What is repointing and does your roof really need it?

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Roof-Repointing

Roof maintenance is one of those things that is easy to ignore…until you can’t.

Roof tile repointing can be a cost-effective service to have carried out on your roof, and has the potential to prevent much more costly issues down the track. Here, we’ll discuss what is involved in roof repointing and the reasons why you might consider booking a professional to come and give your roof some love.

What is repointing?

Roof pointing is the cured concrete and mortar that holds parts of your tiles roof into place and assists in keeping them watertight. As your property ages, the give, or elasticity, of pointing can reduce and result in cracking. Cracks in your pointing can lead to water getting in, and once that happens, the damage can really escalate.

The material used in more modern homes is more flexible pointing, and can expand and contract with changing weather extremes. Repointing the roof tiles on your property can be hugely beneficial in extending the longevity of your roof and like many forms of roof maintenance, investing a little now can save thousands of dollars later on.

Roof capping tiles, otherwise known as ridge tiles are vital to your roof maintaining its ability to keep water out. Pointing is applied to the exposed edges of ridge capping tiles to seal them against rainfall. Older roofs with brittle and cracked pointing can be repointed with more flexible material.

How do you know if your roof needs repointing?

If there are obvious signs of a roof leak, such as water entering the roof space, it’s time to call a professional in for a roof inspection. Not only can a roofer tell if your roof needs repointing, but they will also be able to look at other fixtures, fastenings, and damage that may need addressing.

Other indicators that you may need repointing include visible gaps in the mortar around tiles and finding fragments of cement or roof tiles in your guttering. As a rule of thumb, if your home is more than 25 years old, you may have loose or damaged roof pointing, among other areas that could need attention. Homes situated in leafy areas that received heavy fallout from vegetation, and properties that have to withstand strong winds and salt spray in coastal settings can need more regular roof maintenance than those that are more sheltered.

Other signs that general roof and gutter maintenance could be overdue include:

  • Evidence of water entering the roof, such as stains on the ceiling, peeling paint, or visible mold;
  • Cracked or dislodged roof tiles;
  • Guttering that has come loose or is sagging;
  • Excessive lichen growth on your roof.

It’s easy to put off roof maintenance, but failure to address wear and tear now can result in an insurance claim being denied if you suffer water damage when the next big storm rolls through. Many insurance policies come with a clause that requires property owners to carry out regular maintenance, and that includes having a professional inspect your roof and address any issues that may need attention.

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