Your roof is your home's first line of defence against the elements. In Canberra, that means defending against intense UV in summer, repeated freeze-thaw cycles in winter, hailstorms, high winds, and torrential downpours during storm season. A well-maintained roof handles all of this. A neglected roof slowly fails, letting water in and causing damage that costs far more to repair than the maintenance would have.
The good news is that basic roof maintenance is straightforward. Most of it can be done from the ground, and the more involved tasks only need professional attention once or twice a year. Here is a practical guide to keeping your roof in good shape.
Once a month, take a few minutes to walk around your home and look up at the roof. You do not need to get on the roof - binoculars can help if you want a closer look. You are looking for:
Inside the home, look at ceilings for new water stains, peeling or bubbling paint, and any musty odours that could indicate moisture in the ceiling cavity. These quick checks take less than 10 minutes and can catch problems early.
Clean gutters are essential for a healthy roof. When gutters block, water backs up under your roofing material and overflows down your walls. Both scenarios cause damage.
In Canberra, we recommend gutter cleaning at least twice a year:
If your home has many overhanging trees - common in suburbs like Deakin, Curtin, Duffy, and Rivett - you may need an additional clean in mid-winter.
Safety is paramount. If your gutters are more than one storey above ground, or if reaching them requires a ladder on uneven ground, leave this to professionals. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of home injury in Australia.
Overhanging branches cause multiple problems for your roof. They drop leaves into gutters, scratch and damage roof surfaces in wind, create shaded damp areas that encourage moss growth, and provide a highway for possums to access your roof cavity.
As a general rule, keep all branches trimmed back at least 2 metres from your roof surface. In Canberra, some tree work requires approval from the ACT Government if the tree is on unleased territory land or is a registered significant tree. Check before you cut.
Moss and lichen growth on tile roofs is common in Canberra, particularly on south-facing slopes that get less direct sun. While moss looks harmless, it traps moisture against the tile surface and accelerates deterioration. Over time, this makes tiles more porous, which leads to water absorption and freeze-thaw cracking.
Small amounts of moss can be left alone, but if growth is significant (covering more than 10 to 15 percent of the roof surface), professional cleaning is recommended. Do not try to pressure-wash your own roof - incorrect technique can damage tiles, force water under the overlap, and create a serious fall hazard.
If your home has an accessible roof cavity (most do, via a manhole in the ceiling), an annual check is worthwhile. Choose a dry day and take a torch. Look for:
Do not walk on ceiling joists unless you are confident they can support your weight - stepping through a plasterboard ceiling is an expensive mistake. Use a sturdy plank across the joists if you need to move around.
While the checks above help you catch obvious problems, there is no substitute for a professional roof inspection. An experienced roofer can identify issues that are invisible from the ground - hairline tile cracks, early flashing failures, corroded valley flashings hidden under tile edges, and structural issues only visible from on-roof or inside the cavity.
We recommend a professional inspection at least every 12 months for roofs older than 10 years, and every 2 years for newer roofs. Our $99 inspections cover the entire roof - every tile, flashing, valley, ridge cap, gutter, and accessible areas of the roof cavity. You receive a detailed written report with photos within 24 hours.
Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what to avoid:
Keep a simple record of all roof maintenance and repairs. Note the date, what was done, who did it, and the cost. This record is useful for tracking recurring issues, supporting insurance claims, and adds value when you sell the property. A home with documented roof maintenance history gives buyers confidence.
Whether you need a gutter clean, a professional inspection, or repairs to issues you have spotted, we can help. We cover all ACT suburbs, 7 days a week. Book online or call (02) 5133 5608.
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Australia's diverse climate puts unique demands on roofing materials. From bushfire preparation to UV protection and tropical humidity, here are maintenance tips tailored for Australian conditions.
Book a free estimate or call us for honest, no-obligation advice. We cover all ACT suburbs, 7 days a week.
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