Roofs are meant to protect a building from weather elements and intruders. These include things such as snow, hail, rain, and so on. It also prevents dead leaves, debris and animals from entering your building.
To fulfill its purpose, your roof must be strong and up to the task. The only way it can be strong is when it is properly installed and regularly maintained. Also, an immediate repair when there is a small issue helps to ensure its integrity.
When it is old or not properly maintained, it likely becomes weakened and can hardly defend your home as it should. At this point, you have two options. You either restore it to good quality or replace it entirely.
Replacing a roof is every building owner’s nightmare. They do not want to do so because of the huge investment involved. Thankfully, you may not need a replacement even if yours is bad. A restoration might just be enough. That is if you have performed routine maintenance in the past and the decking is in good condition.
What is A Roof Restoration?
A restoration is more than repair. Instead of repairing sections of the roof, it involves looking at it as a whole and upgrading it. It is an economical as well as environmentally friendly way to repair a roof instead of replacing it. It is also less invasive and less expensive.
During a replacement, your roofing material is removed before a new set of materials is installed. Restoration however involves leaving the former materials in place and addressing minor issues. After this, it is resurfaced to make it stronger and to extend its lifespan.
Full restoration includes removing old bedding and replacing it with a new one, and replacing broken shingles and tiles. It can also mean pressure cleaning and repainting the roof.
Typically, restoration begins with inspecting the roof and then thoroughly cleaning it. After this, actual restoration work can begin. Contractors can cap the ridge and apply protective coatings to ensure it is safe and clean. All these will help to add more years to the roof.
When Do You Have To Restore or Replace?
While restoration can appear like a great idea, it may not be the most ideal situation. It is also not meant for every kind of roof. It is ideal for most metal and asphalt roofing but they must satisfy certain conditions.
To tell if you need one, check if there are things like broken or cracked tiles. You may also check if it is sagging, has signs of corrosion or mold infestation. If you find that your roof keeps needing frequent repairs, then you should go ahead with restoration.
The cost of frequent repairs can add up over time. However, with a restoration, you can do the entire roof once and enjoy it longer.
How Restoration is Done
A roof to be restored must be in an overall good state. It must not be decayed nor have moisture or damaged flashing. This means that the decking and insulation must still be in proper shape.
Each type of roof and materials used requires a different approach to restoration. After inspection and cleaning, any needed repairs are done then filler and protective coats are applied as well as seals. It will then be painted using an airless sprayer and hand brush where the sprayer may not reach.
The length of time the process takes is based on the amount of work that is to be done. If there are more repairs to carry out, then it would take longer. Typically, it takes an average of 2 – 4 days for its completion. You should also make it a point to look for providers within your area of residence or where you need the job done. If for example you reside in and around Missouri, you can reach out to contractors who offer residential and commercial roofing in Columbia Missouri to learn more.
Benefits of Restoration
Restoration has lots of benefits as it helps to improve the safety and beauty of your home. It is as mentioned earlier also more cost-effective. You spend only about half the cost you will need for a replacement. Some of its other benefits are below.
It is Convenient
A replacement asides from costing more takes more time to complete. You will also likely need to vacate your property for the duration this takes place. Restoration takes less time and you do not necessarily need to vacate the building.
This makes it a more convenient option as it is less disruptive to your business or home. You can continue with your business while contractors carry out the restoration work.
It Improves The Energy Efficiency of Your Building
During the process of restoration, a roof is properly sealed and various layers of protection are added. What this helps you with is that it prevents air from going in and out. As a result, it will reduce the amount of energy needed in the building.
One that is not properly sealed on the other hand lets in and out a lot of air. You will need to use more energy to compensate for this air loss. Restoration helps to avoid that. With this, you can save more on your energy bills and help the environment.
Prevention of Future Damage
Restoration provides a way to ensure that every part of your roof is in a good condition. By replacing loose tiles, re-bedding ridge caps, adding protective sealants, etc., it will be protected from damages for a long time.
It Improves the Value of Your Building
A good roof is essential for the safety, comfort and appearance of a building. It also helps to boost its market value. A potential buyer will be put off by a bad one and will want to buy it at a lower price. You can set a higher price for your property by restoring it.
Conclusion
Your roof is important so do not take it for granted. When you notice that it needs frequent repairs, then you should take steps to restore or replace it. You can talk to a residential and commercial roofing contractor to know which of the two options is better. This will normally be based on the current condition of your roof.
