The thought of living in your roof mightn’t be very attractive to you – however, for many others your roof is the equivalent of a 5-star hotel!
Over the years, Watermaster’s roof plumbers have faced many types of roofs and associated problems.
We’ve seen a lot of different types of roofing damage – including more than our fair share of unwelcome guests squatting in roofs all over Melbourne.
You’d be surprised by what might be living in your roof. Here are just a handful of roof dwellers we’ve seen over the years, and how roof repairs keep unwanted creatures out.
“Hello, possums”
As nocturnal creatures, possums need a safe place to rest during the day. In nature, that usually takes the form of tree hollows.
However, thanks to increasing urbanisation, roof cavities are quickly becoming the most popular choice on the possum real estate market, with an estimated 45% choosing roofs as their new homes.
It isn’t hard to see why either. Roofs offer…
- Shelter from the elements
- Protection from cats and dogs
- And most importantly, they’re dark and cosy
The problem is that possums make for poor tenants!
For starters, they don’t pay rent. Worse, they may cause serious damage to your ceiling. In particular, possum urine can soak through your ceiling, giving your home a nasty ammonia smell.
Rats, there are rats in your roof!
There are two common types of rat in Australia: the brown rat and the black rat – while both are commonly considered pests, today we’ll be focusing on the second type – otherwise known as roof rats.
No prizes for guessing how that name came to be!
While brown rats prefer tunneling, black rats prefer living in urban environments.
One reason for this is food – while risky, living in people’s homes places them much closer to potential food sources (read: your kitchen and rubbish bins).
Another reason black rats seek out roof cavities is the temperature.
Originating in Southeast Asia, black rats prefer to live in warmer climes compared to the less picky brown rat no surprise then that your roof with its insulation is such a popular destination.
Unlike humans, rat teeth are growing throughout life. To stop them getting too long, rats gnaw on things – think of it as the rat version of trimming their nails.
And with so many wires running through your ceiling, a roof rat roommate puts you at risk of electrical problems!
Bees in your roof
Why build a home from scratch when you could move into a premade one?
That’s the exact same logic that drives so many bee swarms to set up shop in roofs all over Melbourne.
Asides from stinging, having a beehive in your roof can lead to several problems.
For example, bees reproduce very quickly, with some roof beehives reaching a whopping 50,000 occupants!
On top of that, the honey they create can also pose problems. For starters, roof bees can leave you with honey dripping through your ceiling, which can leave permanent stains and can even lead to structural damage.
Not to mention, it’ll attract a whole host of other insects such as ants, who are eager to get in on the action.
How are these unwanted squatters are getting into your roof?
Through gaps in your roof – simple as that.
Damage to your roof or coverings coming loose can create entryways to your roof for squatters to enter.
So naturally, covering up these gaps is the best way to ensure that once you evict your unwanted housemates, you won’t have to worry about them returning.
And that’s where metal roof repairs come into the picture.
Professional roofing contractors can help identify potential entry points and perform roof repairs. We’ll seal off points of entry, protecting your home from unwanted guests.
Additionally, your roof repair team can also work to repair any damage your insulation if needed.
Call Watermaster Roofing for metal roofing repairs in Melbourne!
The first thing you’ll want to do when you notice an unwanted guest in your home? Call a professional to remove them safely and humanely.
The second thing you should do? Call a roofing expert for metal roofing repair!
Our experienced team of roof plumbers offer a wide range of metal roofing services.
In addition to metal roofing repairs, our team also provide:
- New roof installation
- Roof replacement
- Roof plumbing and guttering
- Regular roof inspections
Each of these services is provided with the same level of quality and workmanship by our team of fully-licensed and insured roofing professionals.
Sick of living with an unwanted houseguest? Own a roof that needs a bit of a refresh?
If it involves metal roofing, you can’t go past Watermaster Roofing – call our roof plumbers today on 1300 576 075, or click here to request a quote.