Whether your roof is old or new, there are a number of things that can put your roof's integrity at risk. From wild weather to animals and poor maintenance, you need to take care of your roof for it to be able to take care of you.

Here’s the top 6 roofing threats in Australia:

1. Leaves and moisture

Having trees around your home can make it shady and tranquil in the harsh Australian sun, but the only downside is the build-up of leaves on your roof and gutters. If you don’t remove fallen leaves frequently enough, it can clog up your drains, lead to pooling water and breeding mosquitoes, and cause mould to spread around the area.

Removing leaves from your drains not only stops moisture building up, but it also helps to protect your house in times of bushfires.

Make sure you do a regular roof and gutters check and clear away any pesky leaves.

2. Intense weather

Particularly in Queensland, intense weather systems have battered our roofs over the last few years. Strong winds, hail, flooding rain, all of these elements can be extremely damaging to your home or business.

Making sure your roof is storm safe is one of the first things you should do to protect your home. You can download our free guide for preparing for Brisbane’s harsh storm seasons.

3. Pooling water

If your roof doesn’t have proper drainage, then water can easily pool in certain areas and this puts your roof at greater risk of leaks, rot and mould, and structural damage.

Make sure your drainage lines are clear from debris and there are no places where water can collect.

4. Debris and branches

Whether it’s a side-effect of a storm, or simply debris from trees dropping branches, having trees overhanging or too close to your roof could be putting it at risk.

Even if branches rub against your roof, it could slowly damage the surface and make it more susceptible to leaks and cracks.

Make sure you trim back tree limbs that overhang and brush your roof surface. This could save you money and peace of mind in the long-run.

5. Animals

Yes, unfortunately our native fauna could be damaging your roof. Possums can get under your roof and take refuge or even build a nest. They can also destroy insulation and things in your attic or roof once it becomes their shelter.

Even reptiles, birds, and insects like ants and termites can damage your roof and put the rest of your home at risk.

6. Lack of roof maintenance

The biggest threat to your roof is neglecting it. Whether it’s a clogged gutter, pest problem, or a tree limb resting on your roof, you can stop it becoming a major problem by simply maintaining your roof.

Do regular checks and inspections before you let anything get too bad.