Most areas of Australia are subject to extremes in weather, particularly Melbourne. In the winter months, Melbourne experiences chilly temperatures, rail, hail and sever wind gusts. And yet, in Summer, we often have multiple days in a row where the mercury reaches over 40 degrees.
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.