06

Aug

When to replace your gutters instead of repairing them

As a homeowner, the responsibility of maintenance inevitably falls into your hands so its important to know about your gutters. Like anything, the longer you leave it, the worse it may become.

Guttering Cleaning

It is recommended that homeowners arrange for their gutters to be cleaned at least once a year. If you live in an area with a lots of trees, you would need to be more regular than this and may even need to clean them several times a year. If the thought of climbing a ladder to undertake this is not something you want to worry about, you have options that include engaging a gutter cleaning professional or installing leaf or gutter guard as amore permanent solution

What are the signs that I need to repair or replace my gutters?

The signs that your gutters need to be repaired or replaced will no doubt start with checking for leaks. These will commonly start in the corners and joins. You may also be noticing that your fascia is rotting, water staining to your eaves or water pooling around your slab. This are signs that you need to attend to your gutters promptly Another obvious sign that your gutters require attention is when they are rusting out or holding water after it has rained. Generally speaking, repairs are often 60% of the cost of new gutters. Therefore, most of the time and in the long run it is better off to replace them

How long do new gutters last?

If you properly maintain your new aluminium gutters, they should last you a lifetime. Maintenance of your new gutters would include cleaning, checking to ensure their levels are still correct after years of house movement and resealing corners and joins.

What types of gutters do you offer?

We are able to supply & install a number of aluminium guttering profiles including quad guttering, squareline guttering, OGEE guttering, continuous guttering, consealed and internal guttering, nuline guttering + resolve your fascia issues with new fascia or fascia cover. Summit Roofing Services provide you with a minimum guarantee of 10 years. If you believe its time to get your gutters replaced, call us for a free measure and quote.

01

Aug

How to choose the best roof restoration company

Does your roof require a repair? Are you looking for the best roof restoration company? Well, we understand the importance of professional roofing when it comes to your property. Therefore we provide you with the points listed below to help you choose the best roof restoration company in Melbourne.

Research and look around

Don’t be in a hurry when choosing the best roof restoration company for your damaged roof requiring a roof repair. Research and look around in your suburb for the most trusted and reliable roofing contractors. Check the online reviews before you even make your initial contact

Get a roof inspection

To understand the kind of repairs your roof needs, will require a thorough inspection of the roofing condition and what works need to be done. A professional roofing contractor will do it with more accuracy and skill than a property owner.

Get an Instant Quote

Once you have researched for the best roofing contractor in your suburb, it is time to get a quote for your roofing project. Discuss your requirements with the contractor and ensure a long-term repair solution for your roof.

Speak to your roofing contractor

Be in contact with the roofing contractor throughout the roofing process and keep a check on the quality of services provided by them. Discuss and let go of your queries as and when required, this will make the contractors realise the importance of proper roofing at your house. Feel free to ask them about other roofing projects that they have completed in your area These are some of the points to be considered when choosing a trusted roof repair and roof restoration company that will stop your waters leaks and even give your roof a new and refreshing look. Summit roofing Services are one such roof restoration company in Melbourne that aims at delivering top quality guttering repairs and
replacement, roof restoration and roof repair services at a reasonable and affordable price in Melbourne.

26

Jul

Roof repairs that are covered by your insurance provider

Before you make any decision about your roof or gutters, it would be useful to consider your home insurance policy. Although there are many differences across providers and polices, we have found that there are common trends in the outcomes of claims when it comes to your roof and gutters (and any damages that may have subsequently resulted).

You should always refer to your product disclosure statement or insurance provider directly to discuss your specific circumstances and what your policy covers.

STORM / FIRE / BURGLARY / VADAMLISM / DAMAGE TO ROOF

Typically, most insurance providers WILL provide coverage if damage has been caused to your roof or gutters due to storm, fire, burglary or vandalism or some sort of accident like a truck reversing into your roof and/or gutters. It is common practice however, to only repair the “affected area.” If the wind blows your ridge capping or roof tiles off, your insurance provider will most likely only cover those that were actually damaged.

Working as a tradie for a number of insurance claims assessors we do find a common misconception is when it comes to storm damage. Just because your roof or gutters leak during a storm does not necessarily mean that you will be covered. The question at hand is: did the storm actually create the roof and/or gutter issue? OR was the issue already there and you only noticed the problem when the storm hit?

DETERIORATION OVER TIME / MAINTENANCE OF YOUR ROOF

Overtime your roof will begin to deteriorate. Generally, speaking roofs will require maintenance after 15-20 years. We are also unfortunately, finding newer homes that are less than 10 years old that require roof maintenance. This is common for homes that have originally been completed in a hurry by underpaid contract roofers.

If your roof or gutters have deteriorated and then subsequently leak during a storm, you probably WILL NOT be covered for the roof or gutter repairs. Deterioration can include: rusted valleys or roof sheets, broken seals on roof penetrations, cracking of mortar along ridge capping tiles, tiles becoming porous, leaves and debris blocking water flow or cracked/sagging flashings. The reason this is not covered is because the storm itself did not create the issue and instead it has been caused gradually overtime. Insurance providers place the responsibility of home maintenance with the owner. This includes your roof and gutters.

Most insurance providers will however give you the benefit of the doubt, so to speak, when it comes to covering the internal “resultant” damages. Many claim outcomes will require you to first fix the roof at your cost, then pay the policy excess, and once this has been completed the resultant damage may be covered i.e. the painting and plastering of the “affected” ceiling

PREVIOUS FAULTY WORKMANSHIP / INSTALLATION & DESIGN ISSUES:

If it is found that the cause of your roof leak is due to previous faulty workmanship such as dodgy repairs or installation and/or design problems, generally you WILL NOT be covered. This is why it is of the utmost importance to make sure you engage a suitably qualified professional for any roofing or guttering project.

Click here for blog “how to choose the best roof repair and restoration contractor” Also, if your roof does not meet relevant Victorian building codes, your leaking
roof probably WILL NOT be covered. Issues we find with roofing and guttering compliance include the materials used for low-pitched roofs i.e. corrugated metal roofs with a pitch of less than 5 degrees, the spacing of downpipes (or lack of), the incorrect fall of box gutters and the installation and spacing of roof tiles. These issues may only present during extreme heavy rainfall, however will need to be fixed to avoid problems in the future in similar weather conditions.

GET AN INSPECTION AND REPORT ON YOUR LEAKING ROOF

The very first step, when deciding what to do about your leaky roof is to obtain an independent specialist roof inspection & report that highlights:

1. Why your roof is leaking
2. What has caused your leaky roof
3. How to fix your leaky roof
4. What it costs to fix your leaky roof
5. Relevant supporting photos

You can contact Summit Roofing Services directly for an independent roof report or your insurance provider directly.

Summit Roofing Services are also able to assist you with your maintenance if you have already obtained a report from your insurance provider and need to undertake private repairs. Simply email your roof report/assessment to: info@summitroofingservices.com.au for a cost estimate and general advice. We are also more than happy to provide inspections and reports to customers who are looking for a second opinion or alternative repair options.