Undoubtedly, the roof should be your top concern due to the aesthetics, integrity and safety it offers to your home. Even a tiny leak in the roof can bring down your entire building over time. Further, if you ever decide to sell your home, a strong & beautiful roof can increase its value, getting you a great monetary deal.
As per the Roofing Industry Association of Australia (RIA), a regular roof restoration can extend your roof’s lifespan by up to 50%. So, investing in roof restoration can help homeowners save money in the long run. They can avoid the need for costly roof replacement or repairs. That is why roof restoration is something every homeowner should consider.
Here’s a complete guide by Roof Restoration Blackburn experts to help you deeply understand roof restoration.
What Is Roof Restoration?
Roof restoration is a broad term and not just limited to cleaning, repairing, repainting and re-coating a metal, tile, or Colour bond roof.
Instead, a roof restoration is a process of repairing and restoring an aged roof to its former glory. It revives the lost performance, strength and aesthetic of the roof in work. Roof repair goes beyond just fixing a roof. This means instead of fixing a tiny section of the roof, a roof repair upgrades the whole of it.
Roof restoration is an environmentally-friendly and cost-effective alternative to roof replacement.
Roof Restoration vs Roof Repair?
Often roof restoration is misunderstood as roof repair. However, both roof repair and roof restoration are entirely different.
As said, roof restoration involves a complete makeover of a roof. From cleaning and painting the old worn-out areas to replacing broken tiles, and maintenance work, roof restoration includes everything. In simple words, roof restoration restores the look of worn-out roofs to new ones and addresses damages.
Roof restoration is more cost-efficient than roof replacement. If done properly, it can increase the roof’s life to up to 10 years. It also protects the roof from leaks and further damage.
You should opt for roof restoration in Melbourne in case of mould or moss growth on the roof, loose and damaged roof flashings, holes or leaks in the roof, rusting roof, faded roof sheets, and water stains on the ceilings.
On the other hand, roof repair is done to fix a specific part of a roof. Issues like damaged tiles and ridge vents can be treated with a roof repair process. If not fixed immediately, these problems can lead to bigger and more extensive damage.
You should immediately consult a local roofing specialist about repairing your roof if:
- If the roof damage is severe
- if previous repair attempts have not been successful
- If the damage is too complex to handle on your own.
What Are The Benefits Of Roof Restoration?
A budget-friendly roof restoration process brings a range of benefits for a homeowner. These include:
Avoid Future Damages
Leaving the roof in poor condition for a long will, over time, deteriorate and damage it further. This is because your roof is the most exposed part of your home that withstands harsh external elements like storms and heat. And if a roof gets damaged, you start getting leaks.
With regular restoration, you can ensure to keep every inch of your roof in top condition. A roof restoration specialist will identify and replace every broken or damaged roof. They will also rebedd any loose tiles or ridge caps. A protective sealant will further cover the roof’s surface, protecting it from future damages for years to come.
Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan
Your home is important to you so does your money. No homeowner would want to spend money frequently on repairs. And regular roof restoration ensures you don’t need to spend your hard-earned money on the same.
Restoring your roof can significantly add to its life, giving you peace of mind for years to come. It will eliminate concerns about potential damage or leaks, ensuring your home’s safety and security.
Improve the Energy Efficiency Of Your Property
A damaged or improperly sealed roof will let a lot of air in and out. As such, you may need to raise your heating or air conditioning use to compensate for the heat loss.
A properly restored roof prevents air from escaping the roof. Your energy bills will be lower in the long run. Plus, you will contribute your bit to the environment as well.
Increase Your Home’s Value
Your roof’s condition plays a crucial role in your home’s safety and aesthetics. A well-maintained, high-quality, secure roof can significantly enhance your property’s market value.
Often a roof that seems to require repair deters potential buyers. Hence, choosing roof restoration can improve your chances of a hassle-free sale. Further, it allows you to list your home at a higher price.
Offers Peace Of Mind
Storms and extreme weather can cause unexpected damage to a roof, even if there are no visible leaks or signs of water damage. By restoring the roof, any damage will be detected and repaired before it worsens.
What Happens In The Roof Restoration Process?
Typically, the restoration process involves the entire roof rather than just a section, unlike roof repairs. The exact methods used depend on the type of roofing material, roof type, and the extent of the damage.
