A timely roof restoration can help avoid recurring expenses for homeowners.
Home maintenance can be tedious, especially for people who don’t consider themselves very handy around the home, and of all the areas that need checking, the roof is often one of the most neglected. For many, it is easy to forget about doing a roof check-up since it is high up there and difficult to access.
The roof, however, is the house’s first safeguard against the weather. Intense Australian Summers can be terribly damaging to roofing: Extreme heat can cause cracks and brittleness in shingles.
Winters are no less damaging to roofs. When winter storms arrive, roofs can take quite a beating and end up needing repair.
Have you been having problems with your roofing? Or has your roofing been unchecked for quite some time? If so, it may be time to get a roof specialist to look into it. A leaky and damaged roof can lead to more damage inside the house itself. A reliable and experienced roof inspection specialist from Amazing Roof Restorations can recommend either a timely roof repair or an effective roof restoration.
Tips on How to Restore Your Roofing
Roofs that are already showing signs of disrepair may need a roof restoration. Here are some valuable tips if you are keen on restoring your existing roofing:
- Put safety first
- Avoid dry rot
- Keep the gutters clean
- Eliminate leaks
- Upgrade to modern materials
- Check valleys
- Repaint the roof
- Get a roof inspection report this 2021
1. Put Safety First
Before doing any work on the roof, it is crucial to wear safety gear. Harnesses, gloves, and anchoring ropes are necessary to maintain safety. In addition, rubber-soled shoes will help to achieve more traction and stability when on the roof. A DIY bench can also go a long way in staying comfortable and safe while working on the roof.
Roof repair and restoration specialists recommend doing roof work only when the weather is calm. Stepping on slippery tiles or shingles can lead to serious injury or even death.
2. Avoid Dry Rot
Dry rot is one of the trickiest things to spot, especially on a roof. Caused by fungus spores that grow on wood surfaces, dry rot shows up as patches of white or brown. It appears once wood gets exposed to constant dampness or moisture. Unfortunately, once it sets in, the fungi can thrive even in the absence of moisture.
Roofs are especially susceptible to dry rot due to exposure to the elements. When left untreated, it can quickly spread and weaken the structure of the house. As such, homeowners must make sure that their roofs and homes are free from dry rot.
When restoring the roof, proper venting is key. Installing a ridge vent is essential so that there is room for water vapour and moisture to escape. Without moisture, the rot will not be able to set up shop in the structures.
3. Keep the Gutters Clean
Gutters are easily one of the biggest sources of disrepair. Poorly maintained gutters result in clogging, leaking, and the development of dry rot and pests. Homes in areas often visited by rains are especially at risk of having gutter-related issues.
When doing roof repair and restoration, a plastic shovel is a handy tool to scoop out dead leaves and debris from the gutter and spraying with a garden hose afterwards can remove any remaining dirt. After cleaning, inspect the gutter to check for rusty spots and leaks. Holes can be patched up with metal flashing or exterior sealant.
Homeowners must likewise examine their gutters from time to time for better maintenance. This practice is essential after a period of heavy rain.
4. Eliminate Leaks
Before starting on the task, it is good to spray the roof with a water hose to check for any leaks that drip inside the house. Spraying can be done in sections so that it is easier to manage.
Once the locations of any leaks have been established, it becomes much easier to find them once on top of the roof. To repair leaks, reseal joints with roofing cement and replace missing or damaged shingles.
5. Upgrade to Modern Materials
Roofing materials used to be a matter of preference based on appearance and price, but we now know the importance of climate change, eco friendliness and energy efficiency have become the deciding factors in the choice of construction materials. As a result, roofing manufacturers now offer a more diverse range of options to help homeowners deal with climate change.
In Australia, where the heat can be intense, many people turn to cool roofing as an option. There are also other materials that meet sustainability standards. These options not only increase the lifespan of roofs, but they also offer energy-efficiency and cost-effectiveness. For those who live in older buildings, however, roof restoration must include consideration for roofing materials that are in keeping with the style and period of the property, especially if it is a listed building.
6. Check Roof Valleys/Ridges
A valley is a V-cut angle at which two roofs intersect. Also called a ridge, it is quite commonplace for leaks since water tends to pool at the intersection. To fix a leak in this area, use roof cement to seal each shingle that lies along the valley. Seal with roofing cement and put more on the top and bottom of the patch for maximum adhesion. Afterwards, smooth the cement so that water can flow down smoothly.
Also, metal flashing is an effective way to avoid leaks in the valley because the smooth strip of metal helps water slide down instead of pooling in the crevices. To patch a valley flashing, cut a piece of sheet metal a bit larger than the damaged area.
7. Repaint the Roof
After all the leaks have been sealed and all problematic shingles have been replaced or re-bedded, it is time to repaint the roof and make it look brand-new. Make sure to follow these steps:
- Prime the tiles
- Apply a filler coat
- Apply a double topcoat
- Touch-up the parts that are difficult to reach
8. Purchase A Roof Inspection Report
When roof restoration is over, remember to have the roof inspected twice a year. This is especially warranted in Newcastle and Hunter Valley, where extreme weather can cause roofs to deteriorate rapidly.
A roof inspection checklist can help ensure all bases are covered. Professional roof specialists can also do an inspection and provide homeowners with annual reports.
Is it Time to Hire a Roof Restoration Specialist?
Following the above tips will work wonders with your roof repair and roof restoration needs. Staying on top of the maintenance game is the best way to keep your roof looking good. However, in cases where the disrepair is quite extensive, it is necessary to call a professional roof restoration specialist.
Amazing Roof Restorations is one of the best roofing companies in NSW. Whatever your roofing issues are, our team of experts can offer you excellent and reliable service. Our extensive experience in the industry makes us your perfect partner in roof restoration.
To find out more, there are heaps of ways to get in contact, to see how we can help you!
- Call us on (02) 4944 2085
- Email us at info@amazingroofrestoration.com.au
- Visit us online at amazingroofrestoration.com.au
- Fill out this contact form by clicking here