Understanding different Australian roof styles and the impact of regular maintenance efforts
Roofs are the first line of barrier when it comes to protecting your home from external elements and harsh weather conditions. Bearing the constant brunt, roofs tend to wear faster than other parts of your home, which makes roof maintenance efforts more important.
Roofs typically have a lifespan of 30-100 years, depending on the material used. In this blog, we'll cover topics including how roof restoration and repairs can prolong a roof's life, the various roofing materials and their associated issues, DIY roof inspection tips and the benefits of regular roof maintenance. We'll also highlight the importance of engaging an experienced roofer for your maintenance needs.
Average life of different roofing materials in Melbourne, Australia
The most common types of roofing materials used in Australia are metal, terracotta, cement and tiled roofs.
Here’s a breakdown of the average lifespan of different Australian roofing styles
Tiled Roof Type |
Roof Age |
Terracotta |
50-75 years |
Concrete |
40-50 years |
Metal Roof Type |
Roof Age |
Tin |
50-75 years |
Aluminium |
40-60 years |
Steel |
35-50 years |
Copper |
40-80 years |
Zinc |
Up to 90-100 years or even more. |
Issues associated with different roofing materials in Australia
Let’s understand some of the common types of roofing material issues:
1. Tiled roofs:
Tiled roofs are heavy but brittle, which causes them to break during harsh weather conditions like hailstorms. Also, the cement mortar used to hold tiles in place tends to deteriorate faster than the tiles, requiring regular checks and maintenance.
Due to constant exposure to sunlight and other elements, these tiles lose their colour and fade quickly, requiring frequent painting efforts.
2. Metal roofs:
Colour fade is one of the most common issues faced with metal roofs, even with popular brands of corrugated steel roofs. The harsh Melbourne weather takes a toll on the roofing material, which can cause it to even rust and deteriorate with time. Roof paints do help protect the roofing sheets to some extent, but regular maintenance efforts are necessary. Other elements of the roof, including rubber seals, screws, nails and more, require more frequent replacements than the roofing material itself.
Benefits of regular roof inspection by homeowners
As homeowners, if you want to ensure your roof’s best state, you must inspect it from time to time, especially after a bad weather condition. We strongly recommend homeowners should inspect their roof from the ground rather than climbing over it as it may further damage the roof and cause safety concerns for homeowners as well.
Some tips for DIY roof inspection include:
- Broken, missing, curled-up or sagging roof tiles
- In the case of metal roofs, missing screws or nails
- Check whether you find the parts of the roof on the ground
- Clogged or damaged gutter, fascia or valleys
- Peeled or cracked roof paint
- Formation of mould, moss, fungus, algae or any other debris over the roof
And more.
Check out our detailed blog on roof maintenance and inspection guide for Australian homeowners for a better understanding.
Benefits of regular roof inspection, repairs and restoration
As mentioned earlier, roofs are the most exposed part of any house and bear the brunt of harsh weather conditions. Here are the benefits of regular roof maintenance:
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Saves money: Regular inspections catch problems early, preventing costly repairs later on. Investing in maintenance and roof restoration can save you money and avoid inconvenience.
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Saves energy: A well-maintained roof helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the workload on your heating and cooling systems. This saves energy and lowers utility bills.
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Increase property value: A well-maintained roof enhances curb appeal and makes your home more attractive to potential buyers, increasing its market value.
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Extend roof lifespan: Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your roof beyond its expected years. This ensures durability and prevents water damage that can compromise its structure.
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Enhance safety: Routine inspections improve overall safety by identifying potential hazards and ensuring your roof can withstand weather and other challenges.
Regular maintenance ensures your roof remains durable, efficient and safe, protecting your home and saving you money in the long run.
Roof maintenance tips for homeowners
Here are some simple tips for ongoing roof maintenance:
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Clean gutters: Regularly clear leaves, sticks and debris from gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and water damage.
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Trim trees: Cut back overhanging tree branches to minimise the risk of damage from falling limbs or debris.
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Inspect from the ground: Check your roof regularly for loose tiles or sagging. If you see any issues, call a professional roofer for inspection.
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Check attics: Look for signs of water damage or animal activity in your attic, as these can signal roof problems.
Why should you choose Melbourne Quality Roofing for your roofing solutions?
Melbourne Quality Roofing has been serving the Melbourne community for over 25 years. We specialise in roof repairs, roof painting and roof restoration in Melbourne. Our commitment to every project is ensuring your complete satisfaction, whether it involves restoration or repair. We provide complimentary roof inspections and no-obligation quotes for all our services.
We use industry-standard tools and techniques for all our roofing solutions. As Melbourne's local roofers, we offer up to 10 years of workmanship warranty.
For more information, get in touch with our expert roofers today!
Conclusion
Taking care of your roof is crucial for maintaining your home. With regular maintenance and knowing when to call professionals, your roof can last for years. Understanding the basics of roofing helps you make informed decisions, whether you're doing minor repairs or planning a major restoration.
Next time you think about home improvements, don't forget to look up! Your roof plays a vital role in keeping you safe, so it deserves attention and care too!
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