Why Roof Waterproofing Matters: Ensuring Your Home’s Structural Integrity

One of the most important parts of your home is your roof’s waterproofing system. It’s the ultimate protection against rain, storms, leaks, and other water inlets that could potentially wreak havoc on your home.

What many Kiwi homeowners don’t know is that their roof’s waterproofing system does more than protect their roof. It protects their entire home from expensive, long-term damage.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home’s current roof is sufficiently waterproofed. If it isn’t, contracting professionals for their roof waterproofing services is a must for the long-term health of your home.

Worried about your home? Read on for the full breakdown of why roof waterproofing matters. We’ll cover how water can make its way into your home, the long-term damage water can create (in some unexpected places), and how to make sure your roof is ready to face any storm Aotearoa’s climate can throw at it.

How does water get into your house?

Water is a tricky thing, and many homeowners have to deal with leaks, condensation, and other sources of moisture in their homes. However, the number one way that water gets into any home is via a leak from the roof. In the business, we call this ‘water intrusion’.

There are many ways your home will be waterproofed. From groundwater membranes to your roof’s flashing and guttering, there are all sorts of systems designed to catch water and push it away from your home’s interior.

As time goes on, these systems will age and eventually start to degrade or fail entirely. That’s when leaks tend to happen. Leaks can also happen if your roof is damaged by flying debris.

If you live in an older home, it’s especially important to keep a wary eye out for signs of water intrusion, as old fixtures tend to leak more often than new ones.

Some of the most common signs of water intrusion include:

·         Damp patches on your walls.

·         Mould growth on your walls and ceiling.

·         Any peeling paintwork or wrinkled wallpaper.

·         A damp and musty smell.

·         Old brown water patches where water has been and then dried.

If you see any of these signs, it means water has already made its way into your home. Then, it’s a question of finding the leak, repairing it, and replacing or refurbishing any damaged material.

Why is water damage so bad?

Water damage is pervasive because even the smallest leak can cause major structural issues. Once water has entered your home, it can penetrate your walls, support beams, joists, gib, and flooring. The dampness invites all sorts of pests to enter and softens wood to make it less structurally stable. Over time, this becomes incredibly dangerous and can lead to an eventual collapse if not addressed.

Over the years, we’ve seen many homeowners let a small leak go on for too long because the problem doesn’t seem too bad. However, we encourage anyone who has noticed a leak to act as quickly as possible. Water damage from leaking roofs is fast-growing but easily resolved if you get in there quickly.

What is the biggest concern with water damage?

In a word: mould. New Zealand has as subtropical climate with plenty of humidity in the air, which makes it hard to keep properties ventilated and mould-free. This is doubly true when your home has water damage.

Mould and mildew growth can have major long-term effects on the health of you and your family. That’s why it’s so important to tackle any water damage quickly and efficiently. However, the best way to prevent this is to treat the problem at the source, which is often the roof.

How do roof waterproofing services work?

Roof waterproofing works in a number of different ways, depending on what your home needs! At Paul Milne, we tackle all sorts of roof waterproofing services, including:

·         Sealing cracks and joints in your roof and cladding to prevent water intrusion.

·         Applying waterproof coatings to your roofing material.

·         Installing waterproof membranes beneath your roof deck to repel any water.

·         Guttering installations and cleaning to give water a way to get off your roof.

The most important thing when waterproofing your roof is to make sure a professional does the job. This is the safest way to ensure your roof is in tip-top shape, as professional teams have been trained to work with harsh chemicals and power tools while they’re up high.

On top of that, experienced professionals will make sure the waterproofing is done well. This ensures your roof will hold up against wild rain, snow, and frost without giving way.

If you’re unsure about what to do next, or if you’re starting to see leaks appear in your home, give the Paul Milne team a call. We’ve got your back.

Protect your home from water intrusion. Call Paul Milne, your local roofing experts.

Paul Milne is your trusted provider of roof waterproofing services in New Zealand. We understand how important it is to safeguard your home against the worst of what nature can throw at it. That’s why we work with all property owners to assess their existing systems, recommend fixes that suit their budget, and get to work.

Ready to waterproof your roof? Book a consultation with our team today.