Looking to refurbish your home?
Whether you’re preparing it for sale or simply want to reinvigorate your space for the next generation, your roof plays a critical role in protecting your house, and is a common starting point for such improvements.
New roofing can improve your home’s value, protect it from the elements, and gives it an instant facelift.
Thinking about new metal roof installation?
It’s a big investment that leads to even bigger reward, so before you get started, we thought we’d take the opportunity to share some common mistakes we’ve seen in the past – ones you’ll want to avoid!
If you’re planning metal roofing in Melbourne, you’ll want to read this first…
Mistake #1: Measurement errors
We get it, you’re only human; we all make mistakes.
Fortunately, most of the time measurement errors are picked up during the planning process.
While this isn’t ideal and can delay your completion date, it’s still a lot better than only discovering the issue once your roof is installed.
Metal roofing measurement and estimates need to be done correctly right from the start to avoid technical errors. That’s why our team triple checks all of our measurements during this stage.
Wrong measurements can lead the wrong sizes of metal roofing panels being ordered – that’s why it’s so important to do a field measurement the instant the panels come in.
In cases where we’re cutting metal roofing sheets on-site however, our team has strict processes and strategies in place to minimise mistake and guarantee accuracy.
Mistake #2: Incorrect installation of fasteners
If you want to ensure quality work and efficient metal roof installation, you have to ensure that you select and install the right roofing fasteners.
When it comes to fastening a roof to your house, most fastening systems use screws that are drilled directly into your roof structure.
You’d think it would be simple, right? Unfortunately, it isn’t, as many newcomers to the industry find out.
When screws aren’t set right, this can cause issues. It’s especially problematic if the screws are over- or under-tightened, as this can cause damage like cracks or roof leaks.
Why does my metal roof look wavy?
In some rare cases, incorrect fasteners can result in something we call oil canning.
Metal expands and contracts with heat. This makes your metal roofing stretch and pull in various directions.
If your metal roof fasteners are under-tightened or not fitted properly into the panel seam, you face a much higher risk of this happening – and that’s on top of the risk of leaks.
Over time, this can give your roof a wavy look – something that can be quite obvious if you’ve gone with flat panelling instead of the traditional corrugated iron look.
Mistake #4: Using the wrong underlayment – what do you put under a metal roof?
It isn’t just the metal itself – your roof is an entire system that works together to protect you from the elements.
Part of that is the underlayment you choose for your roof.
In many cases, less experienced metal roofing installers simply may not know the difference between different underlayment types or brands, which can lead to issues further down the line.
Metal roofing underlayment and sarking fill many functions, with the main one being providing an extra layer of protection under your metal roofing.
On top of that, it also plays a role in keeping your home cool, helping with insulation and protecting your home from leaks and damage. It even acts as a vapour barrier and provides sound insulation.
These are important roles, which is why it’s so important that you get this stage right!
Mistake #5: Using the wrong metal roofing panel
Just as choosing the right roofing material is a must for any metal roofing project, choosing the right type of metal roofing panel can be quite challenging.
Make the wrong call however, and you might find yourself running into major roofing issues further down the line.
As there are so many designs and shapes to choose from.
Not only do they change how your roof appears, but they also influence the installation process, as well as what sorts of issues can pop up in your roof over time.
There are also some factors to consider when choosing the right type of metal roofing metal panel, such as:
- Slope
- Panel type
- Roofing geometry
- Engineering design
Whatever your home looks like however, it’s crucial that you get in touch with a metal roofing professional to help you make this important decision.
Mistake #6: Is installing a metal roof difficult? The hazards of ignoring roof plumbing
Everyone focuses on their metal roofing itself when it comes to roofing installation (and understandably so – it’s the star of the show).
However, this often comes at the expense of other crucial parts of your roof – namely, your roof plumbing.
Many put less mental effort into designing their downpipes, spouts and gutters. This is a major mistake, as these play a major role in protecting your home from:
- Water damage
- Staining
- Roof leaks
- Corrosion, wear and tear
A poorly-designed guttering system might not have the capacity to deal with all the rainwater that hits your roof, resulting in your roof turning into a waterfall, which in turn can lead to water damage and flooding (as the water is pooling under your roof instead of draining).
And in other cases, it’s simply a case of cutting corners with your guttering thanks to the belief that it “isn’t as important”.
A skilled, experienced and licensed roof provides the right roofing solutions. That includes roof plumbing and guttering. Be sure to choose metal roofing contractors who have plenty of experience with roof plumbing as well!
Choose the right metal installation expert
Call Watermaster Roofing today!
When it comes to metal roofing in Brighton, St Kilda or anywhere else in Melbourne’s south-east, there’s only one team to call: ours.
We’re specialists in metal roofing – and specifically, in metal roofing. If your plan calls for metal roofing in particular, you need to choose a team (like ours) that works exclusively with this type of roofing.
We can answer all of your questions about metal roofing, including “will a black metal roof makes your house hotter?”, whether, generally, metal roofs make your house hotter, and what gauge is best for your needs.
Our team of expert roofing contractors is dedicated to giving you the best and most cost-efficient roofing solutions that meet all Australian standards.
Watermaster Roofing is made up of qualified, licensed and registered roofing contractors that provide a 6-year contractor warranty and compliance certificate for all of our work that covers most installation issues.
Whatever it is, we can help you with it, including installation, replacement, repairs, maintenance, plumbing, and guttering.
Call Watermaster Roofing on 1300 576 075 or request a quote for your next roofing project.