Think Roof Waterproofing Isn’t Important? Think Again!

Water is an element no human or animal can live without. But, it’s also an element that, if not contained, can cause tremendous damage to your home and belongings. Few people acknowledge the value of roof waterproofing or they’re simply uneducated. But if you want to keep your property’s foundations solid and water damage to a minimum, it’s the only option.

The consequences of water damage include mould growth. Mould is a microscopic fungus typically found in damp areas. Its primary job is to decompose of dead organic matter. Mould has a musty smell and presents as black, green, brown or grey spores.

Mould growth is dangerous and it isn’t something that you want growing in your house since it can pose a health risk. If you’re fit and healthy you might not be affected by the presence of mould. People who are more sensitive to allergies or have existing health conditions like asthma are more likely to be affected, as well as babies and the elderly. Exposure typically occurs during inhalation of mould spores released when the mould is disturbed. Symptoms of mould exposure include sinus congestion, headaches, rashes, sore throats, coughing and other aches and pains.

Other than health risks, you risk the safety of your family. Water that enters your roof will eventually cause your wooden roof trusses to rot, thus weakening its structure. Roof repairs are expensive, even more so roof replacements.

All this can be avoided with roof waterproofing. Waterproofing is the process of making your roof or structure water-resistant so that it continues to be relatively unaffected by water. Your roof will also be resistant to the intrusion of water under specified conditions.

The team here at Roof Repairs Cape Town offers an extensive range of waterproofing services such as torch on waterproofing, polyurethane, balcony sealing, flashings and parapets, custom box gutters, retaining walls and valleys. For more information or for a free consultation get in touch with the team today!

Valley Relining

 

Valley Re-lining in Plattekloof

If you find brown marks (indicates roof leakage) on the ceiling under a valley, you probably have an issue with the valley Lining ( the diagonal black material between the open tiles )

The best solution for this type of roof repair is to remove the valley lining and replace it with a suitable liner.

Sometimes…actually more than that…I see waterproofing pasted OVER the tiles….This will pretty much make the problem worse.

This type of roof repair is quite comprehensive; the tiles need to be unpacked, the liner replaced and then the tiles repacked back into place.

A word of caution : Valleys are generally found on higher pitched roofs, which makes working on the roof unsafe.

It would be best to find a reputable roofing contractor that can give you a hand with this.

We operate all around Cape Town & up the West Coast to Doringbaai. ( for those of you who know where that is! )

 

 

 

 

 

Roof Replacement: What to Expect

Every homeowner will need a roof replacement at least once in their life unless you move around a lot. And when that moment comes, you’ll quickly learn that it is one of the most challenging situations to navigate. Not even talking about the amount of money you’ll have to invest.

That said, we figured that if you know what to expect, that perhaps it wouldn’t be all that overwhelming to replace your roof. So, we decided to answer some of the questions we typically have to answer during a consultation.

Can my family stay in the house during a roof replacement?

Definitely not! Unless you love the sound of hammers pounding away for extended periods of time, we suggest you find refuge somewhere else for a few days. Don’t worry, we have supervisors on site all the time to make sure your belongings stay safe.

How long does a roof replacement take?
A roof replacement can take anything from 4 days to a week depending on the size of the roof and the materials used. First, we’ll remove existing roof materials after which we’ll do minor repairs on joists, rafters and decking (only if they don’t need replacement too – which will extend the replacement period a little). The next step is to apply a waterproof membrane to protect your roof in future. Then comes the roofing material and flashing around roof penetrations. The final steps include adding gutter material and vent installation to allow your roof to breath.

How much will a roof replacement cost?
A roof replacement is by no means cheap. If your roof was damaged by forces of nature such as hail, wind or fire, you’ll probably be claiming from your insurance. The insurance company will send out an inspector to determine the extent of the damage. You’ll need to submit several quotes from professional roofers. If your replacement is due to negligence, you’ll be liable to pay for it yourself.

For a free quote, speak to the team at Roof Repairs Cape Town. Our fees are extremely competitive and our handy work high-quality. Give us a call today!

Chromadek Roof sheets

Chromadek sheets are pre-painted, galvanized roof sheets.

Chromadek is not recommended for use within 5km of salt marine influence.

The sheets in the photo were taken from Atlantic Beach Estate in Melkbos and they are just over 10 years old.

 

When the sheets begin to perforate at the ends of the sheets, then they will need to be replaced.

It would be possible to use a ‘slip sheet’ iow cut but the rusted section and insert a piece of new sheet, but this is not recommended as it will only be delaying the replacement by a few years.

Colorbond Ultra is the preferred material for use in such environments.

