9 Common Roofing Problems in Australia that Require Restoration

Although roofs protect properties from the elements and inclement weather, these structures are so exposed. Therefore, damage and wear and tear are inevitable, even if you perform regular roof maintenance.

If you have identified leaks or think your roof has been poorly installed, you should contact experts and use roof restoration or repair services to prevent further damage.

However, if you haven’t spotted any issues yet, there are a few steps you can take to prevent the most common roofing problems for Australian residents.

Common Roof Problems in Australia

These are the 9 common roof problems for homeowners in Australia:

Leaks
Debris build-up
Poor installation and repairs
Inadequate ventilation
Pooling and puddling
Leaf and moisture build-up
Nesting pets & animals
Use of incorrect roofing materials
Lack of roof maintenance

As you can see, these roofing problems may result from different causes. Therefore, each requires special attention and unique solutions. Here are a few tips for each scenario!

Roof Leaks

Undoubtedly, having a leaking roof is one of the most common problems homeowners face, whether they’re in Australia or in another country. Unfortunately, leaks can cause severe damage to both the structure and your property.

Over time, roofs can develop cracks and holes. As a result, water finds its way into your home and causes costly damage.

Generally, leaks appear after extreme rain or storms. However, they’re difficult to deal with, as identifying the source can take time.

In order to avoid further damage if your roof has leaks, there’s a general rule of thumb: Have a professional roofer inspect the system and take immediate action to repair it.

Debris Build Up

Plant matter, including leaves, branches, and twigs, can fall on your roof and cause damage. While it doesn’t seem like a severe roofing problem, constant rubbing from tree branches can cause the structure to wear out quicker.

Pieces of debris can cause further damage because they act like sponges, soaking up water and building up on the roof and gutter. Therefore, as a homeowner, you should make sure your roof is always clean.

Improper Installation

Poor installation is another common roofing issue. If the system is improperly installed or the repairs were poorly done, you may also have to deal with severe issues.

Generally, poor or incorrect installation can make roofs more likely to develop leaks. These systems also tend to deteriorate faster if poorly repaired.

However, you can avoid these problems if you get your roof installed by professional and reliable contractors.

Inadequate Ventilation

Even if you have a well-maintained roofing system, if the structure doesn’t have adequate ventilation, you may encounter major issues.

Roof ventilation is often overlooked. However, if you don’t pay attention to this essential aspect, moisture and heat can cause mould growth and premature deterioration.

When damage from improper ventilation is severe, you may need roof restorations. In the worst-case scenario, you must replace the entire roof, which would require a larger investment than the structure’s initial cost.

Pooling and Puddling

Water can cause a lot of damage to roofs if it isn’t properly handled. “Pooling and puddling” refers to the accumulation of water in a specific area of the structure.

While most homes experience some water pooling after a rainstorm, for example, remaining liquids should drain. Otherwise, they could cause severe damage to roofs.

If untreated, pooling can cause multiple problems, including unnecessary load, which also leads to sagging. Also, when undrained, stagnant water accumulates, which results in a higher risk of mould and moss growth.

Besides posing health risks, moss and mould development can weaken the roof, allowing more water to enter the property and causing further damage.

Nesting Pets and Animals

In Australia, you can find a wide variety of beautiful animals. Unfortunately, many take shelter on your roof, causing severe damage to the structure.

Also, nesting pets and animals can create safety and health hazards. Therefore, if you want to protect your family and property, you should address that issue right away.

Rodents, birds, and possums are some common pests that invade Australian home roofs.

If these animals clog your gutters, tear holes in your roofing materials, or destroy insulation and other items in the system, you may have to deal with leaks and other problems that damage your roof.

Incorrect Roofing Materials

All roofs are different, and each structure has unique requirements. A steep sloping roof might need a specific material, but it might not be the right one for a flat roof, for example.

Therefore, if you need a roof repair or replacement, you must use the right materials for your roof and make sure they’re high-quality.

If you use durable materials, your roof will last for years! In addition, you should pay attention to other elements, such as the roofing nails. They’re required to secure asphalt shingles and prevent them from coming loose and blowing away when there are high winds.

Using the wrong type of sealant on metal roofs can also cause the structure to corrode and leak.