What Exactly is a Roof Restoration?
Roof restorations are a cost-effective and ecologically friendly option to a whole roof replacement that goes far further than a simple roof repair. Simply said, roof restoration is a process of restoring old, worn, or damaged roofs to their original appearance and functionality. All roofs degrade over time as a result of the elements. This not only renders them vulnerable to leaks and damage, but it also causes them to age, harming the appearance of your house and maybe deterring potential purchasers if you decide to sell it.
When is the right time for Roof Restoration?
Roof restoration isn't always a good idea for everyone. If your roof is in good shape, it isn't required and would be a waste of money to replace it. Making minor repairs or having it pressure cleaned may be a better and more cost-effective option in many situations.
There are several indicators that you may require roof restoration services. Let's go through them together so you can be sure to catch any problems early on before they grow into something bigger and cost more than they need to. To accomplish this safely, it is suggested that you hire a roofing specialist such as a professional roofer from R1 Roofing Services, roofing companies of Melbourne.
We have listed out some indications that suggest it is time you restore your roof:
1. Roof sealants are used for a variety of purposes, including sealing gaps between components and acting as an adhesive to secure a membrane to the roof's surface. Even the finest roof sealants are prone to cracking or shrinking with time, leaving holes that enable water to enter. The roof valley sealant is usually the first to exhibit signs of wear, followed by other places.
2. If you have a tiled roof, the weather will ultimately wear down the coating and the tiles themselves, causing them to become discoloured and perhaps leaking water. Tile pieces and granules may also wash into the gutters, indicating that your tiles are deteriorating.
3. Broken and cracked tiles or shingles not only look bad, but they may also let water, insects, and other pests in.
4. The presence of mould and decay on your roof suggests that there is too much moisture trapped there. Any mould or rot on or in your roof poses a risk to your respiratory health and should be removed and treated as soon as possible. Growing lichen or moss on the roof indicates that it isn't adequately sealed, which might attract birds and other creatures to feed on it.
5. Your roof has metal components that can corrode and rust. If you have a metal roof, especially one that is extremely old, the sheet covers might corrode and wear away.
6. When gutters get worn or damaged, they ultimately stop draining rainfall from your roof, potentially causing more damage to your roof and home.
7. Any sagging in your roof structure indicates that it needs to be repaired. Failure to address this might jeopardise your house, resulting in rainfall collecting and eventually leaking inside. It may potentially result in the roof collapsing.
What Steps Are Involved in Roof Restoration?
A roof restoration entails several steps, the extent of which is determined by the condition of your roof. Because not all roofs require the same treatment as part of a repair, the procedure and cost will vary. The first step is to hire a professional roofer to evaluate the roof and produce a condition report that explains what's wrong with it and why it needs to be restored. R1 Roofing, one of the roofing contractors of Melbourne can help you with the same.
● Make sure the roof is in fine condition
It is logical to start by inspecting the roof for structural issues, such as weight-bearing beams and rafters that may need to be replaced. This ensures that any extra repair work isn't squandered, requiring a re-start and a return to the structural principles.
● Replacement of tiles or sheets
It's possible that a few damaged terracotta or concrete tiles will need to be replaced, or that all of them will need to be replaced. A full re-tiling may be necessary for a good restoration if the majority of the tiles are disintegrating. Any rusted or damaged sheets on a metal roof are replaced.
● Re-pointing and re-bedding of roof tiles
Roof re-bedding entails removing the roof tiles, replacing them with new cement mortar, and re-laying the tiles. To further bond the tiles to the roof and prevent them from moving and coming loose again, a flexible pointing substance is placed on them. Roof pointing is the second layer that goes over the bedding to form a firm bond between the tiles and to keep water, dust, and debris out. For a longer-lasting finish, the flexible pointing material is utilised to replace concrete mortar used for the same purpose in earlier roofs.
● Replacement of gutters and downpipes
If your gutters or downpipes are damaged beyond repair, you'll have to replace them. If the current gutters are quite old, replacing them might be a worthwhile investment, and if attractive new guttering is put in, it could enhance the market value of your property.
● Roof Cleaning with High Pressure
Using a high-pressure water cleaning system to remove dirt, moss, and debris from your roof may give your house a fresh look. At the same time, it ensures that the structure is not jeopardised by accumulated grot.
● Repainting and Resealing the Roof
The final stage in your roof restoration is a fresh coat of paint followed by a layer of roof sealant. The colour of the paint job might be the same as previously, or you can select a different one. Say goodbye to a weary, worn-out appearance and welcome to a bright, new look! A contemporary roof coating sealer will lock in that fresh appearance and preserve it for many years from the pounding that roofs suffer from rain and wind.