What is the minimum roof pitch?

The minimum roof pitch in Australia is dependent on the roofing profile installed.

For water to flow on a flat deck roof, the minimum roof pitch is 1°. A deck roof sheet consists of three wide spans and high ribs. If the roof pitch is too low, water on the roof will not be able to flow down the roof surface and into the gutters. Therefore, forming water ponding on the roof, which then leads to roof leaks and deterioration.

The roof pitch required for a corrugated roof, is a minimum roof pitch of 5°. With low ribs and small spacing, a higher pitch is required to ensure the water does not pond in the one area. As a result this may cause the water to leak through the lapping roof sheets and into the building below.

The roof pitch to install a monoclad roof is in between a deck and corrugated roof; at a minimum roof pitch of 2°. Not to be confused with a deck roof, monoclad roof sheets have 5 ribs, with slightly smaller spacing in between. Therefore, requiring a higher roof pitch to ensure water on the roof will flow down the sheets, and not overflow over the ribs.

Making the roof compliant

ACR Roofing Melbourne take the right steps to correct a non-compliant roof fall. After installing all necessary safety equipment, the existing metal roof is removed. Next, metal or timber battens are installed to regrade the entire area, therefore ensuring the roof structure is at a the minimum requirement.
Safety mesh and insulation blanket are installed, before installing the new Colorbond or Zincalume roofing profile.
In addition, all gutters, downpipes and flashings are also installed.

Above all, it is always best to check the manufacturers specifications and speak to a roofing professional.
The ACR Roofing team provide free quotes and are available to chat with on 03 9555 0955
Alternatively, request a free quote for your roof replacement project now!

The post Minimum Roof Pitch appeared first on ACR Roofing.

We’ve broken down the process of an asbestos roof replacement into Seven Simple Steps to Asbestos Removal; to simplify the process for our clients and provide peace of mind.

1 Engage ACR Roofing-

Our team are all licensed asbestos removalist and roof plumbers. We organise site meetings/briefings, for you and your staff. After that, learn how the asbestos roof removal & replacement takes place.

2 Notification-

Our Team will notify WorkSafe and the neighbouring businesses/properties of the works we are completing.

3 Preparation-

We install all safety equipment; hand rail, scaffold, access tower, crane and load all materials onto the roof area/site. In addition, all relevant permits will be applied for.

4 Removal-

We remove a section of asbestos each day and decontaminate all. In addition, we engage an independent hygienist to issue a clearance certificate.
After that, the asbestos roofing materials are disposed of correctly, as per EPA Standards.

5 Replacement-

Installation of all new materials; safety mesh, roof insulation blanket, gutters, metal roof sheeting, translucent sheeting.
An area is removed and replaced each day, therefore the roof remains watertight throughout the asbestos roof replacement.

6 Completion-

The final asbestos clearance certificate is issued and received, new roof installed and completely caped/watertight.

7 Hand Over-

ACR Director completes a final inspection. Our client receives EPA waste dockets, BlueScope Warranty, VBA Plumbing compliance certificate.

Asbestos Removal Melbourne

Our Team are licenced & certified in non-friable asbestos removal. Non-friable asbestos is defined as: asbestos fibres that have been mixed with other materials. For instance, this includes cement roofing. If an asbestos roof is damaged or broken, it may release the fibres into the air. Therefore, our team take extreme care when removing asbestos.

Asbestos is still found in Australian homes & commercial buildings, lurking in the cement roofing materials

Our team treat the asbestos roof removal very seriously. We comply with both WorkSafe and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) standards, for all asbestos roof removal projects. We take care on each work site, wearing special protective clothing on every asbestos roof.
Once ACR Roofing have removed an area of asbestos roofing, a hygienist visits site to provide an Asbestos Removal Clearance Certificate.

Contact ACR Roofing an asbestos removal or metal roof replacement quote.

