If water is leaking through a tiled roof, it has far-reaching consequences — starting with your roof, which it’s telling you is being negatively impacted either by poor maintenance or age, especially in coastal areas like Wollongong where the harshness of salt and humidity, and the vagaries of the weather, can work against the longevity of a roof. The Illawarra is a popular place where home-owners typically end up looking into even bigger maintenance options, roof repainting in Wollongong, as part of an on-going program of preserving their roof and preventing leaks that started when they first spotted that leak.
Tile roof A tile roof is a material typically used for roofs made up of tiles, particularly concrete and terracotta tiles Hooked up to the mass provided by heavy battens, tiles have become a popular yet distinctive form of an impervious, roof covering over time. But even they are not invulnerable. Cracks, loose tiles, deteriorating ridge capping, damaged flashing around vents or chimneys and overfilling gutters are among the most common culprits. The above factors, particularly the elements of Wollongong’s coast, can, over time lead to issues that may result in your roof failing to fulfil its function, with the potential for water to start entering your home, and causing damage between the insulation-filled cavity, the plaster ceiling, and in some cases-unwanted exploration of the electrical.
The very first thing you need to do when fixing a leaking tiled roof is to determine where the leak is coming from. This isn’t always straightforward. Water can penetrate a roof at one point and travel along battens or underlay before appearing on the other side of the roof inside the home. Such inspections are typically visual from the attic and on the roof. Signs that you may require a repair include discolouration in ceiling patches, wet insulation, musty odours, or a visible shift in the position of tiles. Temporary patching may stop the leak, but the only lasting solution is to fix the problem at the source and replace the rest of the roof.
Often fixing the leak simply means replacing damaged tiles and repointing or rebedding any ridge caps where the cement mortar has washed away. Roofers now use a flexible pointing compound (which is accepted as part of the Australian Standard) for greater adhesion and more life. Very old mortar mixes may have cracked with temperature, but modern versions flex with expansion and contraction and are better at waterproofing over time.
When structural work is completed, many homeowners also focus on roof repainting in Wollongong as a way to prevent damage and add beauty. Roof repainting is not simply a cosmetic – it’s a process that includes cleaning, sealing and applying paint or protective membranes designed to withstand UV, salt exposure and temperature fluctuation. There are a number of reasons for this, especially in places like Wollongong, where salt-laden sea air can speed up damage to roofs.
An integral component of any comprehensive tile roof maintenance program, roof painting in Wollongong is situated in the middle. The surface is then pressure cleaned and repaired wherever is needed, followed by high quality roof membranes are applied in multiple layers. All of these are solvent based acrylics intended for extremely high durability. An adequate roof coating is one that is has a high elongation of a minimum of 200% and a tensile strength greater than 1.5MPa to allow the natural movement in and out of roofing products. Many professional coatings are also UV-resistant and anti-lithium, meaning they are designed to deter moss and lichen growth.
Not only does repainting your roof offer a number of performance advantages it also enhances kerb appeal and could even increment property value. Updated cohesive color will refresh your home and will hopefully show for better maintenance history for potential buyers. Even for homes in Wollongong’s more elderly areas like Figtree, Unanderra or Corrimal with tiled roofs that have endured the conversation of wear and tear in the time, a roof repaint can make all the difference in look and protection.
The frequency of maintenance is also vital for the prevention of leaks. An original answer would be with the harshness of the Australian sun and a bit of sea spray some additional upkeep is needed more than elsewhere. Tile Roofs Minimum maintenance schedule Generally, tile roofs should be inspected and cleaned about every 12 – 24 months and be professionally surveyed for a re-coat within 8 – 15 years, depending on type of coating applied and the level of exposure. Overhanging trees and clogged gutters can speed degradation, so regular cleaning is just as important as repairs or paint.
Local council and green compliance is another factor for Wollongong home owners to look at. When painting roofs, particularly with chemical cleaners or primers, there may be direction as to water run-of and waste disposal to prevent harm to local water sources. Repainting and maintenance should be carried out in accordance with local environmental standards, particularly where stormwater drains are present.
Finally, safety cannot be overlooked. Fitting a tiled roof is a dangerous job, and one that requires experience, safety harnesses and the right footwear to ensure that you don’t break the tiles or yourself. Roof work is one of the riskier home-maintenance jobs, and incorrect movement in tiles can cause them to crack or even result in falls. This is in fact why many homeowners decide to have licensed roofers not only repair leaks but also do roof repainting in Wollongong safely and effectively.
In conclusion Repairing a leak in your tiled roof in Wollongong NSW Repairing a roof leak in Wollongong does more than just patching a problem; it means your entire roof will remain healthy, weather resistant and strong enough to sustain future stress. And while replacing loose tiles and resealing are necessary fixes, long-term measures such as roof repainting in Wollongong ensure your roof is well protected from future leaks, improve the longevity of your roof and also increase the visual appeal of your home.
Moisture such as the rain and wind can penetrate the surface of the roof, hence the sooner you repair the leaks, the better; and if you don’t think it’s still not that necessary, you might as well think about spending money in the future for a major restoration or roof repainting in Wollongong.
