6 Things You Should Know Before Roof Restoration

The veritable guardian of any property is the roof – protecting you day-in and day-out from the elements. Wear and tear is inevitable, resulting in the occasional need for roof repairs or even a full roof replacement.

But what if you could maintain the life of your roof with a roof restoration? These are not only cost-effective measures but environmentally friendly, too.

What is Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration is a comprehensive process aimed at returning a roof to its original condition after wear and tear.

This process isn’t merely a quick patch-up job; it involves detailed assessment and resolution of potential and existing roofing problems. Depending on the roof type, be it metal roofs, terracotta roofs, or concrete tiles, the method may vary.

Deciding on a full roof restoration is often preferred to a roof replacement or partial roof repairs. This is not only a cost-effective solution, but it dramatically extends the life of your roof, providing an environmentally friendly alternative to a full roof replacement.

Understanding the Basics of Roof Restoration

Are you looking at your rooftop and thinking it’s seen better days? Understanding roof restoration is vital before you start roof renovations. A roof restoration not only breathes new life into your roof but also saves you a heap of money by extending its life and overall appearance.

Before you restore your roof, it’s wise to familiarise yourself with the essentials of this process. Here are six tips to get you started:

1. What’s Involved in Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration is indeed more than just a quick slap of paint. It’s about bringing your roof up to scratch, ensuring it can continue standing tall against Australia’s harsh weather.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what happens during a roof restoration:

1. Roof inspection: A professional roof restorer or a roofing company will start by having a good look at your roof to check for any obvious issues like cracked or broken tiles, water damage, or leaks. This inspection will determine the extent of the necessary roof repairs or if a full roof restoration is needed.
2. Roof cleaning: Next, the roof restorer or one of many roof restoration companies will give your roof a thorough clean. Pressure cleaning is typically used to clear away any dirt, debris, or foreign growths like moss or lichen. This step ensures a clean slate for proceeding with roof repairs or a full roof restoration.
3. Roof repair: After the roof cleaning, it’s time to roll up the sleeves and start with the roof repairs. This might involve patching up leaks, re-bedding or re-pointing of capping tiles, or replacing any cracked or broken tiles. Not to worry, though, most roofs stand up well to these tasks, and it’s rare that a full roof replacement is needed.
4. Protective coatings: After the issues are addressed and repairs are made, protective coatings are applied to the roof. This phase of roof painting helps to extend the life of your roof by protecting it from harsh weather conditions.
5. Final check: A final inspection by the roofing company or the roof restorer ensures everything has been done correctly. After a good roof restoration or repair, your restored roof should not only look pretty as a picture but also stand firm against the elements.

During this process, they might also look at adding energy-efficient installations like solar panels, which can lower your energy bills. If your roof type includes terracotta roofs, metal roofs, or concrete tiles, the process may slightly vary to accommodate the specific materials and their needs.

2. Know Your Roof

An important factor to consider before starting the roof restoration is understanding the materials and structure of your property’s roof. Different roof types, be it metal roof, terracotta roof, or concrete tiles, have different needs and require specific restoration treatments and products.

• Metal roofs: Metal roofs need rust or corrosion treated first, followed by a rust-proof coating. Damaged roof sheets, fasteners, and insulation materials might also need repairing or replacing.
• Terracotta roofs: These clay-based tiles require pressure cleaning to remove moss or lichen growth. Damaged tiles might need replacement, and a sealing product designed specifically for terracotta tiles is added for longevity.
• Concrete tiles: Concrete tiles need to be cleaned using high-pressure water, cracked tiles should be repaired or replaced, and specially formulated concrete tile coating should be applied for protection.

In essence, know your roof type before starting a restoration, and hire experienced professionals to ensure the right treatments and products are used. It’s an investment that brings you long-term benefits.