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fibre and up until the mid-1980s, Australia had one of the highest rates of asbestos use per person in the world.
Asbestos has not been used in building materials since the 1980s but it was not until 31 December, 2003 that asbestos and all products containing asbestos were banned throughout Australia. It is illegal to import, store, supply, sell, install, use or re-use these materials.

Above all, the process of an asbestos removal & replacement project can seem complex to our clients. However, by providing simple steps to asbestos roof removal, we hope to help by simplifying the process.

The post Steps to Asbestos Roof Removal appeared first on ACR Roofing.

Showcasing a large-scale commercial asbestos removal we completed in Thomastown and highlighting the importance of being asbestos aware. Read the three page spread below…

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Asbestos Awareness remains high on the agenda for roofing experts

Despite asbestos no longer being used in building materials, facility and property managers need to be aware of its history. CHRISTIAN WRIGHT explains. Although asbestos is not used in building materials today, asbestos products weren’t banned in Australia until 2003.

In the past, asbestos was commonly used for roofs, in particular, due to its fire resistant and durable nature. Since asbestos roofing can last for over three decades, many buildings that were originally constructed with asbestos roofing have the same roofs today. While asbestos isn’t dangerous unless airborne, property or facility managers should never try to touch or replace asbestos containing products on their own. Only asbestos roof specialists should handle asbestos containing materials because they can cause major health risks if not treated properly.

As your roof plays such an important sheltering role, and because it encompasses such as large area, any harmful materials released in the area will have a wide impact. If you think you may have asbestos in your roof, here are some things you need to know:

HOW DO EXPERTS IDENTIFY ASBESTOS?

Many property or facility managers won’t recognise asbestos roofing when they see it. If you think the materials that make up your roof could potentially contain asbestos, such as building materials from the 1980s or earlier, never attempt to touch or remove them.

ACR ROOFING CASE STUDY: ORORA, THOMASTOWN – VICTORIA

This asbestos replacement project presented ACR Roofing with one its biggest challenges. The large-scale packaging factory in Thomastown, which is owned by 360 Capital and tenanted by manufacturer Orora, required the removal of ageing asbestos from the saw-tooth roof, as well as numerous glass panels.

After efficiently removing the asbestos from the 7500-plus-square metre roof, the Melbourne roofing company laid an entirely new BlueScope Zincalume steel roof, complete with clear plastic skylights, which dramatically increased the light inside the factory. Added insulation was also installed to the roof space.

With major construction taking place below the entire roofline of the building during the project, ACR Roofing was faced with a restricted timeframe.

Despite weather conditions potentially limiting how much of the roof could be removed and replaced each day, the asbestos removal specialists completed the project within the agreed project timeline, satisfying the operations of tenant Orora. Manufacturing of food packaging, in particular baby formula sealed bags, made the project more sensitive than the usual warehouses ACR Roofing replaces.

However, at no stage was Orora required to shut down its operations, as a small section of the roof was isolated each day to ensure production was maintained below. Working seven days a week provided ACR Roofing with access over the sensitive equipment and an uninterrupted scope of works. According to ACR Roofing director Christian Wright, the building owner and tenant benefited from engaging a roofing contractor that takes over the entire site and project manages all works.

“Our staff remove and replace the asbestos, with no downtime. In a project of this size, at an operational site that had to remain watertight at the completion of each day, this was a major task and non-negotiable to the client,” Wright explains. “It is important to note that the ACR personnel who remove the asbestos also replace the roofing. The work method is continuous with a low likelihood of weather related problems and eliminates the risk that comes with hiring subcontractors.”

Given the fragile nature of both building materials, ACR Roofing ensured that all of the usual health and safety standards were implemented. Following the success of the project ACR Roofing is now the preferred roofing contractor for 360 Capital.

If you know the manufacturer, it is advisable to contact them to learn which materials make up your roof, but the only way to know for sure if a material contains asbestos is to call an asbestos roofing specialist.

