Why roofs need maintenance
Most people forget that a roof has a life span, and needs periodic carpentry, sheeting or tiling, combined with building and waterproofing. Roofs need to breathe, and they are the barrier between us and storms, dust and extreme temperature changes. They also need enough fall that water runs off them with as little resistance as possible.
We have found that most roof problems come down to either decay or shoddy original workmanship. Too often we forget about our roofs until something is hanging off them, or a nasty water mark appears on a ceiling board.
What a roof check looks at
- Tiles or sheets: cracks, slipped tiles, rust, and loose screws and nails
- Flashings and valleys: lifted, rusted or badly sealed
- Old patches and waterproofing: cracking, peeling or trapping water
- Gutters and downpipes: blockages, rust and the right fall
- Ridges and hips: loose or cracked capping
- Roof timbers, where they can safely be seen: rot, movement and loose fixings
The best time is before the rain
Gauteng’s summer storms usually arrive from around October. A check before then means repairs are done on dry days, not in a panic during a downpour.
