The first step to maintaining a roof is to see what you are working with. This means that you, or a person/service provider you trust needs to physically get up there and have a look. Shifted tiles, cracks or warped waterproofing on the ridge or in valleys which connect different parts of the roof, or blocked gutters can all be signs of a roof that needs some TLC.
In South Africa, many (but not all) residential family homes have some sort of hipped roof. Hipped roofs are usually tiled and can have either conventional ceilings inside or open rafters. Hipped roofs are great for allowing rainwater and storm debris to flow or fall off. However – we are not here to debate roof structures or give you a lecture on roofing. We are here to talk about caring for the roof you already have.
Most roofs will have some form of waterproofing material along the edges and gables, as well as in the valleys of the roof topography. (Actually, waterproofing should be placed wherever a roof splits or joins.) The easiest way to waterproof a roof is to use a bitumen or rubber-based product that you can paint onto the affected area. This can be a DIY, as these products are easy to use, safe and require no specialised material. You’ll need a ladder, a paintbrush and a bit of common sense.
Before attempting this self-fix, be sure to clean the area thoroughly and read the instructions on the tin. Other than that – happy waterproofing!
Top Tip: If you see that your own best efforts still don’t fix the problem, maybe it’s time to get a professional to help you – there might be a bigger issue at hand.
Verdict: DIY (at least to start with.)
Your roof can suffer structural damage due to many things, but the most likely culprit is storm damage.
Severe hail, rain and windstorms, like we have experienced recently, can wreak havoc on a roof. Debris being blown onto the roof, or falling onto it, can cause tiles to break or dislodge themselves, and damage gutters and barge boards (aka facia planks).
Whether this is a “DIY” or a “Call a Guy” fix will depend on the extent of the damage and your own skill level. If you are a hardened DIY-er, you can go ahead and fix the roof yourself. If, however, you are inexperienced, have a fear of hights or don’t feel up to it, rather be safe and make this a “Call a Guy”
Verdict: It’s all relative…
With much of the country going into rainy season, and let be honest, even the winter-rainfall areas can be battered by freak storms in the summer, it’s time to get proactive.
Removing hazards and making sure your roof is safe and secure can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Maintaining your roof is about more than ensuring safety and protection from the elements. Many structural insurance policies are dependent on your roof being properly maintained and inspected to ensure that you are covered for damages.