The asbestos specialist will likely send a sample of the potential asbestos containing
materials to the National Association of Testing Authorities. This analytical laboratory will determine if the material contains asbestos. Common roofing materials that may contain asbestos include concrete, asphalt and gypsum.

If the material does contain asbestos, the specialist will assess whether the material should be removed or replaced. Until it is certain that a building does not contain asbestos, do not perform any renovations, demolitions or maintenance.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT ASBESTOS?

How you should deal with asbestos depends on where you find the asbestos and what condition it is in. Most buildings aren’t affected by asbestos unless it becomes airborne. If the material is friable, the asbestos could quickly become airborne and cause health risks. Non-friable asbestos won’t pose a health risk unless the material is cut, sanded or sawn. If a roof is in a solid state, it may not need to be removed at all. Non-damaged asbestos material doesn’t pose a health hazard.

However, the materials will need to be monitored for signs of deterioration or damage. If a material containing asbestos is damaged, call for an asbestos removal in Melbourne immediately. Sometimes damaged asbestos materials may not need to be removed, with isolation or repair also considerations. For instance, an asbestos specialist can likely repair a small tear in the flashing or underlayment. However, repairing or isolating asbestos are only temporary solutions. Natural weathering and ageing will eventually cause damage to asbestos. If the asbestos roofing specialist determines that the roof poses too great a threat to those inhabiting a building, they will likely recommend an asbestos roof removal. Once the specialist removes the asbestos from your property, he or she should take an air sample to ensure the building doesn’t contain airborne asbestos. The roof can then be replaced with a modern version that doesn’t contain carcinogens.

TEN QUESTIONS BUILDING MANAGERS SHOULD ASK A ROOFING CONTRACTOR

With the decision to replace or repair a roof being such a significant investment, it is vital for management to ensure they engage the right roofing company. Here are 10 questions to ask a Melbourne roofing company, according to ACR Roofing:

1. Are you licensed and insured?

You need to ensure that anyone undertaking roofing at your property is licensed to perform the work and has all the appropriate insurances to finish the job safely and properly. If they aren’t willing to prove they are licensed and insured, then turn them away.

2. What sort of communication can you offer me?

A good roofing contractor will be happy to hand over a business card or a phone number that you can call whenever you
need to. Ideally, they should also supply the name and phone number of the project or company supervisor. WorkSafe, as well as neighbouring properties, must be notified of any asbestos removal of 10 square metres or more.

3. Will you completely remove my old roof or just put the replacement on top?

The easy option for any contractor is just to fi x the new roof to the old one. Obviously, this isn’t how a quality operator
will undertake a project. A quality operator will insist on completely removing the old roof to check for structural damage to the frame. It is not advisable to install a new roof over an asbestos roof as drilling into asbestos is forbidden.

4. Are you prepared to give me a detailed quote and honour it?

This goes without saying, but you should never trust anyone that is only prepared to give vague details as to how much the final cost will be. A good roofing contractor will have a depth of experience and be able to come up with a very accurate estimate and quote as to how much everything will cost.

5. What are your contingency plans?

It’s easy for a roofing contractor to finish a job in perfect conditions. But what if a freakrainstorm blows through? You need to be sure that your contractor has the know-how to deal with whatever challenge is thrown at them and be able to work in a way that will limit damage to your home. ACR Roofing removes and replaces sections of asbestos
roof at a time to eliminate the potential of damage due to inclement weather.

6. Do you have employees or do you subcontract?

A company that uses subcontractors isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you just have to keep in mind that you need to ask subcontractors the same questions as you asked the initial contractor. All of ACR Roofing’s personnel are full-time employees with many years’ experience with the team. The company’s plumbers are also asbestos removalists.

7. What post-job care can you offer me?

Any quality contractor will be confident enough in their skills to offer a comprehensive warranty on their work. An excellent contractor will provide you with post-care service including post-completion check-ups and an offer to provide minor repairs. Building owners are entitled to a six-year plumbing warranty; however, ACR Roofing issues an extra four years on top – guaranteeing the roof for 10 years.

