Spring in Brisbane means temperatures are on the rise and storms are on the way. But don’t panic! There are some simple steps you can take to prepare your roof and gutters for storm season.
Types of Roof and Gutter Damage Caused by Storms
As most Brisbane residents are well aware, summer storms can cause significant chaos, with rain, hail and winds damaging homes, cars, and even bringing down power lines. Unfortunately, your roof and gutters are no exception.
1. Wind Damage
Wind can cause damage to your roof and gutters in a number of ways:
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- Flashings
Flashing is roofing material (usually aluminium or galvanised steel) — that’s used over joints in metal and Colorbond roofs and wall construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. - Roof Battens
Inspect timber battens for roof leak damage. - Membrane
A roofing membrane is a seal that is wrapped around a roof for water/weatherproofing purposes. - Repointing
Inspecting roof tiles for any mortar damage, a primary point of leaks in terracotta tile roofs. - Whirly Birds, Roof Vents, Aerials, Skylights
Equipment mounted / secured on the roof – to ensure the seals around whirly birds, skylights etc., are undamaged and watertight. - Gutters and Downpipes
To ensure all gutters, drains, and downpipes are correctly properly attached and flowing to the proper location.
- Flashings
Choose an experienced Brisbane roof and gutter company that offers roof and gutter inspections and fast quotes.
Step 4: Ensure Your Insurance Is Current
Despite our best efforts, sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. Ensure your house and contents insurance is up to date and covers you for any damage to your home and possessions.
Step 5: Repair minor damage
Repairing any minor gutter or roof damage such as rust or cracked roof tiles can save you big dollars in the long term; early roof repairs and regular maintenance can prevent significant storm damage and save you the hefty cost of extensive roof repairs or even a full roof replacement.
Be Prepared
Investing a little effort and money in your roof now can save you much heartache and money during the Brisbane storm season. If you need a professional gutter and roofing company to conduct a comprehensive roof inspection or provide a quote for gutter and roof repairs, contact Gutter and Roof Repairs today.
A a family business based in Morningside and Camp Hill, our team are roofing experts and we service homes and businesses throughout Brisbane and Ipswich, offering services that are backed by more than 20 years’ experience.
Gutter and Roof Repairs is committed to quality products and outstanding workmanship and our team handles all aspects of gutter and roof replacement, repairs, cleaning, restoration and much more.
If you do experience storm damage, contact Gutter and Roof Repairs for a fast evaluation, emergency repairs and a fast, no obligation quote.
Further Reading:
What To Do If Your Roof Is Leaking
The Best Way to Tarp a Leaking Roof in an Emergency
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- Blowing metal roof sheets or tiles off your roof and gutters – or even your entire roof in really severe weather
- Blowing loose items such as tree branches onto your roof and causing damage
- Ripping other hardware such as whirlybirds and aerials off your roof.
2. Water Damage
Heavy rain has a way of finding any damaged sections of your roof and gutters, and either entering your home causing internal water damage, or overflowing gutters and down pipes.
3. Hail Damage
Large hailstones can cause your roof and gutters to crack, and older or worn roofs are especially vulnerable to hail. Hail can also damage structures like skylights and whirlybirds.
How to Prepare Your Roof for Storm Season
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than the cure, and roofing is no exception. There are a number of simple steps you can take to prepare your roof and gutters for storm season.
Step 1: Clean Your Roof and Gutters
As mentioned above, blocked drains and damaged gutters and roof can cause significant water damage to your home. If your gutters and down pipes are clogged, water backs up and sits on your roof, increasing the likelihood of water leaking into your ceiling, walls, and other internal structures.
Thoroughly cleaning your roof, gutters and downpipes is essential to preventing water build up and damage. If you aren’t confident cleaning your own gutters and downpipes, a professional Brisbane gutter cleaning company can do this work for you.
Step 2: Trim Back Overhanging Tree Branches
Walk around your home and identify old, broken and overhanging trees and branches that could potentially blow off and cause damage during a storm.
Taking the time to trim or remove hazardous branches or trees could mean you avoid damage and an expensive repair bill.
Step 3: Book a Roof and Gutter Inspection
If you believe your roof may be vulnerable (or you haven’t had it inspected recently), and you’re not confident identifying issues yourself, organise a roof and gutter inspection by a professional roofing contractor. They can conduct a thorough inspection of your roof and gutters, identify any damage and conduct repairs if necessary.
A professional roof and gutter inspection will examine areas including:
-
- Flashings
Flashing is roofing material (usually aluminium or galvanised steel) — that’s used over joints in metal and Colorbond roofs and wall construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. - Roof Battens
Inspect timber battens for roof leak damage. - Membrane
A roofing membrane is a seal that is wrapped around a roof for water/weatherproofing purposes. - Repointing
Inspecting roof tiles for any mortar damage, a primary point of leaks in terracotta tile roofs. - Whirly Birds, Roof Vents, Aerials, Skylights
Equipment mounted / secured on the roof – to ensure the seals around whirly birds, skylights etc., are undamaged and watertight. - Gutters and Downpipes
To ensure all gutters, drains, and downpipes are correctly properly attached and flowing to the proper location.
- Flashings
Choose an experienced Brisbane roof and gutter company that offers roof and gutter inspections and fast quotes.
Step 4: Ensure Your Insurance Is Current
Despite our best efforts, sometimes storm damage is unavoidable. Ensure your house and contents insurance is up to date and covers you for any damage to your home and possessions.
Step 5: Repair minor damage
Repairing any minor gutter or roof damage such as rust or cracked roof tiles can save you big dollars in the long term; early roof repairs and regular maintenance can prevent significant storm damage and save you the hefty cost of extensive roof repairs or even a full roof replacement.
Be Prepared
Investing a little effort and money in your roof now can save you much heartache and money during the Brisbane storm season. If you need a professional gutter and roofing company to conduct a comprehensive roof inspection or provide a quote for gutter and roof repairs, contact Gutter and Roof Repairs today.
A a family business based in Morningside and Camp Hill, our team are roofing experts and we service homes and businesses throughout Brisbane and Ipswich, offering services that are backed by more than 20 years’ experience.
Gutter and Roof Repairs is committed to quality products and outstanding workmanship and our team handles all aspects of gutter and roof replacement, repairs, cleaning, restoration and much more.
If you do experience storm damage, contact Gutter and Roof Repairs for a fast evaluation, emergency repairs and a fast, no obligation quote.
Further Reading:
