Australia is well-known for its harsh climate which is a combination of scorching sun, harsh windstorms and heavy rain and hail storms. This is why it’s essential for homeowners to ensure that their house roof is as strong as it can be.
To ensure that their roofs are ready for whatever the Australian climate is going to send their way, many homeowners invest in the roof restoration Melbourne homes are boasting. This post takes a look at a few of the key ways that you can ensure that your Melbourne roof is storm-ready.
Table of Contents
Regular Maintenance is Key
Seasonal maintenance is synonymous with a healthy roof. How often you perform said maintenance depends on the area you live in, the age and condition of your roof, and of course, how much rain and wind you’re subjected to.
For high-rainfall areas or old and weak roofs, you may want to increase your routine inspections to once every few months. Here’s a list of the crucial aspects to focus on.
1. Check for Leaks
We’ve already mentioned that you need to inspect your roof every few months. The first aspect to check for is loose tiles or faulty components that could cause water leaks.
Checking for this before the rainy season starts will give you enough time to either repair or replace any parts or schedule a roofer to do it. Keep in mind that even the smallest leaks can cause significant damage to the interior of your roof and home.
2. Clean the Gutters
This is a task that no one looks forward to, especially if you know that last year’s storm debris is still lying in your gutters. Any excess leaves, twigs, and sand that have been blown into the gutters can easily cause clogs and blockages.
When this happens, your gutters become heavy and start breaking or tearing. They can also overflow and cause extensive damage to your foundation and walls and create dampness and mould.
3. Add Wind-Resistant Materials
If your roof isn’t as new and shiny as it once was and a replacement is on the cards, you may need to speak to your roofer about adding wind-resistant materials. These include metal roofing sheets and reinforced shingles.
While these materials may not be a long-term solution for your weakened roof, they will go a long way toward keeping the roof on for another season. Wind-resistant materials have been designed to hold up under severe weather conditions and add an extra layer of protection until you can have your roof properly repaired or replaced.
4. Add the Necessary Sealants and Coatings
Harsh rains will soon wreak havoc on weak areas of your roof. Avoid this by adding the necessary sealants and coatings to keep water out. Flat roofs are more susceptible to water accumulating, so keeping the water out is crucial here.
The types of sealant you use here will depend on the roof you have but these sealants are usually a mix between silicone and rubbering. Speak to a professional about the right options for your roof type.
5. Consider Roof Straps and Anchors
Adding roof straps and anchors isn’t just something that needs to be done in cyclone or hurricane-prone areas. If you live in an area prone to high winds and severe rain, you might want to install roof straps or anchors to provide additional support.
These little gadgets are designed to secure the roof structure to the exterior walls of your home. This then reduces the chances of your roof lifting off in a harsh storm. If you’re not sure if your roof needs this, schedule an assessment with your roofer. Be sure to discuss your idea of roof straps and anchors as they may have a better suited alternative.
6. Be Prepared
If you have an old roof, there’s a strong possibility that all your efforts still won’ keep your roof secure in a violent storm. You may end up with water leaking in after all. Our experts recommend creating an emergency roof repair kit that will make it easy to quickly repair your roof when the storm lets up.
This will go a long way towards preventing more water from seeping in. Your kit should typically include the following:
- Roofing nails of various sizes
- Hammer
- Tarp (so that you don’t slip on a wet roof)
- Have your ladder handy
The golden rule with emergency repairs is to wait until the rain has stopped completely. Never get on the roof during rain. Even the mildest rain can make your roof unsafe and slippery.
Final Thoughts
Roof maintenance and the necessary repairs are the only way that you’re going to make your roof storm-ready. The good news is that you don’t have to do it all by yourself. Your local roofing team will gladly do this for you. Not only will they do all the hard work, but they will be able to assess the high-risk areas. Give yourself peace of mind that your roof is storm-season-ready before the first downpour hits.
Alex is fascinated with “understanding” people. It’s actually what drives everything he does. He believes in a thoughtful exploration of how you shape your thoughts, experience of the world.