A leaky roof can cause significant additional damage to your property if it is not dealt with quickly. That’s why, as the leading experts in roof restoration in Johannesburg, we here at Roof Surgeon thought it would be a good idea to discuss some of the causes of roof leaks, as well as how you can prevent them through quick repairs. We also take a look at what roof repairs in Johannesburg might cost.
What Do I Do If My Roof Is Leaking?
If you’ve noticed a leak in your roof, the first thing to do is to contain it. This will help prevent additional damage to your property. You could place buckets or containers under the leak to catch as much water as you can or place a tarp over the damaged area of the roof to minimise the impact of the leak temporarily.
Remove whatever valuables are in danger of being affected by the leak, especially things like electronics, furniture, and documents, to prevent them from being ruined.
If there is water pooling and causing the ceiling to bulge, you might want to carefully poke a small hole to release the pressure, as a buildup of pressure in the roof can lead to catastrophic ceiling failure.
Ensure that you take photos and videos of the leak and the damage it’s causing for insurance purposes. This also helps roof repair technicians understand the extent of the leak.
Once you have taken these immediate steps, the next thing to do is to call in a qualified waterproofing contractor, like Roof Surgeon, to do a thorough assessment and repair the damage.
The quicker you act, the better, to prevent further damage from taking place.
Why is My Roof Leaking?
A common reason why leaks occur is ageing infrastructure. Over time, your roofing materials might deteriorate, especially if subjected to frequent heavy storms. Tiles might crack, and metal sheeting can rust. Falling debris from overhanging trees can also cause damage.
Another reason why your roof might be leaking is that it was not properly installed from the start. This is most likely the case if you have constant problems with a leaking roof in a fairly new house.
Clogged gutters can also lead to leaks because they can cause the water to pool up and seep under the roofing materials. Therefore, keeping your gutters clean is essential.
In Johannesburg, frequent storms are the norm during the summer. Strong winds, hail, or falling branches can break or dislodge tiles, leading to leaks. In some cases, inadequate sealing has been placed around protrusions, such as chimneys, vents, or skylights. When this happens, water can enter, and resealing is required.
How Do I Stop My Roof From Leaking In Heavy Rain?
If you find that you have leaks occurring during heavy rainfall, the first thing you can try to do is apply a temporary patch. These types of patches are widely available at most hardware stores. Roofing tape or a tarp can also temporarily be used to cover a damaged part of the roof until more permanent solutions can be implemented.
Clearing your gutters and downpipes is also an essential part of ensuring that water doesn’t pool on the roof, which can overflow into the roof structure and cause leaks.
To be absolutely sure your roof is safe, however, you will need to carry out a thorough roof inspection at least once a year. Ideally, this should be done by a professional to identify weak spots and damage and to assess the overall health of your roof.
Sometimes, wholesale upgrading of your roofing materials might be required if you have constant leak problems. Consult a professional to find out whether more durable materials might be applied to properly waterproof your roof and protect it against heavy weather.
What Does It Cost To Fix A Roof Leak In South Africa?
The cost of fixing a roof leak is highly dependent on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs will cost a lot less than fixing major structural damage. It also depends on the type of roof that you have, whether it’s tiled, metal, flat, or other. Additionally, the difficulty in accessing the roof might affect the cost, as well as the size of the roof itself.
If you are just replacing a few damaged tiles or fixing a small section, you could be looking at anything between R500 and R3,000.
Moderate repairs for larger leaks or partial re-roofing could cost anywhere from R5,000 to R15,000, depending on the type of roof and the extent of the repairs. Major repairs are confined to significant damage, which might require a full roof replacement, costing anywhere from about R20,000 to R100,000 or even more.
Thankfully, major repairs can largely be avoided through proper roof maintenance and regular inspections.
Additional Considerations
Johannesburg is prone to heavy weather during the summer, so it’s important to ensure that your roof is well-prepared before the season. If you need to do repairs or carry out maintenance inspections, it’s advisable to do so before the rainy season starts.
If you are looking for expert roof restoration in Johannesburg and need a qualified and experienced contractor to do the job, then contact us at Roof Surgeon today. We carry out all kinds of residential and commercial roof repairs in Johannesburg.
