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WHAT ARE THE ROOF DEFECTS FOUND IN BUILDING INSPECTION?

ROOF DEFECTS during Building Inspection

23% of houses have been found with roof defects in building inspection by inspectors during the building inspection. Broken tiles, missing tiles, problems with roof sheeting are some of the common defective roof examples.  Any defective roof covering problems can directly lead to water penetration from outside, damage to the ceiling, insulation damage, and mold in the roof cavity.

The average cost of roof replacement is $13,000 dollars (Source: Hiretrades.com.au). According to serviceseeking.com, the average cost of repairing defects is falls between $1,000 to $3,000. A building inspection warns you about the roof defect and its costs.

Building Inspection Council has compiled a list of common found roof defects in building inspection

1. Slipped /Broken tile

A slipped/ broken tile may be because of a change in weather such as o pressure of wind, heavy rains, slippery snow, snow weight, hail, etc.  This results in damaged roof tiles and the availability of a similar type of roof tile in the market becomes a problem.

2. Dryness & Cracking

Whether your roof is small or big, old or new, the roof membrane gets easily cracked and dry in the summer season. The main reason is exposure to the sun, pollution, and constant change in weather.

3. Blistering

Blistering is common damage seen on the rooftop and is formed due to exposure to the sun. It looks ugly and if the problem is not addressed earlier then results in failure or maybe replacement of the roofing system.

4. Base Flashing

Base flashing is used at the joint between the surface of the roof and a vertical surface to protect against water penetration. The main reasons are low height, incorrect fastening to the surface, poor adhesion, poor coating, weak insulation, etc.

5. Dampness

During heavy rains, hail, snow, dampness get developed in the buildings. This allows moss growth, flashing of the roof membrane.

6. Water Leakage

Leaking Roofs - Building Inspection CouncilMost of the problems or defect in building roof lead to the water leaks through the roof. A water leak or water dripping can result in moisture forming under the roof which can lead to mold and rot inside the roof cavity.

7. Formation of Algae

Algae is formed when collected water is not removed. This causes dampness and deteriorates the roof membrane. Roof tiles particularly terracotta tiles are prone to moss growth.

8. Water Ponding

The collection of water on the rooftop is called water ponding. This is mainly seen during rains and happens due to improper slope, drainage issues, gutter problems, etc. 

9. Roof Shrinkage

Roof shrinkage is the shrinking or cracking of the roof membrane. The problem is caused due to poor manufacture, exposure to UV rays, and inappropriate application of the roof tiles. It is commonly seen in EPDM or modified bitumen roofs.

10. Blocked valley & Gutters/ Clogging

Clogging, blocking of gutters and valley is caused due to lack of maintenance, dampness, residual debris. This encourages the growth of moss on the rooftop and also increases the weight of the roof.

11. Rooftop Equipment's

These days most of the rooftop has an a/c compressor, solar panels, an antenna on the roof. These equipment’s need the regular attention. The maintenance of such equipment generates heat on the rooftop. So, on the base, there are higher chances that the tiles get demaged.

12. Rusting

Rusting and corrosion are formed with the reaction of oxygen and water on the metal elements. It is natural and metal parts need to be protected using paint or by keeping them dry.

Inspecting Roof during Building InspectionAs mentioned above, the roof defects are serious and can cause problems in the other parts of the houses in long run. These defects are impossible to detect without proper resources (ladder, safety lines, etc) and expensive to repair. A building inspection can protect you from all these issues.

Building Inspection Council is a not-for-profit organization that helps Australian property buyers with free building inspection quotes from local inspectors and warn you about roof defects in building inspections. The best thing about being a not-for-profit organization is that we do not have to compromise for profit. You get genuine and honest quotes free of cost. CLICK HERE FOR FREE QUOTES

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ROOF DEFECTS during Building Inspection