Key Takeaways:
- Over time, roof tiles can fade or become discoloured due to exposure to the sun and weather. Restoration may be necessary to restore the original colour.
- Cracked or broken tiles can lead to leaks and water damage. Restoration may be necessary to replace the damaged tiles and prevent further damage.
- Metal roofs can rust due to exposure to moisture and weather conditions. The rusted area must be thoroughly cleaned and treated before any repairs can be made.
Roof damage, no matter how big or small, shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice any roofing issues, you should call your local roofing experts to get your roof inspected so you can address the issues and prevent more issues from happening.
Below are some of the most common problems on roofs that you should watch out for because they might just require a roof restoration.
1. Faded or discoloured tiles
Over time, roof tiles can fade or become discoloured due to exposure to the sun and weather. This can affect the appearance of your roof and may require a roof restoration to restore the original colour.
Causes:
- Exposure to sunlight, ultraviolet (UV) rays
- Weathering
- Chemical reactions from chemicals in the air, such as pollutants or acid rain
- Poor quality of the tiles
Fix:
If the tiles are severely faded or discoloured, a comprehensive restoration process may be necessary. This can involve cleaning, repairing any damage to the tiles, and applying paint, coating or treatment to protect and enhance their appearance.
Restoration work may also involve replacing any tiles that are beyond repair.
2. Cracked or broken tiles
Cracked or broken tiles can lead to leaks and water damage if left untreated. A roof restoration may be necessary to replace the damaged tiles and prevent further damage.
Causes:
- Impact from falling branches, hail, or other debris that can cause cracks or break the tiles entirely.
- Exposure to the weather elements
- Foot traffic on tiles that are already weakened or weathered. This can be a common issue for roofers, chimney sweeps, and other tradespeople who need to access the roof.
- Poor installation
- When the roof structure shifts or settles over time
Fix:
For small cracks or chips, a specialised roof tile sealant or adhesive can be applied to the damaged area to prevent water penetration and further damage.
On the other hand, if the tiles are severely damaged or broken, they will need to be replaced with a new tile of the same type and color. The surrounding tiles may also need to be lifted and repositioned to accommodate the replacement tile.
3. Rusty metal roof
Metal roofs can rust due to exposure to moisture and weather conditions, which is inevitable especially in areas with high humidity or frequent rainfall. But it can be prevented or at least delay the onset of rusting in metal roofs.
Causes:
- Exposure to the elements such as rain, snow, wind, and sun
- Lower-quality metal roofs may be more prone to rusting
- Scratches or damage that exposes the underlying metal to moisture
- Exposure to saltwater or industrial pollutants
- Lack of proper maintenance
Fix:
The rusted area of the metal roof must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared before any repairs can be made. Once the surface is prepared, a rust treatment solution can be applied to the affected area to help stop the rusting process and prevent further damage.
Depending on the severity of the rust damage, the affected area may need to be patched or replaced. This can involve cutting out the rusted area and replacing it with a new piece of metal, or applying a metal patch to cover the damaged area.
Once the repair is complete, the affected area must be coated with a rust-inhibiting coating or paint to protect it from future rusting.
4. Moss and lichen growth
Moss and lichen can grow on roofs in moist and shaded areas. It can cause damage to the roof with certain roofing materials like asphalt shingles or terracotta tiles more prone to moss and lichen growth due to their surface texture and porosity.
Causes:
- Moisture
- Lack of sunlight
- Organic materials such as leaves, twigs, or dirt covering the roof
- Poor ventilation
Fix:
The first step in fixing moss and lichen growth on a roof is to clean the affected area using a pressure washer or a specialised roof cleaner, along with a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away any remaining moss or lichen.
Once the roof is clean, a treatment can be applied to help prevent future moss and lichen growth. If the moss and lichen growth was caused by overhanging branches or nearby trees, it's important to trim them back to prevent future growth.
Proper ventilation in the roof cavity can help prevent moisture buildup and reduce the likelihood of moss and lichen growth. This may involve adding vents or fans to improve air flow and circulation.
5. Damaged or deteriorating flashing
Flashing is a material used to seal and protect roof joints and prevent water from seeping in. Damaged or deteriorating flashing can lead to leaks and water damage and may require a roof restoration.
Causes:
- Age
- A range of weather conditions, including rain, wind, hail, and extreme temperatures
- Poor installation
- Using the wrong type of flashing for a particular roofing material
- Certain chemicals, such as those found in some cleaning products
Fix:
Carefully remove the deteriorating flashing is the first move. Make sure not to damage any surrounding roofing materials. Once the old flashing has been removed, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and dried to ensure proper adhesion of the new flashing.
Once cleaned, the new flashing should be installed properly then sealed using sealant or adhesive to ensure a tight fit and prevent water penetration.
6. Sagging or uneven roof lines
Sagging or uneven roof lines can indicate structural damage or improper installation and should be inspected as soon as possible to address the underlying issue and prevent further damage.
Causes:
- Damage to the underlying roof structure, such as rot, termite damage, or water damage
- Natural settling of the building's foundation
- Poor installation
- Accumulation of heavy snow or ice on the roof
Fix:
Depending on the cause of the sagging or unevenness, it may be necessary to replace the damaged beams or rafters, reinforce the roof structure with additional supports, or add bracing to help distribute the weight of the roofing materials more evenly.
In some cases, replacing damaged or warped roofing materials, adding additional layers of insulation, or re-shingling the entire roof is the better option to ensure a level surface.
If water damage was the underlying cause of the sagging, leaks or any drainage issues must be addressed to prevent water from penetrating the roof.
7. Hail damage
If you’re old enough to remember the hailstorm in 1999, it was so incredibly severe that it caused an enormous $4.3 billion worth of damage caused by hail. Even today, it is regarded as one of the most costly natural disasters to have occurred in Australia.
Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, including cracks, holes, dents on tiles or shingles.
Fix:
Depending on the extent of hail damage, necessary repairs to the roof may include replacing damaged shingles, fixing leaks, and repairing or replacing damaged flashing or gutters.
If the damage is severe, a full roof replacement is recommended to ensure the roof is structurally sound and will provide adequate protection from future hailstorms.
If you live in an area where hail is a regular occurrence, installing impact-resistant shingles, a hail-resistant roof underlayment, or a hail guard, is recommended to prevent future hail damage.
8. Termite damage
Termites feed on wood, and if they enter the roof space, they can cause damage to wooden roof framing, such as rafters, trusses, and supports. Over time, this can weaken the roof structure and compromise its integrity.
Here’s how to fix this type of dame and how to prevent it.
Fix:
The first step is to hire a professional pest control company that will inspect the roof and treat the infestation with appropriate methods.
Once the termite infestation is eliminated, any damaged wood in the roof should be repaired or replaced to restore the roof's structural integrity.
To prevent future termite infestations, regular termite inspections should be scheduled with a pest control company. Keeping the roof well-maintained and addressing any leaks or water damage promptly can also help prevent the conditions that attract termites.
For any kind of roofing work in Sydney, contact Roofline
If your notice some of the problems we just mentioned on your roof, don’t hesitate to call Roofline. We can properly assess your roof’s condition and recommend the best course of action.
We also offer a FREE, no-obligation quote!