 

 

 

 

The real cost of neglecting your roof.

If you have a roof that’s in desperate need of repair, or one that’s past its sell-by date, it’s time to call in the professionals. Ignoring even the slightest damage to your roof can easily lead to damaging the structural integrity of your home or commercial property.

Here are a few of the things you could end up facing if you choose to neglect your roof:

Major Repairs:

It’s easy to ignore a missing roof tile or shingle, but you do this at your peril.  What starts out as a small problem is definitely going to lead to something far more significant, which will result in major costs when you do decide to tackle repairs.

Fixing the small problems and having a regular maintenance schedule in place is going to make a huge difference, especially if you want to avoid obvious signs that the roof needs to be replaced as a result of leaks that are ignored.

Water Damage:

If you live in an area like Cape Town then you know how heavy the rains are in winter, making it essential not to ignore even the smallest leak that gives water enough space to start wreaking its own damage.

An old roof, or one that’s already damaged is going to lead to a lot more trouble than it’s worth if you don’t look after it.

Once water has entered the roof, it pools in the areas its entered, and from there seeps into walls, causing the growth of mildew and mould, as well as leaving obvious water stains on the walls.

Besides being very difficult to remove, mould comes with inherent health hazards which can be responsible for all manner of respiratory diseases.

Excessive strain:

If you’ve neglected your roof for too long, it can become dangerous for the inhabitants.  A rainy season that leads to a large amount of water being collected through a leaking roof will cause the roof to collapse.

Roofs are only meant to handle a certain amount of weight, and when cracks are left untended, they allow too much water to enter and place excessive strain on the structure.

Repairing your roof before it gets into this condition is definitely the wisest option to choose.

Loss of property value:

No one is interested in buying a home when the roof is in serious need of repair or replacement.  The knock you’ll take when you’re offered far less than the value of your property needs to be taken into account for as long as you live under that roof.

Doing minor repairs will add up to a roof that looks good and is structurally sound, which is a great selling point.  After all, it’s not just the garden that gives your home curb appeal. A well-maintained roof adds its own appeal too.

Ross and Son Roof Repairs Cape Town understand the stormy, wet and windy winters your roof has to be strong enough to withstand, which is an important point to consider when choosing a roofing contractor in Cape Town.

This team will be on hand whenever you suspect that trouble is brewing on your roof, to make sure you don’t end up having to spend a fortune on roof repairs or replacing your roof.

Save yourself a lot of trouble by looking after your roof now, so that you’ll never have to spend more than is absolutely necessary to maintain the integrity of your roof well into the future.

The benefits of keeping your roof in good condition.

Savvy homeowners make sure they’ve found a trusted electrician and plumber they know can be relied on when things go wrong in the home.  What most never consider is the importance of having a roof repair company on call as well.

The roof is as fundamental to the structure of a home as its foundations and walls, yet it is the most overlooked part of the home, until problems arise.

Roofs protect us from the elements, but it’s these same elements that cause damage over time, making it well worth having the roof inspected as a matter of routine.

Maintaining a roof is far more cost effective than it would be to repair or even replace it, so don’t wait for major issues to develop.

The benefits of maintaining the integrity of your roof:

Weather protection:

Cape Town goes through season after season of gale force winds and rainy winters, both of which cause considerable damage that may go unnoticed until it’s too late.

By the time damage to the roof manifests as leaks in the home it’s already well past time to call in a roof repair company.

Your roof works hard to protect you from the elements and pretty brutal weather year after year, making it essential to stick to a good maintenance plan.

Creating energy efficiency:

If your roof is not well maintained it’ll be susceptible to many different forms of weather damage, which will cost more than what the roof repair would, considering the damage that could be done to the contents of your home as well.

Great roof maintenance also contributes to maintaining good insulation and ventilation, which means that in fluctuating temperatures your home will retain a steady indoor temperature.

Not many people consider how much a well maintained roof can contribute to keeping the home at a comfortable temperature, cutting down on energy bills.

Preventing serious problems:

Prevention is definitely better than a cure, especially when it comes to letting the condition of your roof slide until serious issues arise. A professional roof repair company will be able to spot the small problems before they become major problems that’ll cost an arm and a leg.

What’s especially important is to choose a roof repair company that has an intimate knowledge of the weather in Cape Town. They’ll know exactly what your roof will face in this climate.

Avoiding health issues:

Ignoring mould and mildew that’s caused by a leaking roof isn’t worth it in terms of protecting your family from respiratory diseases such as sinus conditions, asthma and coughs flourish in damp conditions.

The damage to the health of the residents and to assets is going to amount to a huge bill when added to carrying out roof repairs.

