Roof Repairs in Australia: Facts and Fiction – Busting the Myths!
What makes Aussie roof unique?
Two things.
Variable weather across the full spectrum.
The “fair dinkum” people.
Australia has its fair share of myths and dodgy roof repairmen, so let’s separate the “fair dinkum” facts from the “furphy” fictions in the world of roof repairs down under.
Myth #1: You only need repairs when it leaks.
Roof Repair Fact #1:
Roof problems are like the iceberg. Leaks are just the tip and most problems are hidden under the surface. There are even roof leaks that homeowners are unaware of – because there is some secondary roof membrane (like tile roof sarking) that channels the water leakage away. And there is therefore no evidence of roof leaks on their ceilings.
Regular inspections and preventative maintenance can save you a world of heartache (and hip pocket pain) down the line. Think of it like checking your car’s oil – better to catch small issues early than end up stranded with a major meltdown.
Which means engaging a professional roofer to check out your roof when the weather is good (roofers have more time to spare and better accessibility during long dry spells).
The good times are also the best times to brush up on your knowledge about your roof and its likely faults by the use of all the knowledge published on the internet. Get the best guides to roof repairs available – and get to know – not only your roof, but the types of trades people who work in the roof repair game.
Myth #2: Any handyman can fix my roof.
Roof Repair Fact #2:
Unless they’re a licensed and qualified roofer, your neighbour’s DIY skills might do more harm than good. Roofing’s a specialised game, and entrusting it to someone who doesn’t know their flashings from their valleys could lead to bigger problems (and potential insurance nightmares).
And almost every handyman will have the same level of roof repair skills as your neighbour.
A roof repair is not in the same league as painting a wall.
Myth #3: All types of roof repairs are created equal.
Roof Repair Fact #3:
A roof repair consist of two very important components. The expertise of the roofer and the type of roof repair materials chosen.
Just like you wouldn’t use duct tape to fix a cracked windscreen, the incorrect choice of roof repair materials will lead to poor results.
Tape and silicone can be good materials – but if used for the wrong application, it will make the situation worse.
And not all roofers are of equal skill. Even armed with the correct roof repair materials, an inexperienced roofer can cause havoc on your roof.
Good roofers are quite rare, and if you can find one who can assess your roof situation correctly and recommend the right repair approach, treasure their presence.
Myth #4: Roof Repairs are always expensive.
Roof Repair Fact #4:
While major roof repair work can be costly, early intervention and proactive maintenance can be surprisingly affordable. A lot of repairs consists of identifying small issues that can often lead to bigger, more expensive problems later. And rectifying these roof issues properly (and early) can be quite simple and very cost effective.
Plus, many reputable roofers offer payment options that are tied to guaranteed results, with warranties on their work. This will give you a definite FIXED cost for your roof repair – rather that the expensive ‘pay as you go’ option of putting up with multiple roofers doing repeat work on the same difficult roof problem.
Myth #5: There’s nothing you can do yourself.
Roof Repair Fact #5:
We have come across many homeowners who like to follow us up our ladders and inspect the roof with us. Most roofs in Australia are of trafficable pitches, and you can be safely inspect your roof Up-Close.
While major roof repairs are best left to the professionals, there are simple maintenance things you can do to keep your roof happy, leak free, and insurance company-friendly. Regularly clearing gutters (together with valleys), checking for loose or broken roof tiles, damaged flashings, and trimming overhanging branches can go a long way in preventing major roof leakage issues.
Myth #6: The best way to get a roof repaired is to use an online directory.
Do roof repair directories get you the best roofers?
Roof Repair Fact #6:
Roof Repair Fact #6:
Just like the myth that the TINDER app will find you the best life partner, the on-line directories like HiPages and AirTasker claim to be able to find you the best roof repair person with a few taps of the finger on your screen.
The fact is a a long way from the claim.
Directories tend to give you mostly ‘un-marketable'(and unremarkable) results. Desperation and ‘cloaking’ is unfortunately the ‘norm’ with these attractive options.
The real ‘Fair Dinkum’ roofing Professionals do not actively market themselves on these directories. They have plenty of referral customers who get through to them via more trusted pathways.
The challenge is to find these real tradesmen.
And it will take a bit of research work on your part. But at the end, it will be worth your while.
Myth #7: A Roof Restoration is a good investment.
Roof Repair Fact #7:
While investing in ‘LOOKS’ may seem like a good investment for your home, the reality is often the opposite.
The main function of a roof is to keep the rain off the house. A dry home means a functioning roof.
Just like the fixation on cosmetics to beautify a person’s face (with no regard to basic body health fundamentals), Australians seem to fall prey to the ROOF RESTORATION companies who promise a lot and deliver something completely different.
Roof tiles do not need to be painted to lengthen their life or to make them ‘less porous’. They may need a little cleaning to remove unwanted debris from clogging up the drainage courses – but a paint job will not include this type of cleaning.
Contrary to the roof restoration marketing, a lot of painted roofs will suddenly develop leaks where it never leaked before. The heavy paint application can actually block up the functioning drainage paths and force water back up the roof and into the ceiling cavity.
Putting ‘look’ before ‘health’ is not usually a good return on investment.
Myth #8: A Mouldy ceiling means a leaky roof.
Roof Repair Fact #8:
While some mould stains point to a leaking roof, not all mould stains are the fault of your roof.
Most people will see mould and instantly think of a leaking roof. This happened in Sydney in 2022 when we had long wet spells and lots of roof leaks came on the scene. This was followed by an epidemic of mouldy ceilings.
We gave up inspecting mouldy ceilings to try to find roof leaks for the homeowners. We found condensation due to damp and uninsulated ceilings to be the main culprits – not leaking roofs.
Myth #9:Tile roofs are superior to metal roofs.
Roof Fact #9:
The debate about roofing materials is delicately balanced around tile Vs Colorbond roofs.
Australian roofs is a balance of metal and roof tiles
In Reality, both materials do a good job of keeping rainwater outside the house.
Colorbond metal roofs in Sydney are becoming more popular and this is definitely the result of their superior performance in providing better options with the evolving energy efficiency requirements of the new wave of Australian homes.
Roof pitch flexibility, thermal efficiency, weight and maintenance are recent roof requirements that give colorbond roofs the superior edge.
Myth #10: Your builder knows the most about roofs.
Roof Fact #10:
Just like middle managers in an organisation, builders specialise in managing.
They manage the specialist building trades (like roofers) – and their knowledge is based on what they believe to be the facts that they are told.
A builder knows a lot less about roofs than you naturally assume. So, if you want the facts, you need to consult a real roofer,
Bonus Myth: Australian roofs are getting better.
Roof Fact Bonus:
Australia is struggling to build enough houses to cater for its projected population growth.
At the same time, there is a dire shortage of skilled building ‘tradies’.
Even without the government promise to ‘push out’ more houses in the next few years, We have a quality problem with new homes. In Sydney, the newly formed Building Commission is meant to police ‘bad behaviour’ in the building industry.
The Roofing industry is caught between ‘a rock and a hard place’. Surely, if the skill levels are dropping to cope with the increased demand, quality is guaranteed to fall
The ugly fact is that we will be seeing a lot more faulty roofs for a long time to come.
