Common Roofing Problems Explained

Common Roofing Problems Explained

There are some very common roofing issues Australia property owners face. From possums to mould, we list the basics below, along with some helpful advice to manage these situations should you encounter them.

5 Common Roofing Issues and How Fix Them!

There are some very common roofing issues Australia property owners face. From possums to mould, we list the basics below, along with some helpful advice to manage these situations should you encounter them.

1. Animals (or Pests)

Your roof cavity is an ideal environment for the types of pests that keep you up at night. Not only are they a nuisance, they are also often responsible for damage to electrical cabling, damage to property, debris, and health risks associated with disease carrying pests.

The four most common animals you’ll find in your roof space are:

Mice Rats Snakes Possums

The cost of removing the animals and fixing the damage they cause is usually less than the costs to protect yourself against their entry in the first place.

Protect - Ensure all cracks, holes and openings are sealed to significantly reduce the threat of infestation. Installing secure metal gutter guard mesh will ensure your gutters are protected, and wire mesh products can be used to seal smaller holes.

Call a professional - If pests are already nested in your roof then a professional will know the best methods for removal, and common points of entry to be sealed to prevent further access.

For more detailed information on animals in your roof space, please view our blog

2. Blockages and Downpipes

Blocked downpipes or gutters is very common cause of roof leaks in SEQ. Some signs you have blocked gutters or downpipes are:

Water pooling in gutters Water pouring over gutters Water damage on ceiling Rust

Typically caused by leaf litter and debris build up, fortunately, blockages are usually simple to diagnose and rectify. There are also actions you can take and products available which are designed to prevent them occurring such as:

Regular cleaning and maintenance of gutters and downpipes to ensure clear flow from roof to downpipe (DTM Metal Roofing recommends at least every 6 months, and call a professional if required) Maintenance of your garden especially if you have overhanging trees Install gutter guard (mesh product) to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters and downpipes 3. Rust and Surface Deterioration

Metal roofing is designed to stand up to the weather, but no roof should be completely forgotten about once it is installed. Over time, leaves, dirt, moisture, scratches, ageing fixings, and general exposure to the elements can all start to affect how well your roof performs.

Rust or surface deterioration may begin as a small mark, stain, or damaged area, but it can become a bigger issue if it is ignored. Once the protective surface of a metal roof is compromised, water can find its way into areas it should not, increasing the risk of leaks, further corrosion, and damage to surrounding roof components.

This is one of the reasons regular roof checks and maintenance are important. Keeping gutters clear, trimming back overhanging branches, checking for visible wear, and arranging professional advice when something looks wrong can help you stay ahead of larger roofing problems.

If your roof is showing signs of age, rust, or widespread deterioration, it may be time to consider whether repairs are enough or whether a roof replacement using modern Colorbond® or Zincalume® roofing would be the better long-term option. A professional inspection can help you understand the condition of your roof and what the most practical next step should be.

4. Roof Leaks

Your roof provides you with protection against the elements such as wind, rain, hail and heat, and is exposed to the harsh Australian climate every day. By the time you’ve noticed a roof leak, there may already be damage within your roof cavity costing you time, money and inconvenience whilst the problem is located and repaired. If you know the tell-tale signs and put the right preventative measures in place you can stop a leak in it’s infancy and minimise any damage it causes.

Some common causes of roof leaks are:

Incorrectly installed materials, Poorly sealed flashings, Rusted or cracked roofing materials, Inadequate drainage in heavy rain (can be caused by blocked gutters and downpipes), and Loose roof fixings.

Often roof leaks are caused by poor roof maintenance, poor workmanship, old age or a combination of these.

Some of the common areas a roof can be leaking from are:

Chimneys, Vent pipes, Flashings, Valleys, Skylights, Gutters, and Lapped roof sheeting.

Some common warning signs of roof leaks are:

Mould, Watermarks or dark spots, Musty odour, Sagging ceilings, Dampness to walls and ceiling, Rotting battens and framing, Overflowing gutters, and Actual water drops.

Engaging a reputable company to perform regular maintenance on your roof is the best way to ensure it’s long lasting protection for you and your family.

5. Mould & Watermarks

Blocked gutters, valleys and downpipes can cause water to overflow under the eaves, into the roof cavity and down walls. This is turn can cause watermarks, or discolouration. If left untreated wood may weaken and can be unsightly.

Excess moisture in your roof space can cause mould. As well as being unattractive with an unpleasant smell, it can also affect your health and trigger respiratory problems.

The appearance of watermarks and mould on your ceiling is a likely sign that you are experiencing problems with your roof. Whilst cleaning the mould and repainting over the watermarks may hid the problem in the short term, we recommend that you also hire a professional to check your roof and roof cavity to accurately diagnose the problem, so it can be rectified permanently.

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As a highly-experienced, family-owned company - we provide expert metal roofing services throughout Brisbane and South-East Queensland.

Choose DTM Metal Roofing for a smooth, hassle-free experience because we put our customers first. Our professional team prides itself on a “no excuses” approach to customer service.

We hand pick the roofing industry’s best tradesmen. Our team are professional in their conduct and complete each job to the highest standard. Expert workmanship, paired with our exclusive use of Bluescope Steel, means our jobs are backed by industry-leading written guarantees.

Simply, we are the team you look to when you want it done right.

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