Increased home value:

Potential buyers are very aware of the inherent financial risks of a roof in poor condition, so they won’t come beating down your door until you invest in roof repairs that’ll up the value of your home exponentially.

A roof that looks good and is in a well maintained condition will make all the difference to your pocket when it comes time to sell.

Put Ross and Sons on speed dial for roof repairs in Cape Town.

As discussed earlier, roof repairs in Cape Town need to be carried out by a seasoned team of professionals who understand exactly what’s required to keep a roof in great condition in this coastal region.

Contact Ross and Sons for a free no-obligation quote that’ll have your roof in ship shape condition and be kind to your wallet, without compromising on          quality!

Take a proactive approach to waterproofing in Cape Town.

Heavy winter rain and battering winds make it especially important for Cape Town property owners to invest in good quality waterproofing.

Unfortunately, by the time leaks and stains appear on the interior or exterior of a building it signifies that the damage is likely to be irreversible.

The first and best defence against water penetration caused by a damaged roof is to have a waterproofing expert do an inspection during the dry season, ensuring that by the time the rains come your roof will be fully waterproofed.

Stains on the ceilings and walls are a wake-up call for any property owner. This visible evidence unfortunately means that there’ve been undetected leaks in the roof for quite a while already, and that the damage may be irreversible.

If you have a ceiling that’s sagging you won’t just be facing the costs associated with replacing damaged contents, you’ll also be responsible for serious safety risks to the inhabitants of your property.

Waterproofing is not something a layman can do, there are too many things that can go wrong if you don’t have specialist knowledge.

In fact, your efforts may well compound the issue if small leaks are missed, and small leaks inevitably lead to major issues further down the road.

One of the easy roof maintenance tasks you can do on your own is to keep gutters free of leaves and other debris. This doesn’t require the services of a professional, but it has to be done if you want to avoid the damage penetrating damp can cause.

Of course it’s not just a leaking roof and damaged or blocked gutters that can be the source of penetrating damp. The fact that there are a variety of problems that can cause damp makes it essential to call in an expert who’ll be able to offer the appropriate solution.

Waterproofing your roof means that:

  • Future leaks will be prevented once all existing leaks are sealed.
  • Future maintenance costs will be substantially lower.
  • Your roof will have even greater protection against the elements.
  • The lifecycle of your roof will be extended beyond what’s expected.

The ideal is not to wait until things get so bad that you need to spend a fortune on extensive roof repairs, or even worse, have to replace the roof completely.

Being proactive about what water penetration can do to your roof is the best way to look after it through all seasons, which will minimise your costs drastically.

The fact that Ross and Son is a full-service company has earned them an outstanding reputation among long term customers who rely on this team to carry out:

  • Roof repairs
  • Waterproofing
  • Roof replacement
  • Painting

After 15 years in the industry, Ross and Son Waterproofing Cape Town has fine-tuned the ability to provide affordable solutions to residential and commercial property owners determined to save on roof repairs and waterproofing.

Quality workmanship is as much a priority for this team as meeting your budgetary requirements are.

What’s really important too is that Ross and Son will be around for a long time to come once the project is completed, unlike many unscrupulous roofing companies that’ll take your money and run, never to be found again!

Whether you need roof repairs, waterproofing or the replacement of your roof, make sure that Ross and Son is your first port of call.

5 Signs you may be headed for a roof replacement.

Replacing your roof is going to cost a lot more than if you’ve maintained regular inspections that’ll catch any problems that could become major issues further down the road.

Any roof repair company worth their salt will tell you that checking your roof at least twice a year is going to keep it in good condition for years to come.

You’ll save a lot of money in the long run if you find damages early enough to call in a good roof repair company.  It’s certainly going to cost a lot less than a full roof replacement will!

5 Signs that could lead to roof replacement:

Water damage:

If you’ve started noticing damp patches in certain areas of your home you may think that it’s caused by penetrating damp, but this isn’t necessarily true.

The same applies to mildew and watermarks, which are often put down as water entering through cracks in window frames, but both of these can be ascribed to leaks that have already started up in your roof.

Damp patches, watermarks and mould are the first sign that you need to call in a professional to inspect your roof so that you can avoid replacing the roof by repairing what can be saved.

Mould & moss:

Moss and mould growing on your roof will eventually lead to gaps in tiles, giving water a free passage into the roof.

The growth of bacteria and fungi caused by mildew and moss is generally a wake-up call to do something to avoid further water damage.  Should you ignore this, you’d be looking at roof replacement, when a simple repair job would have avoided this.

Loose tiles:

The tiles on your roof are battered by wind and rain every year, which makes it well worth checking your roof tiles at least once a year. Missing or loose tiles could well lead to the danger of the roof caving in, making it an essential part of avoiding replacing the roof.

