Anthea McGibbon, Staff Reporter

It would be wise to get a gardener or repair expert to tackle heights such as these. - Photos by Anthea McGibbon

As the Atlantic hurricane season advances, some Jamaicans have still neglected securing their roofs, waiting 'til the last minute to address niggling problems which might later morph into yawning catastrophes.

Emphasising that maintenance is key to the prevention and control of roofing woes, Abe Kawass, a director of K's Roofing Company Limited, shares basic tips with readers.

First up, the expert advises that homeowners and tenants familiarise themselves with the condition of their roofs by carrying out periodic inspections inside and outside. It is critical to identify the minor problems before they become major ones.

Tropical Storm Gustav probably reminded you of a few leaks you've had for ages and perhaps ripped open new holes.

Kawass lists the following as some of the main reasons. He also offers practical suggestions for owners and occupants.

1. Disintegration of sheet metal, for example, zinc.

2. The deterioration of fibreglass shingles, especially those installed longer than 20 years.

3. Excessive traffic on rooftops to install external units such as solar water heaters, air-conditioning units and/or satellite dishes. Leaks can also be caused by slackening, rusting or tampering with small nail or screw holes over time.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Roof disintegration may be caused by leaves which have been allowed to settle. When left over time, mildew or fungus forms. He, therefore, advises that gutters, valleys and eaves (where grit often settles) be regularly cleared.

A gardener would be an ideal person to access the roof by ladder, once safety issues are observed. In a two-storey or higher building, it would be advisable to call an expert to do an assessment.

Lifted shingles and unfastened or rust-rotten screws may be visible by a short climb up a ladder in a one-floor home.

A simple excerise, checking for lifting shingles, would be to tap the shingles with a broomstick.

Kawass notes that experts are needed only at the point other roofing elements are broken, or joints displaced or rotten, requiring professional intervention for repairs or replacement.

Leaks can also be detected from inside a building, foreboding roof faults. Discoloured gypsum in ceilings should be checked.

condensation

According to the expert, this major warning sign doesn't always result from roof leaks, but may be linked to condensation on the exposed zinc roof, which would cause water droplets to fall on the the side of the ceiling facing the roof. Ideally, insulation would absorb the moisture after condensation, thus protecting the gypsum. Leaks are likely when a sagging of the gypsum ceiling is noticeable.

Kawass advises that until an expert is called in, the owner/ occupant should make a small puncture, measuring no more than half inch, in the centre of the sagging area to allow the collecting water to drain through. This should reduce repair costs remarkably.

Other evidence of a faulty roof is flooding in certain parts of the home, such as the verandah, or splashing on doors. Kawass suggests that blocked gutters can overflow, thus forcing water to filter through unexpected areas such as eaves. He reiterates the importance of clearing gutters routinely.

During the hurricane season, Kawass suggests that material, which can be tossed about by wind, should be cleared from open areas. These include tree limbs, debris and furniture such as verandah chairs.

One critical piece of advice is to avoid getting someone to just 'patch the area', as this oftentimes leads to more serious problems, and likely leaves hidden ones unaddressed.

anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com

This fibreglass shingle roof is slanted to allow quick water run-off.

Gutters should be regularly cleaned.

This is the second instalment of The Gleaner's new feature, 'How to ...', an instruction guide giving practical advice on fixing many of those pesky problems that pop up - without paying an arm and a leg. Seize on info from industry experts and become a veritable Mr or Mrs Fix-it.