09 Dec How can you make sure your roof is up to scratch in 2016?
As December turns to January, many of us decide to make a few changes in our day-to-day lives, with the end goal of improving a certain factor or two in them. According to a report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, cutting out cigarettes, getting fitter and learning new skills all rank highly when it comes to the most popular New Year’s resolutions – sadly, checking that your roof is in tip-top condition did not feature on the list in any way, shape or form.
Even though we may have the very best of intentions at heart once the last verses of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ have faded into the night, the truth is, up to 88 per cent of New Year’s resolutions fail, which is down to a lack of planning and readiness, said Dr. Anthony Grant of the University of Sydney to the Australian Science Media Centre.
The advent of the new year means that there’s no better time to check your roof, and book in any remedial roof maintenance that may be needed. Take a look at our guide to ensure that your roof ticks all the right quality boxes.
Why and when should you check your roof?
Despite the fact that the New Year serves as the perfect reminder to inspect your roof, in truth, we recommend that it should be looked at least twice a year to nip any potential problems in the proverbial bud. What’s more, you should also take a look after a particularly harsh weather event – powerful winds, heavy rain or blizzard-esque snow (not that we get too much of that in our country!).What to look out for in your roof
From a purely observational point of view, the surface of the roof should be your first port of call. If you have a tiled roof, ensure there are no cracked, missing, loose or otherwise defective ones up there.
Weathered, old tiles such as these are in need of urgent attention.
Additionally, you should keep a beady eye out for excessive moss or mould (there will invariably be a little) and any standing water. If your roof has an overhang, look out for any peeling paint, as this can mean moisture is present. Gutters, of course, should routinely be cleared of leaves and other debris. If you have a shingle roof, see if there are any excessive asphalt granules – this could indicate that your roof needs professional attention.