Here are the usual steps involved in a roof restoration:
- Visual Inspection
A thorough inspection by a roofing specialist will identify specific areas that require attention. These may include issues such as breaks, cracks, holes, or dents, which can compromise the roof’s stability.
They will also identify problems like leaks, rust, and other factors that could weaken the roofing material. Your house’s interior will also be checked for issues like water stains, moulds, or odd odours that require attention.
- Cost Estimation
The next step is preparing a quote that details all required calculations and measurements. You’ll receive an itemised quote from the roof specialist. It will include costs for pressure cleaning, preparation, and the need for sealers, paints, and coatings. After approving the quote, they will give you a timeline for each service required during the roof restoration.
- Cleaning
This vital step ensures the roof is ready for restoration work. Cleaning involves a thorough high-pressure spray to remove grit, dirt, moss, mould, and algae.
- Repairs
A roof specialist will fix any damage, including fixing cracked or broken tiles, replacing metal sheets, sealing leaks, and re-bedding and re-pointing, depending on the roof type.
- Priming and painting
A primer is often applied to the roof (especially older tiled roofs) before a final topcoat is added.
It is always a good idea to discuss the roof restoration process with the roofing contractor you hire. Accordingly, you can schedule and plan for the process at your convenience.
Signs You Need Roof Restoration
Do all roofs need restoration? Well, yes, at some point in time. As roofs get older with time, they lose their integrity and look. As such, you need to maintain them on a regular basis.
Here are some signs by which you can determine if it’s the right time to go for a roof restoration:
Roof Leaks
A frequently leaking roof is probably the first indication that you need to restore your roof. Moisture trails on your ceiling or dark spots of mould or rot growing on your ceiling may indicate that the interior of your home has been compromised. All these are signs of water damage from a roof leak.
Sagging Roof
Moisture trails on your ceiling or dark spots of mould or rot growing on your ceiling may indicate that the interior of your home has been compromised.
Corrosion or Rust
The presence of corrosion around your roof’s fittings and fasteners is a clear sign of water collection. When accompanied by flaking paint and rotting timber, it’s advisable to have your roof professionally inspected to assess the extent of the damage.
Mould Growth
Ever noticed black, dark-green or brown blotches on your roofs or wall surfaces? This is mould. Unlike algae and fungi, mould is a problem with dangerous health effects and certainly no aesthetic value. One can easily spot mould due to its smell and slimy, unpleasant appearance.
Worsening Roof Valleys
You must repair damaged roof valleys immediately. If you observe loose or worn material around the vents, chimney, pipes and other areas, this is a sign your roof needs attention. Hire a roof restoration professional and get it restored as soon as possible.
Damaged Downpipes and Gutters
Gutters and downpipes are responsible for redirecting water. However, if you notice rust, holes, cracks, or loose fasteners in the gutters and downpipes of your roof, it is a sign of water penetration. If not treated, this may damage your walls, fascias, siding, and other roofing materials.
Broken or Cracked Tiles
Any cracked, broken or porous tiles should be replaced immediately. Roofing tiles are very durable and rarely need to be replaced completely. However, if you overlook individual damaged tiles, water can seep in and cause the timber holding up your roof to rot. This can lead to more expensive roof restoration.
Some other signs indicating you need roof restoration include worn or cracked roof flashing, deteriorating roof shingles, and life expectancy.
How Much Does Roof Restoration Cost?
No two roofs have the same make. Hence, the cost of roof restoration depends on various factors, including:
- Roof size
- Restoration extent
- Pitch and accessibility
When preparing a quote for your roof, a professional roof restoration company will closely examine factors such as the roof pitch and the number of intricate areas, such as bay window roofs. When requesting quotes for roof restoration, it’s essential to seek as much detail as possible, including:
- A comprehensive outline of what you believe needs to be done
- The approximate size of your roof
- The height and pitch of your roof
- The material that makes up your roof
- Whether your home is a single-storey or two-storey building.
Takeaway
Every homeowner will require a roof restoration at some point for various reasons. It can be a great investment for your home and will give it great value over the long term. Plus, you don’t have to pay hefty, just like you will need for roof repair or replacement.
Look for a reliable Roof Restoration Blackburn to handle your roof restoration project with efficiency and care. If done correctly, it will extend your roof’s longevity giving you peace of mind forever.
