6 Questions to Ask a Roof Plumber in Melbourne

The roof is one of the most important parts of any home, as it protects you and your family from the elements. In many ways it is your home’s crowning glory. To keep it that way, you may sometimes need the attention of a specialist – a professional roof plumber.

If you live in or near Melbourne, you’ll know the different extremes of weather that have an impact on your home. Any type of roof, new or old, will be tested under such climatic variations.

Hiring a roof plumber is an essential step to take when it comes to roofing maintenance, repair and installation (if you require a roof replacement).

However, to ensure you choose the right roof plumber in Melbourne, there are several questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line.

Asking questions is a crucial part of the hiring process, especially when it comes to finding the right roof plumber. By asking the right questions, you can ensure the person you choose is qualified, experienced and trustworthy and will deliver quality workmanship.

It can also help you to gain some important roof maintenance information while getting an idea of the quality of work the plumber has done in the past and what to expect from them. After searching for “roof plumber Melbourne”, you need to know if you’re hiring the right professional.

Here are six questions to ask a fully qualified roof plumber.

This is information you may need before calling a roof plumber in Melbourne, but it can’t hurt to discuss this in further detail with a professional while you’ve got the chance.

There are signs which are obvious and others which are harder to detect. If your roof is particularly old or you’ve got overhanging trees, you probably need to be aware of potential problems. Here’s a brief checklist of roofing problem signs:

1. Roof leaks – A leaking roof is the most obvious sign that your roof is damaged or your gutters are blocked.
2. Stains or mould on the ceiling and walls – If you’re noticing stains or mould, it suggests that your roof is damaged and water is getting into your ceiling space.
3. Light coming through the roof – If you notice any light coming through your ceiling during the day, it indicates that your roof has been compromised.
4. Damage to paint – Peeling or blistering of paint is another indicator that dampness is getting in and you’ve got roof problems.
5. Broken or faulty roof tiles – This suggests you could have roof problems. If tiles are cracked, discoloured or missing it’s probably due to age and extended exposure to extreme weather.
6. Corroded roof flashing – Another sign of the age of your roof. Probably difficult to see from the ground, so leave it up to your roofing professional to examine.

These are just a few visual signs to be aware of, but don’t hesitate to ask your roof plumber questions about what to look out for.

When you’re hiring a roof plumber – even if it’s for a specific problem – you’ll expect the technician to have experience in a complete range of services. You’ll want a roof plumbing professional who can deal with whatever is thrown at them.

A fully qualified roof plumber’s services should include:

• Roof leak repairs
• Roof restoration
• Gutters and downpipes
• Tiled roof repairs
• Metal roof repairs
• New roof installations and replacements
• Ceiling repairs
• Roof flashing repairs and waterproofing

If your technician’s range of skills and knowledge are limited, you might not be able to solve the problem at hand. Therefore, it’s best to find out before work starts.

Roofing regulations can vary considerably depending on where you live, so it’s essential to hire a roof plumber who is familiar with them. Particularly if you are planning any significant changes.

Most roof plumbing work involves the roof drainage system that collects and disposes of stormwater, according to the Victorian Building Authority’s roofing (stormwater) page.

Clearing water from your property is the main purpose of your drainage system (except for water being stored in a rainwater tank).

That’s why a roof plumber must understand how water behaves under different weather conditions, which are often unpredictable in Melbourne.

As such, a roof plumber must understand and apply the following compliance requirements:

• AS3500 National Plumbing and Drainage Code
• HB 39 Installation Code for metal roof and wall cladding
• HB 114 Guidelines for the design of eaves and box gutter

Roof plumbers must show they have the competency in these areas before they are licensed. It would be wise, then, to ask about your technician’s qualifications and knowledge of regulations and Australian standards.

This will depend on the severity of the problem. For example, a minor roof leak or blocked gutter will not cost as much as a complete roof replacement. Re-roofing is always the most expensive option and property owners should probably get a second opinion if they are unsure.

But the important element is to get a fixed-price quote before the roof plumber even starts that job. That way you’re not in for any nasty surprises when the problem has been fixed.

Be wary of any technician who refuses to commit to a price and is difficult to pin down when it comes to a time frame. A roofing problem is difficult enough without being held to ransom by a plumber who won’t give you any idea of the finance involved.

5. Do You Have Any Roofing Maintenance Tips?

No one knows more about keeping a roof in good shape than an experienced roofing professional. That’s what they work on from day to day and they see every problem imaginable, so why not ask for a few tips when a roofing expert visits?

A roof plumber may make some of the following suggestions to keep your crowning glory in top condition:

• Get an annual roof inspection
• Don’t let minor problems escalate to big problems
• Keep your gutters clear of debris
• Regularly check your roof tiles
• Check for water spots on your ceiling
• Trim overhanging branches regularly

6. How Often Should I Get My Gutters Cleaned?

This will depend on several factors and your roof plumbing professional will be the ideal person to ask.

A roof plumber working in Melbourne will know exactly what to look for when it comes to the need for regular gutter cleaning. If you don’t keep the water flowing smoothly from your roof into stormwater drains, all kinds of problems can occur, including:

• Structural damage to your home
• Damp or leaking walls
• Staining on walls
• Internal flooding
• Paint damage
• Sagging or broken gutters

The standard answer to the question of gutter cleaning frequency will probably be twice a year – at the beginning of summer and the start of winter.

But, of course, that depends on where you live and the type of dwelling you live in. For example, tall apartment buildings are less likely to be affected by trees than a one-storey home.

Are you surrounded by trees? Are there any other factors that could lead to dirt, dust and leaves causing a gutter blockage? Make sure you ask your roof plumber the question.

In Conclusion

It’s important to ask a roof plumber questions so that you know you’re getting the level of professional service you deserve – and also to learn how to keep a close eye on your own roof.

You’ll want to make sure you’ve hired the right technician for the job in Melbourne and, if you have, to gain some handy advice while you’ve got the opportunity.

For all roof plumbing services in and around Melbourne, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Mr Emergency. We offer roof plumbing of the highest quality and our services including everything from fixing a leaking roof to the installation of a new roof.

Our qualified roof plumbers cover Melbourne, the inner suburbs and right around the metropolitan area.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.