The winter months bring rain and wind, and although our houses are designed to try and keep the elements out, sometimes they need a little help. Leaks can be expensive. How has your house fared over the course of winter? Are there any repairs you need to look at doing in the dry months to prepare you better for next winter?
We have written a quick checklist to help you check your roof and gutters after winter.
1. Check for interior signs of leak damage.
Water marks on the ceiling or in the corners of bedrooms. Drips, mould, mildew or peeling paint can all be signs of a leak.
If it is safe to do so, check your roof space which may reveal some damp insulation or a leak.
2. Check the roof surface for signs of damage or weathering.
Can you see tiles missing? Can you see sheets of metal that have been dented or are lifting? Are there any lifting or missing nails or screws?
Check old repairs for damage or failure. Make sure there are no signs of leaks returning.
3. Check the rooftop for dirt or debris.
If your roof is covered in a lot of leaves and/or branches, you may need to schedule some tree maintenance.
4. Check spouting and guttering.
Do they need to be cleaned? Are they clogged? If there are lots of trees around, they will need to be cleaned more regularly. Blocked guttering and spouting stops water being directed away from the house.
5. Check the external components of your roof.
Chimneys, flues, range hoods, skylights, flues, and cowls. Anytime there is a penetration in the roof, the chances of it creating a leak increase.
If your house is showing any signs of roof leaks or you think it may need an inspection, we can perform a roof leak investigation or roof assessment. Contact us at 0800 HUGE LEAK or through our contact page.
*There are strict working at heights regulations in New Zealand and we do not encourage you to climb into or onto your roof without the necessary and proper safety equipment. We take safety seriously and uses a combination of harnesses and/or scaffolding to safely access rooftops.