8. Do you have a folio?

Contractors should have a sizeable folio demonstrating the quality projects they have completed in the past. It’s even better if they can pass on a sample of what past clients have said about their work.

9. What’s your ABN?

If the company doesn’t have an ABN it means they aren’t a registered company, so steer clear of them.

10. What products and suppliers do you use?

A contractor should have a list of quality suppliers with whom they have good relationships. These relationships will
allow your contractor to purchase the best products at reduced prices and pass these savings on to you.

A tip: always ask for Australian BlueScope products.

The post ACR feature in Facility Management Magazine appeared first on ACR Roofing.

We are blessed with some of the most vivid and colourful landscapes in the world. From the ochre of the desert to the blue of the sea and the green of our lush rainforests, we are literally surrounded by colour. Colorbond steel noticed these colours and decided to create a range of Colorbond colours that reflected the beauty surrounding us.

That’s why you can look at each of the Colorbond colours and feel the inspiration behind them. You can literally use Colorbond colour scheme to make your own landscape.

For example, Terrain is inspired by the most Aussie of landscapes – the outback. Inspired by endless red dirt and spinifex this colour exudes all the warmth and depth of the outback. The endless ocean that surrounds us inspires Deep Ocean and it also conjures up a sense of a misty, far-away mountain range such as the Blue Mountains.

Jasper is a testament to our eucalypt forests and you can really smell the gum and the feel the mist when you look at it. Pale Eucalypt goes one step further and mimics the colour of the eucalypt leaf, creating an entirely natural feeling from a manmade substance.

What About the City?

In addition to these colours inspired by nature, Colorbond has also paid testament to our urban side. The six new Colorbond colours reflect the movement and pace of our bustling city centers. Galactic is crisp, white and extremely adaptable. Aries blends the natural and the urban creating a copper colour, reflecting the way the bush and the city merge seamlessly at the edges. Celestian is the darkest of the colours and reflects the strength and solidity of our urban communities.

Choosing the Right Colorbond Colours

With all of those choices you may be feeling a little bewildered as to what will work with your home. When choosing your colour for your Colorbond roofing or colour scheme you need to take a few factors into consideration.

Firstly, you need to look at your environment. Colorbond would never be the success it is if it didn’t take cues from it’s environment and you need to do the same. If you live in the bush choose complimenting colours and if you live in the city do the same. You want your house to make a statement without being a jarring presence.

Secondly, you need to think about the style of your home. Colorbond has a color to suit your home; you just need to decide on your mission. If you want something contemporary go for mixes of bold and plain colours to create contrasts. If you want something traditional stick with the more traditional colours, such as Classic Cream and Cottage Green.

When building or renovating a home you can’t go past Colorbond. It is a truly remarkable product and a rare example of function meshing perfectly with aesthetics. The Colorbond colours also remind us to take cues from our environment and create the harmonies and contrasts that make our natural landscape so beautiful.

If you need any more assistance, contact the team at ACR Roofing. They’re the experts on all things Colorbond and they know how to get the best out of it so you can get the best out of your property and your Melbourne roofing.

The post Colorbond Colours Explained appeared first on ACR Roofing.

At ACR Roofing we’ve hand-picked the best roofing contractors in Melbourne and from all over the country to work under our brand, so we know exactly what types of questions you need to ask in order to get the best roof possible.

Are you licensed and insured?

You need to ensure that anyone undertaking a roof replacement at your property is licensed to perform the work and has all the appropriate insurances (such as public liability) to finish the job safely and properly. If they aren’t willing to prove they are licensed and insured, then turn them away.

What sort of communication can you offer me?

A good roof specialist will be happy to hand over a business card or a phone number that you can call whenever you need to. Ideally, they should also supply th  name and phone number of the project or company supervisor as well.

Will you completely remove my old roof or just put the roof replacement on top?

