Roof and Gutter Repairs to Prevent Water Damage: Trusted Service from Whywait Plumbing

On the Gold Coast, roof and gutter repairs are invariably put off over winter until the first summer storms arrive. When they do, that lack of maintenance creates panic stations. 

As we head into summer, Meteorologists are again predicting a possible La Niña, which means the Gold Coast may face wetter and cooler conditions than usual. It would be the fourth La Niña in five years, highlighting the need for Gold Coast homeowners to prepare for an extreme weather season.

At Whywait Plumbing, we are not just plumbers. After 47 years, we are experts in understanding the vital role of a well-maintained roof and gutter system in safeguarding your home or business. You only need to experience a flooded house once to know you never wish to repeat it.

Our experienced plumbers have seen it all before and know what to look for. They are all experienced with solving roof and gutter repairs. They know that delivering quality repair services ensures your property remains dry and secure. 

Too often, we find ourselves dealing with roof and gutter repairs that have been haphazardly plastered with silicon. This is usually the result of advice from Bunnings employees, where it’s believed that roof silicon can fix anything. 

However, the truth is that silicon is an adhesive, not a replacement surface. Smearing silicon over a hole may seem like a quick fix, but it’s a temporary solution at best. Over time, the silicon will peel off, leading to more extensive damage and costly repairs. 

These DIY attempts can lead to further damage, potentially causing leaks, structural issues, and even health hazards due to mould growth. It’s essential to be cautious and seek professional help when dealing with roof and gutter repairs.

Bunnings is not a licensed plumber, roofer, or any of the numerous trade specialties it purports to cover. It is a massive warehouse that employs supermarket strategies and pricing techniques to market various hardware-related products. It is far from the friendly, locally owned hardware shops that once dotted our neighbourhoods.

The majority of Bunnings employees work casually or part-time. They typically lack any specialised expertise or skills in the traditional trades sector. These employees often lack the qualifications to provide informed advice, yet they routinely do so to unsuspecting DIY enthusiasts to make a sale. Essentially, Bunnings staff are similar to Coles supermarket employees – retail shop sales assistants.

• Roof Inspection and Condition Audit: our inspections are designed to look at everything on the roof, including the flashings, the screw fixings and the vent pipe penetration.
• Roof Reports: our reports are concise and give an accurate assessment of your roof and gutters after our inspection, giving you timelines for what maintenance is required and its urgency
• Roof Leak Detection and Repairs: if you have experienced a leaking roof, our plumbers have the expertise to locate leaks and repair them to prevent further damage to your ceilings.
• Gutter and Downpipe Repairs: Our plumbers are experts in assessing the condition of your gutters and downpipes to ensure they are fully functional for summer storms and sealing leaking joints.
• Gutter Cleaning: Regularly scheduled gutter cleaning is crucial to prevent debris buildup. This preventative maintenance not only ensures that your gutters are free from blockages but also prevents overflowing gutters and fully functional downpipes, especially during heavy summer storms.

• At Whywait Plumbing, we take pride in our experienced professionals: Our skilled plumbers, with their extensive experience in diagnosing and repairing various roof and gutter issues, instill confidence in our clients. Whether it’s a minor leak or extensive damage, we’ve got you covered with our expertise and commitment to quality service.
• At Whywait Plumbing, we offer a comprehensive range of roof and gutter repair services: No job is too big or small, from fixing leaks to replacing damaged sections, resealing joints, and ensuring proper water flow. Our services ensure that all your roof and gutter needs are met under one roof, giving you peace of mind and a sense of security.
• Prompt Response: We know that roof and gutter leaks potentially lead to significant damage if not attended to immediately. That’s why we prioritise fast, efficient service to resolve issues before they escalate, providing security, peace of mind, and relief in emergencies.
• Quality Materials: We use only proven, high-quality products to ensure our repairs are long-lasting and suitable for your roof. Our focus is on providing solutions that work now and into the future.
• Preventative Maintenance: Beyond repairs, we offer preventative maintenance services to help you avoid future issues. Regular inspections and upkeep can save you time and money in the long run.
• At Whywait Plumbing, we take safety seriously: We are fully licensed and insured to undertake all roof repairs, and our plumbers have completed work safely at heights courses. We use tested and tagged safety harnesses when working on your roof, ensuring the safety of our team and your property during all our operations.

Roof leaks can occur due to several potential causes. Here are some common culprits:

• Heavy Rain and Storms: Intense rain and storms can cause water to infiltrate your roof if it is not well-maintained or properly sealed. This is especially true during severe weather events.
• Age of the Roof: Over time, roofing materials and flashings degrade. Concrete tiles, clay tiles, or metal roofing may become brittle, crack, or corrode, leading to leaks.
• Blocked Gutters and Downpipes: If gutters or downpipes are clogged with leaves, dirt, or debris, water can back up and seep under the roofing materials, leading to leaks.
• Broken or Missing Tiles: Strong winds or hailstones can damage tiles. Even a single missing or broken tile can allow water to enter.
• Poor Installation: If your roof wasn’t installed correctly or corners were cut during installation, even if it is relatively new, you might experience leaks.
• Roof Penetrations: Skylights, vents, and chimneys can be potential sources of leaks if the seals around them fail.
• Cracked Roof Sealants: Sealants around roof penetrations and seams can crack over time due to weather exposure, leading to leaks.
• Tree Damage: Overhanging branches can scrape the roof surface or fall during storms, damaging the roof and creating entry points for water.

Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage to your home and save on repair costs in the long run. Having a licensed plumber or roofing professional conduct a comprehensive roof investigation and report will ensure any trouble spots are discovered and rectified to minimise additional damage.

When we arrive at your property for a roof inspection, we ensure we understand the main reason for our visit and ask you to point out any problem areas or concerns. Our plumbers will wear safety harnesses before accessing your roof, ensuring their safety while working on your home.

During the inspection, our plumbers will take photos and notes to report your roof’s condition comprehensively. They will assess:

• Property type, roof height, and material

• General roof condition and pitch

• Compliance with plumbing standards and roofing regulations

• Condition of gutters, downpipes, and other components

Our plumber will provide a verbal account of their findings and compile their notes, including recommendations for repairs, a quote if requested, and a comprehensive roof investigation report, which will be emailed to you after the visit.

If your roof is leaking during heavy rain, here are five steps you can take:

1. Clear the Space: Move essential belongings out of the way if it is safe.
2. Contain the Water: Use buckets and towels to catch the water and reduce damage.
3. Relieve Water Pressure: If safe, poke a hole in a sagging ceiling to let water escape.
4. Make Some Calls: Contact the SES, your insurer, if necessary, and schedule a roof inspection with us.
5. Tarp the Roof: Once it’s safe, you may if you have the correct equipment tarp the roof until repairs can be made.

Eliminating roof leaks requires patience, as there are frequently multiple points of entry for rain. Leak locations frequently depend on rain intensity and direction, as well as wind direction and intensity.

You always need to be aware that locating roof leaks can be an elimination process. For this reason, never expect miracles when we hunt for concealed roof leaks, as there are multiple possibilities that all need eliminating one at a time.

Don’t let roof and gutter leaks compromise your property’s safety and integrity. Contact us at Whywait Plumbing today to schedule a service or consultation. We provide roof inspections and leak repairs across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Call us today to assist.