You don’t have to be an expert to check the state of the tiles on your roof, you’ll be able to assess their condition by taking a walk on the roof to test the tiles and check for any cracks.

Sagging:

If your roof isn’t following a straight line along the ridge, you’re heading for structural damage that could lead to the collapse of the roof. Heavy winter rains in the Cape combined with poor quality installations and roofing materials all work together to place extreme weight on your roof.

Call in an expert if you feel that the roof doesn’t look quite right, getting ahead of any risk to life and property.

The age issue:

You can be sure that if you have a roof that’s heading past its 30th birthday, it’s time to consider replacement.

In general, you can look forward to a lifespan of between 20 to 30 years for your roof, provided you’ve kept it well maintained and had necessary repairs done before they become serious issues.

Expecting a roof to last this long without a lot of TLC is definitely going to do your wallet a disservice!

Damaged flashings, cracked and falling mortar as well as blocked gutters are all issues that also need to be addressed if you’re to avoid having to replace your roof long before it should be necessary.

If you need an expert opinion on the condition of your roof, Ross and Son Roofing and Waterproofing Cape Town are able to share the benefit of 15 years’ worth of knowledge with you where it comes to roof repair.

Roof repair and replacement in Cape Town has to be carried out by a specialist due to the extreme weather conditions that wreak havoc on roofs year after year.

Contact Ross and Son Roof Repair Cape Town for more info about how they can assist you in keeping your roof healthy throughout its lifespan.

How Waterproofing Your Roof Can Protect Your Home from Water Damage

As a homeowner, you know pretty well that issues will arise. While some can be dealt with in good time, others might need urgent attention. A roof leak is an example of a problem that needs to be dealt with straight away to avoid significant damage to your property.

Water damage can cause serious structural damage that is not only dangerous but will cost you a lot of money to fix. To avoid the unnecessary costs and inconvenience of replacing your roof, we suggest you hire a professional contractor like Ross and Son to waterproof your roof.

Below are the top 3 reasons why you should consider waterproofing your roof:

  1. To Eliminate the Risk of Damp and Mould Growth

Damp is a nuisance for obvious reasons. It ruins your walls, floors and furniture. But, it’s also dangerous. Damp causes mould growth in your home that can pose a health risk to your family. Mould can cause or aggravate respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma.

  1. To Lengthen Your Roof’s Lifespan

The lifespan of a quality roof can be anything from 20 to 30 years depending on the elements it has to withstand. Waterproofing your roof will protect it from elements like strong winds, rainstorms and intense heat. Waterproofing will also protect the colour from fading which means you won’t have to paint it as often.

  1. To Save Your Hard Earned Money

Roof leaks sometimes go unnoticed until they cause significant damage which will set you back financially to fix. That is if it can be fixed and don’t require a complete roof replacement. Waterproofing done by a professional can last up to 10 years, thus protecting your home from disaster.

Prolong the lifespan of your roof and protect your family against illness and inconvenience by hiring professional waterproofing contractors like Ross and Son. Get in touch with the team for a free quote today!

A19 Roof Certificates

 

A19 ROOF CERTIFICATION 

Building legislation requires that any new roofing structure has to be certified by a structural engineer before the building inspector will sign the project off as being completed. 

The Roof Engineer issues an A19 Structural Certificate which certifies that the structure has been installed to SABS standards or higher. 

The appointment of an engineer is usually done when the building plans are submitted to the council for scrutinization but, sometimes we find structures like pergolas, verandas, car-ports and even braai rooms being built without plans being submitted to Cape Town Building offices.

When problems do eventually occur on the roof covering, for example, if the sheets are rusted and need to be replaced, and the structure is found to be unstable in some way or another, we will recommend an engineer be consulted to make recommendations to upgrade the structure to a safe and insurable standard. Remember, if there is an incident related the roof, you as the homeowner, along with the contractor who did the work, will be jointly liable for damages/injuries. One of the first documents an insurance assessor will request during an investigation is are the building plans and A19 Certificate.    

A19 Certification is also required when making changes to the roof covering. For instance, if Roof sheeting is being changed out to roof tiles, then the structure will need to be modified to carry the additional weight of roof tiles. This modification will need to be approved by an engineer. Strictly speaking, plans should be submitted to the council but more importantly is that the structure is certified as safe. 

The reverse is also true when changes are made from a heavy roof covering to a lighter one. The flow of wind over a flat roof makes the roof covering act like a ‘wing’ which can create lift, so the structure needs to be properly secured, especially in windy areas like Camps Bay.