The easy option for any contractor is just to fix the new roof to the old one. Obviously, this isn’t how a quality operator will undertake a project. A quality operator will insist on completely removing the old roof to check if there is any structural damage to the frame of the roof before carrying out the roof replacement in Melbourne.

Are you prepared to give me a detailed quote and honour it?

This goes without saying, but you should never trust anyone that is only prepared to give vague details as to how much the final cost will be. A good roofing contractor will have a depth of experience and be able to come up with a very accurate estimate and quote as to how much everything will cost.

What are your contingency plans?

It’s easy for a Melbourne roofing company to finish a job in perfect conditions. But what if a freak rainstorm blows through? Or halfway through the job the contractor realises that there is something structurally wrong with your house? You need to be sure that your roof specialist has the know how to deal with whatever challenge is thrown at them and be able to work in a way that will limit damage to your home.

Do you have employees or do you subcontract?

A roof replacement company that using subcontractors isn’t necessarily a bad thing, you just have to keep in mind that you need to ask subcontractors the same questions as you asked the initial roofing contractor. The ideal situation is to have a team of contractors all wearing the same uniform and working under one company name this gives you the best chance of having a consistent application throughout the lifetime of the job.

What post-job care can you offer me?

Any quality roofing contractor will be confident enough in their skills to offer a comprehensive warranty on their roof replacement work. An excellent contractor will provide you with post-care service including post-completion check-ups and an offer to provide any minor repairs that were missed.

Do you have a folio?

Your contractor should have a sizeable portfolio demonstrating the quality roof replacement projects they have completed in the past. It’s even better if they can pass on a sample of what past clients have said about their work.

What’s your ABN?

If the company doesn’t have an ABN it means they aren’t a registered company, so steer clear of them. Unregistered roof replacement companies can disappear whenever they want and good luck finding them.

What products and suppliers do you use?

Your roofing contractor should have a list of quality suppliers that they have good relationships with. These relationships will allow your contractor to purchase the best products for your roofing projects at reduced prices and pass these savings on to you.

The post 10 Things to Ask Your Roofing Contractor appeared first on ACR Roofing.

Not only is hail damage relatively uneasy to detect, but it can also be a costly problem to building owners. In some circumstances, hail has caused up to $1 billion of damage over the course of one year. With this being said, it is important to ready your roof for hail this winter, instilling some preventative measures to help minimise any hail related damage to your property.

Roofing Materials

The older a roof is, the more susceptible it may be to the hazards of the natural elements, however each roof system is different, providing different degrees of resistance against certain threats. If your area is prone to hailstorms, it may be worth choosing or upgrading to a roofing system that provides some degree of impact-resistance.

To find the roofing that is best for you, it is best to consult a roofing contractor like ACR Roofing about the materials that are ideal for your situation. They can help guide you through the decision-making process, giving you the best solution for your needs.

Trim the Trees

In the event of a hailstorm, damage can cause the trees or branches surrounding your property to break. If the trees are tall enough when this occurs, they may come down, potentially hitting your roof. If a tree falls onto your roof, this may cause cracks, punctures, or gaping holes.

It is important to take the time to attend to the surrounding trees, trimming any branches that might pose a threat. If you live in an area that is prone to hazardous weather, it may be best to avoid this potential circumstance altogether, by keeping any landscaping or tall gardening a safe distance from your roof.

Take Precautions

If your commercial roof was built in the last few decades, it will most likely have equipment installed into the roof. Materials like HVAC are vulnerable to hail, and can be damaged without the proper protection. Installing protective shields can help to defend against hail damage, guarding the equipment within your roofing system.

It is also important to look out for missing granules in your roof, as this is a common result of hail damage. Hail can erode the protective coating of granules on your roof shingles, which help to defend against UV rays. Exposed shingles weaken and age with sun damage, which can decrease the life span of your roof. To combat this, a trusted contractor can be consulted after a big hail-storm, allowing them to check the roof for granule loss.