3. When is the Perfect Time for Roof Restoration?

Recognising the right time for roof repairs or a roof restoration can save you from extensive damage and costly full roof replacement. Here are some signs that your roof needs more than just a good scrub:

• Cracked or broken tiles: When tiles show cracks or are fragmented, they can’t provide the essential protection your home needs. It’s best to get a professional in for a look if you spot any broken tiles.
• Worn-out roof shingles: Shingles lose their protective granules over time due to wind and rain damage. They may appear curled, split, or, in some cases, might be missing altogether. This is a pretty clear sign it’s time for a roof restoration process.
• Ageing roof: An old roof is often a tired roof. On average, if your roof has been standing for over two decades, it’s probably due for a thorough check-up and likely a restoration.
• Sagging: A sagging roof is a huge red flag. It suggests substantial structural damage, which can be caused by ongoing water damage or poor-quality roofing materials.
• Algae or moss growth: While they might look picturesque, moss and algae are indicators that your roof is retaining moisture. Left unaddressed, this can damage the roof underlayment.
• Water stains on ceilings or walls: Water stains inside your home indicate a leaky roof. Leaks need to be addressed immediately, or they can lead to further damaging issues like mould growth or structural damage.
• High energy bills: A damaged roof can lead to poor insulation, making your heating and cooling systems work harder, which will be reflected in your energy bills.
• Faded roof colour: Continuous exposure to harsh weather conditions can make your roof lose its colour. This might not just be a cosmetic issue; it might be an indicator of the quality of your roof deteriorating over time.
• Granules in gutters: If you’re finding gritty, sand-like granules in your gutters, that’s a sign your shingles could be nearing the end of their life.
• Damaged roof flashing: Corroded or damaged flashing around roof vents, chimneys, and other opening points can lead to leaks and other serious issues.

4. It Can Increase Your Property’s Value and Lifespan

A roof restoration has the potential to significantly increase the market value and lifespan of your property. A restored roof makes a tremendous difference to a potential buyer.

Real estate experts agree that the condition of the roof plays a monumental role in a property’s overall appeal.

Aside from increasing property value, the essential benefit of undergoing a roof restoration process is the considerable extension of your roof’s lifespan.

This procedure helps to rectify flaws and prevents further deterioration, thereby eliminating the immediate necessity for a full roof replacement.

5. Energy Bills Will Decrease

When considering roof restoration, one significant benefit often overlooked is the decrease in energy bills. A well-maintained roof plays a crucial role in regulating indoor temperature, especially during extreme weather conditions.

Here’s how it works:

1. Improved insulation: Over time, roofs can develop leaks or lose insulation, causing heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. By restoring your roof, you seal any gaps and ensure proper insulation, reducing the strain on your HVAC system.
2. Reflective materials: Many modern roofing materials are designed to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it. This means less heat penetrates your home, keeping it cooler in the summer months and reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.
3. Long-term savings: While roof restoration may require an initial investment, the long-term savings on energy bills can be significant. By addressing energy inefficiencies, you’ll see a noticeable decrease in your monthly utility costs, making it a worthwhile investment in the health and efficiency of your home.

6. Consult the Right Professionals

Before embarking on a roof restoration journey, it’s indispensable to engage the right professionals – experienced roof restorers or roofing companies.

Professional roof restoration companies offer a wide variety of services, from fixing cracked tiles to roof painting, roof cleaning, gutter replacements, and more. Opting for experienced tradesmen means the job is done correctly and effectively.

Roof restoration is not a project to take on DIY. The stakes are high, the potential damage, and the risks outweigh the savings of a DIY project. Always opt for a professional, reputable roof restoration company to handle this significant project.

A fair price does not compromise quality, and an obligation-free quote allows you to explore your options without being tied down. A good restoration company also provides a warranty for their work – a testament to their quality services and confidence in their work.

A Worthwhile Investment

Roof restoration is a significant investment for any property and understanding the above points can assist you in making an informed decision. Remember, a robust, well-serviced roof is an investment in the safety and value of your property.

Embrace the benefits of a roof restoration process and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your property is well protected from the elements. And never forget, retaining experienced professionals ensures a hassle-free, high-quality restoration.

At the end of the day, whether you restore your roof, repair it, or fully replace it – it’s an investment into preserving and increasing the value of your property. So, don’t hesitate to contact a professional roofing company today. It’s most certainly worth the time and effort.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.