For most Adelaide homeowners, the property they live in will be the most significant investment of their lives. Our homes are not only a place to gather with friends and relax after a hard day at work. They also shelter our families from nature’s elements and Australia’s weather extremes. The roof is a critical component of a home’s construction.
However, it is often the most neglected, as homeowners rarely adopt a proactive approach to preventative maintenance. In most cases, action is only pursued once a leak or defect damages another part of the property. Sometimes, homeowners are only alerted to their roof’s dilapidated condition when looking for a solar system and must deal with contractors unwilling to proceed with the installation.
Fortunately, you can avoid these knock-on effects with a roof restoration undertaken before severe symptoms become evident. In this blog post, we will explain what roof restorations are and explore why they are indispensable when preserving the integrity and value of your property. If you’ve ever wanted to delve into the nitty-gritty of the roof restoration process and uncover how it can benefit your home, be sure to read on.
DIY Roof restoration
Roof restorations aim to rejuvenate the original roof cladding surface, resulting in a significant improvement in the roof’s performance and property’s aesthetic appearance. Roof restoration differs from roof replacement and re-roofing, as the original roof cladding surface and material remain in place. In cases where the original roof surface is beyond repair, a total roof replacement or re-roof may be the only viable option.
Roof restoration and roof painting are processes that require skill, experience, and an in-depth understanding of roofing materials, tools, and products. Consequently, it’s wisest to leave these services to the professionals. Homeowners who attempt DIY roof restoration are often disappointed due to their roof’s unsatisfactory finish and short lifespan. Usually, the issue lies with the preparatory work. For example, the new roof coating can flake or peel if the roof surface is not cleaned and primed correctly.
There is no manufacturer’s warranty issued for a DIY job in most cases, as a certified roofing contractor has not applied the product. Finding a reputable roof restoration company is essential. It will guarantee that your roof is treated with quality products and receives an industry-standard 15-year roof restoration warranty.
The roof restoration process.
At Oz-Roof, our roof restorations consist of five essential steps;
1 Roof Cleaning
2 Roof Repairs
A clean roof makes it easier to spot any potential problems that need to be rectified. We inspect all the roof tiles for cracks or breakage and swap tiles out where required. The integrity of the pointing and bedding is also evaluated.
3 Roof Pointing
At this stage, we re-point the entire roof. We use a modern and highly flexible roof pointing that, unlike older products, doesn’t break or crack with small movements. The original bedding can remain intact in most roofs, and the cap tiles pointed over. In cases where the original tile bedding fails, all cap tiles are removed and the bedding replaced.
4 Roof Priming
At Oz-Roof, we only use the Dulux Hi-Build roof painting primer for all our roof restoration jobs. Although more expensive, this primer is well worth the extra cost. The Hi-Build primer is thicker than standard roof primers. It is white and works very well to seal the surface of the old tiles blocking their pores. The quality of the finished roof paint surface is highly dependent on the cleaning and priming stages.
5 Colour Coating
Colour coating is the final stage of the roof restoration process. We always apply two generous coats of the colour roof paint. Unlike many other roof painting companies, we never mix water with our roof paint. An undiluted product ensures an accurate and deep roof colour. Tiled roofs are always completed with a gloss finish, while metal roofs receive a smooth, satin sheen. We can also complement this stage with an optional heat reflective roof paint for an additional charge.
Roof restoration can extend the life of your roof.
The concrete roof tiles will no longer be porous and absorb water following a quality roof restoration. Porous tiles tend to become brittle and prone to breakage. Roof restoration considerably prolongs the serviceable life of a concrete tiled roof by thoroughly sealing the tiles.
Change the look of your home with a roof restoration.
Whether you are considering selling your property or planning to stay for the long term, transforming the look of your home with a roof restoration is always a good investment. A house can look decades newer with a fresh roof restoration. We recommend colours like Monument and charcoal if you’re looking to revamp your home’s exterior with a modern aesthetic. Meanwhile, Tuscan Red and dark Terracotta are timeless and traditional choices.
How much does a roof restoration cost?
The size and pitch of the roof are the most influential factors in determining the cost of roof restoration. The price for a roof restoration on a typical, single-story, four-bedroom family home with a tiled roof is usually between $6000 and $8000 plus GST.
When you request a quotation from a roofing company or contractor, the business and person issuing your roof restoration quote must inspect the roof. This means physically getting onto the roof and assessing its condition. Any company that claims to give you a formal quote based on imagery from Google Maps, or a drive-by inspection, is to be avoided. They can’t possibly be aware of your roof’s condition. The number of tiles that will require replacement must be factored into the quote. This cannot be done unless a detailed inspection and count up are completed.
Signs you may need a roof restoration.
Luckily, it’s easy to tell if your roof may require restoration. Apparent issues like persistent leaks and stains on ceilings may indicate broken tiles on the roof. You may also notice that the pointing around the cap tiles looks cracked or shows movement signs. However, the most noticeable factor will be the roof’s overall appearance. When a roof looks dull, tired, and appears to have the colour washed out, it often means that it’s time for a roof restoration. Another simple way to check is to find out when the roof installation first took place or when the last roof restoration was completed. If more than 15 years have passed since either, then there is little doubt that the roof can benefit from a fresh restoration.
Wrapping up.
If your roof is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time to consider a roof restoration. A roof restoration can save you a lot of money in the long run by prolonging the lifespan of your roof. Not to mention, it will also add value to your property and enhance its curb appeal. If you think your roof may need some love, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a professional roofing contractor today for an inspection and quote.
Happy roofing!
The Oz-Roof team