Although these may seem like costly precautions, it will definitely save you money in the event of hail damage.

Conduct a Thorough Roof Inspection

After any major hailstorm, it is important to perform a thorough roof inspection. While superficial damage may be obvious initially, it is essential to reach out to a roofer or contractor as soon as possible, as a pair of trained eyes can save you lots of trouble and money down the line.

Use this time to ask questions and gather as much information as you can about protecting your roof from the elements. This can ensure your system is getting the attention it needs and it is being constantly attended to with the utmost care.

After a Hail Storm

Chances are, your roof will cop a bit of a beating this hail season. This is inevitable. However, there are a number of things to do following a hailstorm that can save you a lot of time and money. Look out for the following warning signs during an initial inspection, helping you to assess the damage

• Look out for dents or spots on the roof – there may be where hail and debris has struck
• Note any missing granules in your gutters
• Water spots on the underside of the roof

Following a hailstorm, it is always a good idea to consult a professional. ACR Roofing specialises in all metal and colorbond roofs, helping you protect your property this winter.

The post Hailstorms and Your Commercial Roofing appeared first on ACR Roofing.

Many people will attempt to winter-proof their home this winter, however, the most important thing to remember is to develop a clear plan of action.

Conduct a thorough roof inspection

When was the last time you checked the state of your roof? The state of your roof can determine whether your home stands up to the colder weather. Damaged roof tiles, shingles, guttering and pipes can give winds a route to your home. With this in mind, it is crucial you check these areas to ensure they are free from debris and water. If there are openings in the exterior, or there is a structural problem in the roof cavity, it is paramount to ensure these are repaired as soon as possible. Conducting a thorough roof check is a crucial step when letting your home defend from the elements. You can also hire a roofing contractor or Melbourne roof replacement company to carry out a roof inspection for you.

Trim the overhang

During summer, plants and greenery are very welcome. During the colder months however, they can become a bit of a hazard. Rain, or even snow can add extra weight to the overhang of your trees and bushes. The unwanted snapping of any branches or trees may result in roof damage. It is best to just avoid this possibility altogether, trimming the unnecessary foliage on surrounding greenery.

Insulate your home

While majority of new homes come with built in insulation, the majority of existing properties must do this themselves. When heat escapes from your attic/loft, it melts the snow and ice. This results in a build up in your gutters, placing great stress on them. It can even cause a water build up that can leak into your home. Insulating your loft is key to ensuring as little heat escapes from your home as possible. It can also have great financial and environmental benefits. Although each insulation pattern is different, depending on the shape of your roof, loft insulation can help homeowners reduce their energy bills by 25% each year. It has also gone some way to reduce carbon emissions. By properly insulating the underside of your roof, it will ensure you keep the heat in and the unwanted cold out.

Clean your gutters

Clogged drains and gutters can do as much damage to your home as a leaking roof can. Gutters collect rain runoff and carry it away from the home- however this system can break down. When it rains, instead of carrying all that water away from the house, a clogged gutter will simply hold onto it right up against the edge of the roof. When this build up occurs, the water can go under the shingles, pressing moisture into the roof. This can lead up to a build up of mould and mildew, weakening your homes foundation and walls. To avoid long-term structural damage, it is important to clean your gutters out a couple of times a year. 

Consult a professional

While simple inspections, repairs and maintenance are easy enough to complete on your own, sometimes an expert can provide valuable insight. If you have any reason to be especially worried about the state of your roof, or if you would rather be safe than sorry, you should call a roofing specialist to conduct a thorough check and carry out all repairs. Having your  roof repair done properly can save you money come winter, while even preventing a roof replacement if a disaster occurs. 

Winter-proofing your roof is not only environmentally conscious, but it can also save you a lot of money during the colder months. If you need more information on preparing your roof during this winter, contact our friendly team at ACR Roofing. We are the most experienced Melbourne roof replacement company, priding ourselves on the peace of mind we provide our customers. A roof is every building’s first line of defense from the elements, so we are committed to ensuring that every roof is protected this winter.

