One of your home’s most important exterior features is your roof. A well-maintained roof will improve the efficiency of your air conditioner, protect your home’s inhabitants from the elements, and increase its value.
Poorly maintained roofs have the potential to leak, attract unwanted wildlife, produce harmful mold growth, and significantly impede insurance claims. A professional roof restoration is something you might want to think about if your roof is starting to look a little worse for wear and needs more than a few minor repairs. But is it worth restoring the roof?
How does a roof restoration work?
A cheaper alternative to a roof replacement in which the entire roof is removed and replaced with a new one is roof restoration, which is designed to extend the life of your roof.
In contrast to a roof repair, which only targets a small portion of the roof, this procedure typically affects the entire roof. The exact methods depend on the kind of roofing material and the nature of the damage. However, the procedure typically entails:
Using a high-pressure spray, all grit, dirt, moss, mold, and algae will be removed from the roof.
After that, any damage will be fixed, which may include, depending on the kind of roof, replacing metal sheets, sealing any leaks, re-bedding, and re-pointing, if necessary.
After that, a primer will be applied to the roof, which is especially important for older roofs with tile, and then a final topcoat will be applied.
Can I do it on my own?
No. To complete the task to a high standard, roof restoration necessitates the expertise and specialist skills of a roofing professional; it is unquestionably not a project that can be done by anyone!
Even if you have your pressure washer, this includes the cleaning. This is because deep cleaning is necessary to prepare a roof for restoration, and doing it yourself could result in flooding. To avoid this, professional roofers know how to use machinery at the right angle. Furthermore, domestic pressure cleaning equipment operates at 1,000 to 1,500 psi, which may not be sufficient. Professional machines, on the other hand, operate at 3,000 to 3,500 psi.
For what reason would it be advisable for me to think about rooftop reclamation?
Your roof shields your house from hailstorms, cyclones, intense sunlight, and torrential rain, all of which can be quite severe in Queensland. A roof restoration is something to think about if:
The roof is leaking (mold and dark spots on your ceilings are signs that this is happening)
The downpipes and gutters aren’t in good shape
The tiles are cracked, broken, or porous
The plaster is starting to look exposed
The paint is faded or deteriorating
The roof is sagging, or there is deterioration in the valleys of the roof
The bedding, pointing, or flashing is damaged or cracked
There is corrosion (rust) around the fittings
What advantages does roof restoration offer?
Having a skilled roofing professional complete a roof restoration has several advantages, including:
Boosting the value of your home
Investing in your roof’s upkeep will increase your home’s value if you decide to sell. The façade of your dwelling is the initial impression that greets visitors. Additionally, it will guarantee that your property passes any necessary pest and building inspections.
Providing comfort
Storm season occurs frequently in Queensland, and even if there are no visible leaks or signs of water damage, wild weather can cause irreparable damage to a roof. A roof restoration will make certain that any damage is found and fixed before it gets worse.
Saving money and energy
If your roof has cracks or holes that let warm and cool air out, your home’s insulation isn’t working as well as it should and your electricity bills may go up.
Protecting it from unwanted pests
Rats, snakes, and possums love to make use of roofs that are damaged so they can build nests and cause damage. It can be expensive to safely capture and remove wildlife from your roof, so making sure it is secure and in good condition will also save you money in the long run.
Increasing your roof’s lifespan
An expert in roofing will be able to identify any flaws in your roof, such as leaks or cracked tiles, and work to repair them before they cause much damage. It will reduce the need for a costly complete roof replacement in the future. As part of the process, overflowing gutters should be cleared out to reduce fire danger.
Ensuring insurance coverage
As a homeowner, you will have certain responsibilities based on the kind and amount of home insurance you have. If your roof hasn’t been properly cared for, insurance companies may deny claims because of problems like clogged gutters, rusted gutters, or blocked flashings.
How much time does it take to restore a roof?
The weather conditions at the time, the type of repairs needed, and the size of your roof will all affect how long it takes to restore your roof. A roof restoration, on the other hand, typically requires three to ten working days to be completed by roofing contractors.
How long can I anticipate the restoration of my roof to last?
The restoration of a roof lasts about 15 years. Additionally, paint manufacturers will offer a warranty of at least ten years for the paint used.
What is the typical cost of roof restoration?
Several factors influence the cost of restoring a roof (listed below). On the other hand, an average-sized Australian home’s full roof restoration costs approximately $2,500. Most of the time, roofing companies charge by the square meter, and sometimes the price per square meter goes down for bigger areas. For instance, restoration costs between $28 and $38 per square meter for smaller roofs, between $22 and $28 for medium-sized roofs, and between $17 and $22 for larger roofs.
Although resealing the roof is sometimes recommended to extend its lifespan, it does provide additional protection and is sometimes optional. Paint or a special coating for the roof can be used to seal it. Although some businesses may have a fixed price for this, the costs can be set per hour or square meter.
What influences the cost?
Size Of Roof
This is the most obvious factor. Even if you believe that only minor repairs are required, it is still a good idea to have your entire roof examined by roofing. In the long run, it will save you time and money!
The item quality
Picking a respectable material organization will guarantee they work with great materials. These typically include a product warranty; for instance, a high-quality roof sealant typically has a lifespan of ten years. Additionally, they will provide a ten-year workmanship guarantee. Thermal insulation, rust resistance, as well as enhanced coverage and adhesion, are additional advantages of high-quality products.
The scope of the restoration
While a straightforward restoration typically entails cleaning, painting, or repainting your roof, numerous repairs or replacements are frequently required. In older homes, roof trusses may have sagged, roof valleys may need to be replaced, and eaves may need to be replaced. Remember that a few issues might be distinguished after the task has begun, especially after the rooftop has been pressure cleaned.
Pitch and accessibility
Roofs that are higher, more complicated, and more difficult to work on will be more expensive to restore. If the roof is higher than a certain height, guard rails and any additional safety equipment will typically also need to be installed, which will typically increase the cost.
The type of roof
Terracotta roofs
Terracotta roofs are beautiful and durable, but restoring them can be costly. Usually, restoration includes addressing:
As part of the restoration process, it is necessary to thoroughly reseal numerous terracotta roofs, especially when the existing coating shows signs of flaking or peeling, or when the tiles start exhibiting porosity. Broken or cracked tiles; mold growing over the tiles; worn or peeling glazing; visible leaks.
Concrete roofs
Concrete roofs are long-lasting and useful, and they typically cost less to maintain and restore than terracotta roofs. Reclamation for the most part incorporates tending to:
Tiles that are cracked or broken
The growth of mold, dirt, and algae
Sealant, as concrete, also tends to become porous.
Metal and Colorbond roofs
Metal and Colorbond roofs are becoming increasingly popular throughout Australia due to their energy efficiency and ease of maintenance. Additionally, when it comes to upkeep, they are an excellent option. However, unlike a tiled roof, the restoration process includes the following:
Removing any traces of corrosion or rust to prevent further oxidation and damage to the metal sheets Patching blemishes or replacing entire metal sheets Applying a roofing sealant to the metal sheets, which may include two coats of a roofing membrane and a rust-proofing primer for improved adhesion, is the final step. The type of roof metal will determine the membrane type.
