Keep gutters, valleys and box gutters clear; rinse salt off the areas of a steel roof that rain does not wash, especially near the beach; keep incompatible metals and runoff off the roof; check from the ground after major storms; and keep the quote, invoice, product details and warranty documents together. Leave anything on the roof surface to a contractor.
The first weeks
When the roof is finished, ask the contractor for a handover: photos of the work, the product name, colour and grade, and any warranty or care documents. Then, in the first few weeks:
- Look at the roof from the ground in good light. On steel roofs, look for small orange rust spots, which usually mean swarf was left behind. Report it promptly so it can be cleaned before it stains.
- After the first heavy rain, check ceilings and the roof space for any sign of water.
- Make sure gutters and downpipes are carrying water away from the house and are not overflowing.
Any defect should go back to the contractor in writing, with photos.
Gutters, valleys and box gutters
Blocked gutters are the most common cause of water getting into a new roof. Gold Coast gardens drop a lot into them: palm fronds, gum leaves, poinciana pods, and sand blown off the beach. When gutters fill, water backs up under the roof edge and into the eaves.
- Clear gutters and valleys at least twice a year, and more often under trees.
- Check box gutters on commercial and modern homes regularly; when these block, water goes straight inside.
- Make sure downpipes are clear all the way to the stormwater connection.
- Consider gutter guards under heavy trees, and ask whether they suit the gutter profile.
Work from a stable ladder only if you are comfortable doing so; otherwise book someone.
Salt and steel near the beach
Steel roofs within reach of sea spray benefit from regular rinsing of areas that rain does not wash. That includes the underside of overhangs, the backs of gutters, sheltered sections behind parapets, and areas under verandah roofs. Salt deposits there hold moisture against the coating and accelerate corrosion. A gentle hose-down from the ground, not a pressure washer, is usually enough. Check the manufacturer's care guide for your product; warranty conditions in marine environments may refer to it.
Keep incompatible metals away
Some metals react with each other. Problems often come from:
- copper pipes or water dripping from copper onto steel;
- lead flashings on certain steel products;
- offcuts and screws of a different metal left on the roof;
- air-conditioner condensate dripping onto the roof.
Ask any trade working on the roof later, such as solar installers, antenna installers or plumbers, to use compatible materials and to clean up after themselves.
Trees and debris
Keep branches trimmed back from the roof. Overhanging branches drop leaves, scrape the surface in wind, give pests access and can break off in storms. In hinterland suburbs in bushfire hazard areas, a clear roof and gutters also reduces the risk from embers.
After storms
The Gold Coast storm season runs roughly from October to March. After a major storm:
- Check from the ground for displaced tiles, lifted sheets, dents and debris.
- Check ceilings inside for new stains.
- Photograph anything unusual.
- Contact your insurer if there is damage, and arrange an inspection.
Do not climb the roof while it is wet or windy.
Ventilation and humidity
The Gold Coast's humidity means roof spaces can hold a lot of moisture. If the new roof included vents or whirlybirds, keep them clear. Make sure bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans are ducted outside rather than into the roof space. Signs of a problem include mould on the underside of the roof or on timbers, and rusting fixings inside.
Tile roof care
New tile roofs need little attention. Over time:
- check ridge and hip capping from the ground for cracks or movement;
- look for tiles knocked out of place by trades, birds or storms;
- avoid pressure cleaning, which can damage surfaces and force water under tiles.
Lichen will eventually appear on shaded faces in this climate. It is mostly cosmetic.
Paperwork
Keep these together:
- the quote and contract;
- invoices and payment records;
- product name, colour, grade and batch where available;
- warranty documents and care guides;
- photos before, during and after;
- any building approval documents.
They matter for insurance claims, warranty claims and selling the house.
Professional check-ups
Many owners have a roofer look at the roof every few years, and after any major storm. For beachside steel roofs and commercial roofs with box gutters, more frequent checks make sense. Our inspection checklist covers what you can do yourself between visits.
If something goes wrong
Contact the contractor first, in writing, with photos. If you cannot resolve a defect, the QBCC has a process for complaints about building work. Call 07 5241 1403 if you need a roof inspected.
General information about roofs on the Gold Coast, not advice about your roof. Rules, products and programs change; check with the body named (QBCC, City of Gold Coast, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland) before you act.