The post How to Winter-Proof Your Roof appeared first on ACR Roofing.

Failure to look after your property’s roof is a failure to look after your commercial interests. A fully functioning roof allows your property to enjoy maximum uptime, operate efficiently and ensure the safety of the building and the safety of your employees. On the other hand, a faulty roof opens you up to internal damage, loss of working hours and possible injuries to your employees.

Here are a few tips on ensuring that your commercial roof is able to do its job and take care of your most valuable asset.

Signs of a Commercial Roofing Leak

• Damage to roof flashings: The flashings on your roof play an incredibly important role in weather protection. The flashing is the weather resistant material that is placed over the joints of the roof and if this is damaged your commercial roofing is far more susceptible to water infiltration. You should check your flashing for damage frequently, especially after a dose of extreme weather such as hail or strong wind.
• Bubbling and Tearing: The presence of little bubbles or tears, or raised sections on your roof is a sure sign that there is moisture trapped inside the surface of your roof. During heavy winds these bubbles and tears can be torn and provide the perfect entry point for water during the next heavy downpour. You should always check for tears in your roof after heavy winds.
• Puddling: If you notice any puddles on your roof you should call out a commercial roofing contractor straight away. Not only do puddles increase the rate of roof deterioration and rusting, they can lead to roof collapse due to the increase of weight caused by excess water retention.

Signs You Need A Commercial Roof Replacement

While all the above problems can be addressed using patch ups and quick fixes, sometimes the best course of action is to rip up your old roof and give your property a brand new one. Temporary fixes may save you in the short term but those repeated calls to the commercial roofing contractor do add up and eventually the degradation will become so severe that you will be forced to foot the bill of an interior repair job as well as a new roof. Here are some sure fire signs that you need a commercial roof replacement, not simply a roof repair:

• Constant Leaking: A one-off roof leak can probably be fixed with a patch-up job. If you are constantly noticing leaks all over your roof it is time for a commercial roof replacement. During a light shower a leak wont cause too much damage, however, if your property is subject to heavy rain that leak could quickly become a waterfall that will cause huge damage to your property.
• Sagging: Sagging is a more severe form of puddling. If you notice depressions in your roof you should get your roof replaced as quickly as possible or your roof could collapse. There really is no time to waste if you notice any sagging, don’t risk the safety of your property call out a commercial roofing contractor as soon as you can.
• Age: Even the most fastidious of property owners will have to replace their roof eventually. No two roofs are the same but chances are, if your roof is over 25-years old it is probably due for a replacement. The repair bills for old roofs can quickly add up and you may find that a one-off outlay for a new roof will quickly pay for itself.

The hardest part about looking after your roof and protecting your property is that the roof is largely invisible. On a large commercial property you have to go to considerable lengths to inspect the health of your roof but this effort is definitely worthwhile when you consider the damage you can prevent just by carrying out a check.

If you’re unsure about anything or don’t have the time to carry out a through inspection, contact a quality commercial roofing company in Melbourne, like ACR Roofing. A little bit of advice could go a long way to preventing the operation, efficiency and safety of your property form being compromised.

The post Tips for Commercial Roofing Leaks appeared first on ACR Roofing.

A roof is every building’s first line of defence from the elements and natural hazards such as wind, hail, snow, rain, ice, and extreme heat. The fact that it protects the occupants and property in a building makes it the most vulnerable and will remain as the number one asset.

If you’ve been kind to your Colorbond during storage and installation, you’ll be pleased to know that for the most part the maintenance tasks end here. Colorbond roofing that is exposed to rain throughout the year won’t need any maintenance at all. The rain will wash all the dirt away and keep it looking good as new.

