With roofs, it is all too often a case of “out of sight, out of mind”. Homeowners frequently wait until something is obviously wrong with their roof before they call a roofing contractor – a leaking ceiling, for example. But by that stage, the repair costs can be significant. In fact, it is recommended that you have your roof inspected every 3 years. It will help to identify any issues before they escalate into major (and expensive!) repairs, or even cause your roof to become unsafe. Regular roof inspections will ensure that your roof continues to do its job of protecting your home and your family from the elements.

When should I get a roofing inspection?

As part of your home’s routine maintenance

Your roof is constantly exposed to the elements, causing deterioration over time. Small issues can accumulate to potentially become major problems. For a tiled roof, it is recommended that you have a complete roof inspection every 3 years. Of course, you can do a basic roof inspection yourself more frequently – every 6 to 12 months, and after a major storm – to keep an eye on things in between professional roof inspections … as long as you can do it safely! Read more about what to look for here. 

Following a major storm

Heavy rainfall, hail, wind or other extreme weather may have damaged your roof. A professional roofing inspection will identify any broken or dislodged tiles or mortar, or valleys and gutters that have become blocked with branches and leaves. These problems can then be quickly repaired before they cause ongoing damage.

When you need to lodge an insurance claim

Your roof may have been damaged due to an extreme weather event or a branch or tree falling on it. You will need a roof inspection to provide your insurance company with the information it needs to assess your claim and arrange your payout. We will also ensure that your roof is secure and safe until your claim has been processed and we can promptly proceed with the repairs or replacing your roof.

When you notice a leak, mould build-up or any damage

Hopefully you have had regular roofing inspections and have prevented the occurrence of any damaging leaks or the build-up of mould. But if these issues do occur, a professional roofing inspection will locate the cause of the problem so it can be quickly rectified before it causes further damage.

What does a roofing inspection involve?

A member of our expert roofing team will first discuss with you any problems you have noticed or concerns you have about your roof. Of course, you may not actually have any concerns, and may have simply arranged a roofing inspection as part of your home’s routine maintenance (if that’s the case, well done!). The Vertex roofing specialist will then undertake a thorough inspection of your roof to determine any faults or issues, or any maintenance required. We look for:

• sources of any leaks
• cracked, broken, displaced or missing tiles
• cracks or damage in the bedding mortar that is supposed to fix the ridge tiles in place (the ridge tiles are the triangular-shaped tiles that cover the ridges where two roof surfaces meet)
• cracked or damaged pointing material that is supposed to seal the edges of the ridge tiles
• rust or damage to the metal valleys that are supposed to channel rainwater into your gutters
• rust or damage to flashings or missing sections of flashing (flashings are the metal or rubber barriers around structures like chimneys, flues, skylights and vents)
• gable timbers that are cracked, splitting or collapsing
• blocked gutters or downpipes
• leaves or debris in the valleys
• any build-up of mould anywhere on or in your roof
• deterioration to any silicone seals
• a build-up of lichen and moss on your tiles
• general deterioration, fading or discoloration of the tile surfaces

Our report will itemise any smaller issues that can be readily repaired before they cause bigger problems, and any steps required to ensure your roof is well-maintained and completely safe. We will also provide an absolutely honest assessment as to whether your roof needs a more complete restoration. You can read about roof restoration in more detail here.