Trouble Shooting Guide to Your Roofing and Roof/Deck Solutions

They used to say that every man’s home is his castle and what better way to enjoy the lifestyle of one’s home to ensure that it is built as a watertight structure. This means it requires an adequate and proper roof canopy covering with a durable waterproof barrier. Unfortunately this is not always the case and due to inadequate planning or specification or a failure to carry out roofing works within the provisions of the relevant Standards many buildings today suffer water damage and demise. Thankfully the more active role of women in the planning stage is slowly assisting against that demise.

Here are some helpful hints for both general roofing comprising slate, concrete and terracotta roof tiling or the typical colourbond metal roof sheeting and some more useful and mandatory hints on the constructions of decks where they have been constructed as roofs over sections of your buildings interior:

1.      In considering the use of slate roofs or repair to an existing aged structure or “Heritage” type dwelling there will be a need for careful planning and resourcing to obtain matching slate products with much stock having been damaged in the Sydney hail storms.

2.      When using concrete or terracotta roof tiles ensure that the contractor or builder is aware of the various Australian Standards for both the spacing and durability of tiles and the installation and treatment of the silver sarking under the tiles. Many of today’s water leaks on these types of roofs generally derive from both a poor knowledge of the application of the Standards or poor application of the products during the workmanship installation stage. You should consult your local Building Information Officer for further advice should you have concerns regarding your roof during its installation.

3.      Colourbond roofing today is available in curved sections whereby it can be applied to “organic curved roofs” or fit most conventional ridge and hip roof structures. The need to apply the correct gauge of sheeting and flashing systems is critical. Colourbond roofing can also be matched to vertical facades of the building and hence give an overall pleasing and aesthetic finish to the structure but be careful of vertical membranes. Your local Building Consultant is able to advise you on the best methods of planning your roof, façade and waterproof systems.

4.      Solarium and conservatory roofs are today becoming more and more popular. You should ensure that the glass fits to the safety provisions of the Australian Standards and the water integrity design of the roof should also prevent corrosion of its metal trimmings. These types of roofs can often project the “bringing the outdoors indoor” type effect giving a peaceful amenity to the northern areas of your building. Proper planning and consultation on conservatory and solariums is generally available through your local Building Information Consultant.

5.      One of the more widely used roofs today is the application and construction of tiled/slate or concrete decks which form a part of a “roof structure” over the lower living areas of your building. A common problem with this type of roof structure is the lack of membrane application, the selection of the wrong type of membrane and the failure to induct the membrane into the cavity. Your local building expert and building consultants should be your first port of call when designing your balcony/deck/roof over your living area as such. The cost to remediate these types of problems is often expensive and with good quality planning and membrane selection in the first instance the problems can often be avoided (see the following Trouble Shooting and Expo Information Guide in this issue).

These useful hints on roofing solutions and problem solving have been supplied by Terrence Dessaix from Cromer Consulting Services 0422 112 667 ccsdessaix@bigpond.com. Fax sheets are also available (02) 9972 0915.