Did you know that in Australia you may need to maintain your roof more often than in other countries or continents? Much of the advice you find online about roof maintenance, power washing, or house painting is written with places like the United States or the United Kingdom in mind. In Australia, however, your home requires more frequent care. In this article, we will explore why it is a good idea to maintain your house more often than average.

Protecting your Australian Home's roof - How often should Aussie roofs be serviced?

So, how often should you have your roof maintained if you live in Australia? Let’s be real, roof maintenance is not something you need to do every year. However, it is often worthwhile to have a professional inspect your roof once a year or every couple of years. This allows any minor problems to be identified and repaired before they grow into major issues that require a costly restoration.

At Hendry's Homes, we offer a free assessment of your roof and property to give you peace of mind about whether any problems exist. If you live in Australia, especially on the East Coast, you are welcome to book your no-obligation assessment with us. We specialise in providing your roof with a protective coating so that your roof can stand the test of time.

Now let’s look at the reasons why you may need to maintain your roof more often in Australia compared to other countries.

Australia Has Harsh Sun & Radiation

The harsh Australian sun and UV causes havoc for Aussie home’s roofs.

One major factor is the harsh sun and strong UV radiation. In Australia, this is one of the main reasons why you need to maintain not only your roof but also your entire property, including house paint, driveways, and other exterior surfaces. The sun breaks down roofing materials more quickly, and the higher the UV radiation, the faster this damage occurs. This is one of the key reasons why roofs need more frequent maintenance in Australia.

Australia has some of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, and prolonged sun exposure can cause roofing materials such as tiles, shingles, metal sheets, and sealants to crack, fade, and break down. These materials may deteriorate, corrode, and lose their strength much faster than they would in other climates.

As mentioned earlier in this post, most of the advice you find online about how often to maintain a roof is written for regions that do not experience such extreme UV exposure. That means the information does not apply to Australia, and it is one of the key reasons why you need to have your roof inspected and maintained on a regular basis.

Due to sun radiation, we recommend that you have your roof painted with a protective coating. These coatings will ensure that your roof stands up to the strong Australian sun.

Extreme Weather Events Can Impact Australian Roofs

Extreme weather can cause wildlife, such as possums, to seek shelter in your home’s roofs. Not only that, but heavy storms can cause openings in your roof which will further encourage possums, spiders, and other animals to make their way into your home.

The second reason you need to maintain your roof more often in Australia is the impact of extreme weather events. In places like Queensland, where much of the climate is tropical, homes can be exposed to heavy storms, cyclones, strong winds, and hail.

What may be considered extreme weather in other parts of the world is often just normal seasonal weather in Queensland. These conditions can cause significant damage to your roof by loosening tiles, lifting sheets, and damaging gutters, issues that are far less common in regions such as the United Kingdom or Europe.

If your roof already has existing issues, extreme weather can make the situation worse by encouraging animals such as possums to seek shelter. One of the first places they will look for safety is your roof. If you have ever had possums or other animals nesting in your roof, it is a strong sign that the weather has affected its condition and that maintenance is needed. Keep in mind that these animals, which many people consider pests, are usually just looking for a safe space during storms and other extreme weather events.

Some Roofs Have Higher Bushfire Risks

We recently witnessed a bushfire while crossing the Nullarbor. Not maintaining your home’s roof can drastically increase the likelihood of a bushfire devastating your property.

Another important reason roofs require more maintenance in Australia is the risk of bushfires. This is a concern across much of the country due to the heat and dry conditions. Since every home has a roof, it is often the first part of the property to be affected in fire-prone areas. Embers can easily become lodged in gutters, and if your roof is not properly maintained, this can create serious hazards. As a homeowner in Australia, it is essential to schedule regular cleaning and fireproofing for your roof to reduce risks and protect your property.

Australian Coasts Spell Disaster for Roofs

Here at Hendry’s Homes, we often maintain roofs on the coast because they are at most risk of erosion.

Another reason to maintain your home more frequently in Australia is the impact of coastal conditions. Many Australian homes are located close to the coastline, and the salty air near the ocean accelerates corrosion on metal roofing. This corrosion does not just affect the roof panels themselves, but also the fittings, such as screws and other hardware that keep the roof secure and in place.

Saltwater is a major cause of corrosion for anything connected to your home. This affects not only the roof but also other areas, such as the paint on your walls. The closer a home is to the coast, the faster it is likely to corrode. Harsh sunshine and strong UV radiation can further accelerate the damage caused by salt, particularly on your roof. This is one of the key reasons why homeowners in coastal areas of Australia need to have their roofs checked regularly.

Australian Wildlife Can Impact Your Roof

The Australian wildlife, especially flocks of cockatoos, can damage your roof over time.

As mentioned earlier, pests and wildlife are another important reason to maintain your roof more frequently in Australia. Australian wildlife can be attracted to roofs that have pre-existing issues, such as gaps or weak spots. These openings can allow possums, bats, spiders, or even birds to enter and potentially nest within your roof, causing further damage if not addressed.

A damaged roof not only attracts wildlife, but the animals themselves can also cause serious harm. Birds, possums, termites, and other creatures can create structural and insulation damage within days of moving into your home. This is why it is essential to have your roof inspected regularly by a qualified roofer. The sooner any issues are identified, the easier it is to prevent further damage.

It is not only animals living inside your home that can cause damage; bird droppings and feathers can also create issues on the outside. When combined, feathers and droppings release substances that erode fittings and other parts of your roof.

In Australia, birds often come in groups, so if once decides it likes your home, it won’t be long before more move in! Some species, such as apostle birds, colonise in groups of around twelve, while cockatoos can gather in flocks of thousands. The droppings and feathers from these birds can significantly damage your roof over time. Compared to many other parts of the world, Australia is teeming with birds, even in rural areas, due to its favourable climate, which makes this a common concern for homeowners.

Heavy Rain and Downpours

Some parts of Australia, especially tropical areas in Queensland, can fall victim to heavy rains during certain times of the year.

Another reason to have your roof maintained more frequently in Australia is heavy rain. This is particularly important for those living in tropical areas, such as Queensland, where seasonal downpours can easily overwhelm gutters. The problem is even greater if gutters have not been properly maintained over the years. At Hendry Homes, we see this issue frequently. Tropical storms and regular rainfall can significantly impact roofs and affect the overall condition of your home.

Small holes in the roof can quickly worsen due to water and dampness, and the effects will often appear inside your home. You may notice visible signs of roof damage, changes to the aesthetics of your home, and sometimes even differences in temperature. This is one of the reasons why homeowners in Australia, particularly those in tropical areas, need to maintain their roofs regularly.

Remember, prevention is much better than cure. At Hendry’s Homes we recommend all Australian home owners coat their roofs in a protective coating so that they’re protected from rain, UV rays, and other elements.

Concluding Why Australian Homes Need More Frequent Roof Maintenance

An infographic or checklist outlining why your Australian roof needs more maintenance.

As you can see, Australian homes need more frequent roof maintenance for several reasons including wildlife factors, fire threats, and exposure to water and/or other elements. Because of this, it is a good idea to ask a professional to inspect your roof every 1-2 years.

At Hendry’s Homes, we have been helping Australian home owners on the east coast maintain the integrity of their roofs for over 25+ years. We are one of the only exterior maintenance companies to offer a 100% free face-to-face, no-obligation inspection of your roof before applying any protective coatings. You can book your appointment here.

Wherever you are in the world, don’t forget to grab our free seasonal care guide! It walks you through the key steps to take outside so you can get the very best from your home inside. Download it here:

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Why Australian Homes Need More Frequent Roof Maintenance