WEATHER SHIELD ROOFING CONTRACTORS LTD LEEDS
ROOFINGTIPS
Most people call on the services of a roofer after spotting a leak in their homes. From there,
the roofer must assess the situation during what is known as the initial consultation. Many homeowners have the tendency to
discount the value of these consultations, as they do not see any "work" being done. However, it is in your best interests to
allow your roofer adequate time to make his diagnosis. Never rush your roofer through this critical stage of the repairs
process.(roofing tips, homedoctor.net).
Proper ventilation in your roof may be the difference between a successful roof or a complete
failure in a very short space of time.
Roof Maintenance
It does not matter what your roof is made of. Roof maintenance should be done at least
bi-annually. Before winter sets in is a good time. Walk your roof slowly and inspect it thoroughly one section at a
time. Get rid of all leaves, branches, twigs and any other debris.
Look for broken or missing tiles. Clear gutters and downspouts by spraying water with a hose.
Pay particular attention to roof protrusions where different sections of roofs meet or intersect with walls.
Most roof leaks develop in these areas. Roof protrusions are anything that sticks thru the roof, such as pipes, vents,
chimneys etc. Remove cracked or dried out caulking and replace with a good silicone caulking. Use a wire brush if
necessary and make sure surface is clean and dry. Seal loose bricks and mortar in chimneys.
Inspect the ceilings and walls on the inside of your home. In most cases a spot on the ceiling will tell you you
have a leak. The first sign of a roof leak should be fixed immediately. You may only realise that a repair
is needed on the roof when ceiling stains are noticed in a room after rainfall. This indicates that water is leaking into the
roof space. Always repair damage as soon as possible to stop further rainfall damaging the fabric of the house.
Checking the roof from inside
If your roof is unlined, check for daylight showing through. It may need closer inspection. Check the
timbers for water staining. If stains are found on the timber, try to find the source of the
stain. Slate will deteriorate with age so check for hairline cracks and look for staining on the
tiles.
Checking at ground level
Look at the whole roof by inspecting it at ground level. You should be able to spot a tile that has slipped as it will be
out of line with the rest. Look for any powdery or flaky substance, known as delamination, which shows deteriorating
tiles. Check ridges for gaps in the mortar joints. Check flashings at abutments and around chimney stacks. Check
for fallen pieces of mortar, slate etc.
Use binoculars to check if you can not see it too well or a camera with a good telephoto
lens.
Checking from roof level
If using a ladder, make sure it is set up correctly and long enough - at least 3 rungs above the gutter. Always work with someone
standing near by when you are working at a height.
If going onto the roof always use a correct roof ladder with wheels to avoid damage to
the roof.
If you do not have any equipment mentioned above call in a roofing contractor to check your roof
or alternatively you can hire the euipment from a diy hire shop.
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