How’s your roof looking today?
After a few years, your roof might look a little old and tired. You might notice it’s not as efficient at regulating the temperature in your home. And it may have suffered some damage from water, smoke, or mold over the years.
If you’re thinking about replacing that old, worn roof, hold your horses! It could be that your roof is in need of a little TLC rather than a full replacement. That’s when you should consider a roof restoration instead.
Check out this ultimate guide to roof restoration to learn why this might be your best option.
Why Restore?
Replacement and restoration are two very different things. Let’s take a look at the differences and why you should consider a restoration instead.
Cost
Replacing your roof is a long and expensive process. First, you pay to remove the old roof. Then you pay to haul away the old roofing material.
And finally, you pay to have the new roof put on. With a roof restoration, they leave your old roof intact. It’s cleaned and repaired to make it look nicer and last longer.
Not only does it cost less, but it takes less time to perform than a roof replacement. Your roofing contractor might have it done within a day, depending on the shape of the roof. The longer they spend on your roof, the more it’ll cost you in the end.
Waste
Concerned about construction waste in landfills? A complete roof replacement means they rip the old roof off and send to the landfill. That’s a lot of wasted roofing material.
With a restoration, a roofing contractor cleans and repairs the old roof. A much more environmentally-friendly option.
Energy Efficiency
Speaking of the environment, choosing to restore your tired old roof can make it more energy efficient. Cool roof coatings are a great way to improve the efficiency of your roof. And who doesn’t like saving money on energy expenses?!
Leaks are common in older roofs. That means your heating and cooling systems work harder to regulate temperatures.
When you choose a restoration, your roofing professional gives the entire roof a thorough inspection. They’ll find the leaks in your roof. And they’ll repair them to get it back to working at max efficiency.
Life Expectancy
All roofs need replacement at some point. How long a roof lasts depends on the roofing material and the climate it’s exposed to. Choosing a roof restoration adds more years to the life of your roof.
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan but is still in good shape, it’s a great time to do a restoration. Restoring it is a way of being proactive. It can add up to 10 years to the life of your existing roof.
What to Expect During a Roof Restoration
The depth of the restoration depends on the condition of the roof. It also depends on the material. Most restorations involve a four-step process.
1. Inspection
Your roofing contractor makes a complete inspection of the roof, inside and outside. During this inspection, the contractor checks the roof framing for weakness.
Severe weather, improper installation, and fallen branches are some of the most common causes of roof damage. Your contractor makes note of any areas of damage to repair them during the restoration.
Next, they’ll check for leaks and signs of water damage. They’ll also check the edges and the peaks of the roof because these areas can be more vulnerable to damage.
After the initial inspection, the contractor gives you their assessment of whether or not restoration is right for your roof. And they’ll give you a cost estimate. The inspection should take about an hour.
2. Cleaning
Once you and the contractor agree on the terms of the restoration, they’ll start by giving the roof a thorough cleaning. This is done with a high-pressure washer and usually takes a few hours, depending on the size of the roof.
The cleaning serves two purposes. First, it removes years of dirt, mold, and grime from the surface. They’ll also clear out dirt from all the gutters when they do this.
Removing this dirt makes it easier to spot damage. Your contractor will assess the roof again after it’s cleaned to ensure they don’t miss any damaged spots during the repair process.
Second, cleaning the roof with water provides a good way to check for leaks. They’ll inspect the inside of the roof after cleaning to see if any water came through. Then they’ll add those areas to the repair list.
3. Repairs
After cleaning, they’ll tackle the repairs. Depending on how damaged the roof is, this can take up to a day.
Your contractor makes repairs on the interior or exterior of the roof as needed. And depending on the type of roof, tiles, shingles, or metal sheets may need to be replaced.
4. Coating
After repairs, a chemical coating is applied to the roof. This process usually takes only a few hours and is the key to protecting your roof for the long run. It protects it from water penetration, rust formation, and gives it an extra layer of insulation.
The coating depends on the type of roof you have. A roofer uses a different coating on a metal roof than they would on a tile roof.
Talk to your contractor about the different options available. Some chemicals work better and are rated longer than others. It might cost you more, but it’s better to go with a longer-lasting coating product if you can.
Treat Your Roof Right with a Restoration
Once your roof restoration is complete, your roof will have a new lease on life! It will look and work better once it’s repaired and coated. And it will last you many more years before you need a complete replacement.
Restoring a roof means you save yourself time and money. You’ll keep more waste out of the landfill. And you’ll improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Are you thinking about restoring your roof? Contact us to request a free roof inspection today!
