Wednesday 7 April 2010
PERTH eco architects are calling for people to become more
vigilant in cleaning and maintaining their roofs following last
month's storm.
Ms Penelope Eagle and Mr Garry Barverstock from
Ecotect-Architects both claim the regularly publicised ANZAC Day as
the appointed annual day to check roofs is too late.
"ANZAC Day takes place in April and this is generally after the
first heavy storms," said Ms Eagle.
"If anything, we should assess the condition of our roofs every
three to four months.
"This includes checking roof valleys, ridges, gutters,
downpipes, tile brittleness, sky lights and photovoltaics and
removing leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes," said Ms
Eagle.
Ms Eagle said a trend in eco housing is to install wider than
standard gutters and downpipes to better capture water during
sudden and regular torrential downpours.
She said while gutters should also be lower than the roof line,
this was not the case with many homes.
"A suggestion is for home owners to install pops into gutters at
appropriate spots which will provide a release for build-up water
pressure," said Ms Eagle.
"A pop is a small piece of pipe fitted to a hole drilled near
the top of a gutter which allows water to escape when the gutter is
flooded."
Ms Eagle said water can be a most damaging substance and
effectively capturing, storing and draining it will provide home
occupants with peace of mind.
She said rain water tanks were a sensible option in which stored
water could be distributed to gardens during drier months.
Mr Baverstock said when inspecting roofs home owners may also
like to assess the contents in their yards to determine what would
happen during harsh and violent storms.
"The position and weight of garden furniture, fencing, privacy
screens, rubbish bins, hot water systems and children's toys and
bikes can all cause damage during storms.
"Planting a garden comprising gradated levels of trees and
shrubs can also protect a home and provide shelter for birds,
insects and other animals during storms," said Mr Baverstock.
Mr Baverstock said the day has come whereby what neighbours do
to their properties and the structural quality of their homes
impact upon the streetscape.
"For example, I would hate to think what would happen if one
person's roof flies off during a storm and damages an uninsured
person's property.
"This could open up a whole new area of civil litigation," said
Mr Baverstock.
Mr Baverstock said he encouraged people to learn more about the
climate, the land and water because understanding nature will
enable them to build and maintain better homes.
... / Ends
Further
Information
Mr Garry Baverstock: Tel: 0419 965227 or 08-9286 3811
(Journalist) Ms Jacinta Goerke: Tel: 0412
338813