Keeping your roof safe

THE GREAT Kiwi summer for many homeowners often means listening to cricket on the radio while painting the house.

But it’s also the ideal time to check the roof for rust, leaks, blocked gutters, and loose iron or tiles, particularly given the exceptionally stormy start to this summer in Wellington.

In a region as wet and windy as Wellington, homeowners should inspect their roofs every two to three months so they can identify and fix faults before it’s too late to iron them out.

Regularly cleaning the surface and keeping it free of debris will stop leaks from developing and safeguard against blocked gutters and downpipes.

The best tool for this work is a broom with strong bristles and a long handle. Use it to sweep downwards towards the guttering.

Also remove creepers and any other vines to stop them from snaking under tiles and metal sheets, where they can rip apart a roof.

And watch for silt and debris in roof flashings that, if left to build up, can trap water in heavy rain and lead to seepage into the roof.

Terracotta, concrete and slate tiles are prone to invasion by lichen, moss and dirt if their surfaces are pitted and not regularly cleaned.

Although there is nothing structurally wrong with a weathered or faded tile, relocate them if they’re unsightly.

Lichen also isn’t damaging but moss can cause leaks by collecting and retaining moisture that then filters between tiles.

Unless rainwater is collected from the roof, use a pressure water spray and copper sulphate wash to remove lichen or moss. Don’t use a wire brush to clean roof tiles.

Refixing roofing tiles or sheets can be done with just a hammer and screwdriver.

If roof coverings, cappings and flashings are disturbed (such as in high winds), the fasteners or fixings may come loose and the covering will lift.

Maintaining gutters and pipes is another must. Gutters overflow because they are blocked or the drainage system they feed into can’t cope with the volume of water.

If the latter is the case, get a plumber to install more or bigger downpipes.