Have you ever walked in to your home and felt a headache coming on, or rushing to open the windows?
It’s natural to think of polluting cars and air pollution outside your home, but could it be something inside your home?
Take a good look around your living room and bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchen. What do you see and smell that could be affecting your health?
If a mould and moisture problem goes unaddressed long enough, structural damage is likely to result, and one of the most important and most overlooked places is your roof.
The roof over your head, your “hat” so to speak, protects your building from any kind of weather. If a roof is allowed to leak long enough, mould potentially weakens ceilings, walls and floors by feeding on the wet wood.
Routine inspections of roofing should be carried out at least twice a year. If your roof is flat, surrounded by overhanging trees or is older, more frequent inspections are advised.
Ask someone – either a qualified roofer, or someone who knows the roof well, to carry out the inspection on a dry day, being mindful to wear good non slip shoes and not to damage the surface.
How to inspect your roof for damage
- Remove accumulated leaves and twigs.
- Check for holes or splits in the surface.
- Check joins and laps are intact.
- Check the edges and roof flashings are in place and not torn or damaged.
- Check gutters and drains are clear of debris, rusting, holes or signs of mould.
- If water can be seen pooling after rain, note where it is (water can track under failed joints and bubble under surfaces).
- Check for any corresponding damp areas on the ceilings inside.
- Check the roof cavity area by going in via the man hole.
- Check supports and insulation for dampness, odours, water marks.
- Check for rodent and pest occupation. If present call a pest professional for further assessment.
When mould is suspected, call in a Building Biologist to investigate. If it is causing damage to the structural integrity of the building, a structural engineer with relevant expertise should be consulted.
How often do you inspect your roof? Answer in the comments below!
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