easy and something that can be done through DIY.

• This is actually the biggest reason why this flat roof is loved by homeowners across the globe.

• But experts recommend that to get better report in terms of inspection, you should shun DIY inspection and rely upon the experts for the same.

• The fact about this version is that you feel a lot safer compared to being on a sloped roofs.

Some other reasons behind the popularity of flat roofs are – 

• Ease of cleaning and additions

• You can get creative with the types of additions you make

• You can get them decorated with rooftop gardens

• It's also fairly stress-free to clean the gutters on flat roofs. 

• They can last in top condition for almost 30 years with proper maintenance