Repair or Restore? How to Know
What is the difference between repairing a roof and restoring it, and how do I know when to do what? It really is not as simple as it may seem. It is in some ways a matter of degree with a repair being a lesser version of the cracks than those present in the restoration. The definition of repair is “to fix” while the definition of restoration is “replacing any damage and worn items. What this means for you is that a repair is just a small fix of a couple of damaged areas on your roof. This repair might have a 12 month guarantee. On the other hand most roof repairs that lead to full restorations are guaranteed for between ten and twenty years.
You might need roof repairs to ensure that no rain or hail gets under the tiles or metal sheeting or cracks in a concrete roof. On the other hand restoration is needed if an inspection finds the need for leaking roof repairs. Most roofing contractors offer different steps to restoration but in the end there are some basic ones that are always required. The point of the restoration is to restore your roof to its original condition. The first stage of a restoration is usually small area repairs. You know it is a restoration because repairs are a part of a restoration, but a restoration is not a part of repairs. Following the repair stage the roof is usually cleaned and then a resin coat is applied. In the repair stage of a restoration all the broken and chipped tiles are replaced along with any needed caps.
After this the flashings have to be inspected and secured. The gutters are also flushed and cleaned. Now the professional roofer will re-point the hip and ridge caps, replace any bedding needed. After this it is important to use an acrylic compound to secure capping. The roof is then sprayed with a sealer and two coats of topcoat. If desired the roof can be painted at this point. This step is usually needed for concrete and sometimes metal roofs. With tile roofs, the color is already backed into the tile. This might be true of metal roofs as well, but if it is not it can be painted at this stage. Most roofing contractor offer a variety of colors with some offering as many as thirty for you to choose from.
Be sure the materials your contractor uses to coat your roof will guard against any algae, mold and mildew because it contains anti fungal factors. It should also contain acrylic membrane resins that can block ultra violet rays and protect your roof. If needed you might have to replace some flashings, vent pipes and valley irons or you might just need to paint these. With a climate that is extreme in heat and humidity, along with the torrential rain and hail, will do major damage to your roof over time. Given this it is probably more reasonable to do a full roof restoration if you have multiple small spots that need repaired, if you see any signs of water in the attic such as soft decking or wet batting, of any sheeting needs replaced. This is because if you do spot repairs, sooner or later you will have enough damage to warrant a full restoration.
Since a roof restoration does involve the entire roof it is more expensive than a repair. Yet if you have enough deterioration and you only repair it, you may have to repair your roof several more times as your expenses add up. A full restoration happens once and this might save you money in the long run.
You might need roof repairs to ensure that no rain or hail gets under the tiles or metal sheeting or cracks in a concrete roof. On the other hand restoration is needed if an inspection finds the need for leaking roof repairs. Most roofing contractors offer different steps to restoration but in the end there are some basic ones that are always required. The point of the restoration is to restore your roof to its original condition. The first stage of a restoration is usually small area repairs. You know it is a restoration because repairs are a part of a restoration, but a restoration is not a part of repairs. Following the repair stage the roof is usually cleaned and then a resin coat is applied. In the repair stage of a restoration all the broken and chipped tiles are replaced along with any needed caps.
After this the flashings have to be inspected and secured. The gutters are also flushed and cleaned. Now the professional roofer will re-point the hip and ridge caps, replace any bedding needed. After this it is important to use an acrylic compound to secure capping. The roof is then sprayed with a sealer and two coats of topcoat. If desired the roof can be painted at this point. This step is usually needed for concrete and sometimes metal roofs. With tile roofs, the color is already backed into the tile. This might be true of metal roofs as well, but if it is not it can be painted at this stage. Most roofing contractor offer a variety of colors with some offering as many as thirty for you to choose from.
Be sure the materials your contractor uses to coat your roof will guard against any algae, mold and mildew because it contains anti fungal factors. It should also contain acrylic membrane resins that can block ultra violet rays and protect your roof. If needed you might have to replace some flashings, vent pipes and valley irons or you might just need to paint these. With a climate that is extreme in heat and humidity, along with the torrential rain and hail, will do major damage to your roof over time. Given this it is probably more reasonable to do a full roof restoration if you have multiple small spots that need repaired, if you see any signs of water in the attic such as soft decking or wet batting, of any sheeting needs replaced. This is because if you do spot repairs, sooner or later you will have enough damage to warrant a full restoration.
Since a roof restoration does involve the entire roof it is more expensive than a repair. Yet if you have enough deterioration and you only repair it, you may have to repair your roof several more times as your expenses add up. A full restoration happens once and this might save you money in the long run.