Ceiling Water Damage

Pre-Winter Roof Inspections

The summer is starting to come to an end, and while we are very fortunate for the high number of sunny days year-round, before you know it the ‘rainy season’ will start.  We desperately need the rain this year, but preferably in the dams and not our living rooms.

There are three common ways a committee will calculate each unit’s Communal Fees: But only one way is the legally accepted way.

It’s important to take this last opportunity to do a pre-winter health check of your buildings roofs to spot potential issues before they become major problems. 

​Key Items to check when inspecting your Apartment Buildings Roof:

1) Roof Condition

Over time cracks can appear in roof felt and sealants, it’s important to visually inspect the roof to look for signs of wear or accidental damaged.  If it’s just a few small sections of damage you can easily treat the sections with a paint-on sealant.  If the problem is more widespread it may be worth getting a specialist in to quote for a complete resurfacing.  While expensive, the repairs to damage caused by a leaking roof can be far more costly.

2) Blocked Drains

Sitting water will find that 1mm hole in your flat roof and cause a surprising amount of water damage, it’s important to make sure that your drains are clearing the water quickly from the roof.  If your drains block easily or cannot keep up with the rain you should consider upgrading them to a larger drain.

3) Missing / Damaged Tiles

Visually inspect any pitched roof sections for missing/damaged roof tiles, pay close attention to the ridges and where the roof pitch meets the vertical walls for damaged/missing sections of flashing.  Be safe and don’t climb on roof sections, if in doubt call a professional.

​4) Open / Unsecured Roof Access Doors & Windows

One of the most surprisingly common ways for water to get into your building is through an open roof door.  Check all your doors close and lock properly and put up signs to remind owners the importance of keeping these doors closed.

Russell Flick

The Cyprus Communal Guide
Helping you unlock your buildings true potential.

Russell Flick

International Property Professional, Public Speaker & Author of 'The Ultimate Committee Handbook'. In addition to his published books, Russell is a public speaker, columnist and founder of www.CyprusCommunalGuide.com, the online information portal for property owners to get support and advice on all aspects of communal property ownership and management. Russell is currently in the process of publishing his second book (expected to be released in 2018) the 'Step-by-Step Guide to Owning Investment Property'. While the first book is aimed as a support resource for committees, giving step by step instructions on the management and administration of their buildings. This second book is is a practical guide to assist property owners and investors with information and procedures in acquiring, maintaining and maximizing their property investments.