Parts that are protected from the rain will need a bit of TLC every now and then. Areas such as wall cladding, fascias and garage doors that don’t receive any rain can build up condensation, which can lead to erosion. This risk is intensified if you live close to the sea as the build up of salt can slowly chip away at the appearance of your Colorbond roof.

In light of this, Bluescope recommends that owners wash their segments of Colorbond that are hidden form the rain every six months whilst Colorbond that is subject to sea spray should be washed every six months.

The best way to do this is to build up a routine, so every time you water the garden you should give your Colorbond fence a wash and every time you wash the car make sure you aim the hose at the garage door for a quick spray down. For heavy dirt build up Bluescope recommends the use of a pure soap solution or non-abrasive detergent mixed with water. It’s important that only sponges or soft cloths are used to wipe the dirt away, using abrasive steel brushes or steel wool can cause irreparable damage to the surface of the Colorbond. The same goes for your choice of solution; you should never use turps or kerosene to wash your Colorbond. After cleaning you need to thoroughly rinse the Colorbond ensuring no soap or detergent is left on the surface.

Follow these simple guidelines and your Colorbond roof or fence will stay as good as new for years to come. When you compare a quick hose down or a scrub every 3-6 months to the hassle of getting a roofing contactor around to replace cracked tiles it’s easy to see why so many people are going Colorbond.

The post How to Care for Colorbond appeared first on ACR Roofing.

That’s why it’s important to understand how to protect your home from these weather extremes. Your roof is your first line of defense from the wintery weather we’re experiencing at the moment. Preparation, the type of roofing materials used, and roof installation and ongoing roof maintenance are key to surviving any weather extreme.

In most cases, your roof will have to contend with wind, hail and rain all at the same time (particularly given that hail occurs only when strong winds carry raindrops high up into the atmosphere). Your roof has to be able to stand up to the strong winds or it won’t be able to protect your house.

If you live in an area that is prone to high winds, then your roof must be designed accordingly. Flat roofs, for example, are more susceptible to wind damage (due to upward forces) than pitched roofs. A well-designed roof will force the wind down the walls and to the ground. If you live in an old house, it’s important that you check your roof is securely bolted down. Chances are, you’ll find that your roof is not actually up to modern standards. Spending a bit of money upgrading your old roof with a roof replacement will save you a lot of money in the long run.

If you live in an area that is prone to hailstorms, as Melbourne can be during the winter months, then your choice of roofing material is important. Hailstones can be the size of golf balls, so if they puncture your roof it leaves your house susceptible to water damage.

Here at ACR Roofing, if you want a roof for your home or factory that is going to stand the test of time, then we always recommend a steel or Colorbond roof. The advantages of Colorbond are numerous:

• Colorbond offers a high degree of security in terms of wind protection; roof tiles are much more likely to blow off your roof in gale force winds than a properly installed Colorbond roof.
• Water quickly and easily runs off Colorbond roof sheeting. Unlike tiled roofs, that can experience the pooling of water in areas which may be damaged, cracked, or improperly installed, the ridges in Colorbond sheeting are designed to wick away rainwater. There is less change of leaks inside your home with Colorbond.
• Virtually no maintenance is required for Colorbond roofing. The colour is literally bonded to the metal, which means that painting is not required as often as other metal roofing materials.

Regular roof and gutter maintenance is another key aspect when it comes to preparing your property for extreme weather. If you live in high-rainfall areas you need to ensure your roof and gutter system is able to keep water from entering the house.

An obvious thing to do is to ensure that your gutters and pipes are cleared of any debris. You should clean out your gutters and downpipes every three months to en sure they’re in good working condition. If they’re not, replace them.

The best way to check whether your roof needs some TLC is to climb into the roof space underneath. From there, you can easily see areas where light filters through, you can check wooden frames for sign of sagging, and you should be able to see any cracks, holes and water-damage.

Preparation and maintenance is the key to ensuring your roof is equipped to do its job, which is protecting your house and belongings from Melbourne’s wild, wintry weather.

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