Roof Maintenance

The ideal roof maintenance program includes a quarterly check to make sure that all elements are performing well. Particular attention should be paid in the lead up to winter, and before summer as a roof will face the harshest elements during these seasons. From time to time, you may also need to perform unplanned inspections when unusual weather events such as prolonged or excessive rainfall or gale force winds occur.

Below is a guide to what to look for during your regular inspections, and what maintenance tasks you are likely to need to undertake.

Task	Details
General	Wear clean shoes that have a good grip and avoid walking on flashing, capping or trims
Safety	When accessing the roof make sure you do it in a safe way, whether it be via a roof access hatch or a ladder secured with a bracket. If unsure, check the WorkSafe guidelines You can also read our tips on ladder safety here
Inspect	Look for signs of water ponding (staining/rust) that may result in areas of weakness paying particular attention to the high side of roof penetrations Identify areas where dust, dirt and debris have built up Look for fungal growth Pay attention to screws and rivets that may not be secure and check the rubber washers
Cleaning	While Colorbond will self-clean in rainwater, generally it is recommended you hose the roof down once every three months Coastal conditions and high levels of pollution can accelerate corrosion so maintenance in these areas may need to be more frequent (eg. monthly) Clean with some mild detergent (like dishwashing liquid) and a pressure hose. Use a soft cloth to remove dirt if necessary. Don’t use abrasive cloths that can scratch the surface. Remove debris with a soft bristled brush (do not use a brush and metal pan) Be careful not to lodge debris in between roof sheets and flashing Fungal growth can be removed with a 2% solution of sodium hypochlorite (household bleach)
Gutters and downpipes	Check gutters and downpipes are clear of debris
Fasteners	When replacing fastenings, avoid corrosion by making sure you use a suitable fastener that is compatible with the roof material
Adhesives	When replacing new screws and rivets, seal with neutral cure silicone

Looking to engage a professional to perform your roof maintenance? We recommend our friends at SH Roof Maintenance – they are experts in the field. Drop them a line today.