Restoring Roofs, Restoring Homes: An Expert Guide to Roofing Restoration

Your roof goes through a lot. Variable temperatures, from sweltering heat to freezing cold. All manners of weather, from high winds to inches of snow. It needs to be sturdy and reliable. After all, this is your home’s shield. It protects your possessions, your family, and you. You rely on your roof more than you might think. It’s surprising, then, that it’s often one of the most overlooked items in our homes. Few people think about it, let alone undergoing roof restoration.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. We’ll share precisely why you should be taking care of your roof, the benefits of roof restoration, and what you can do to facilitate it. This guide can help DIY enthusiasts or people thinking about hiring a professional.

What is Roof Restoration?

Before we get into the practical side of the guide, it’s important that you understand what roof restoration involves. Roof restoration is the renewing and restoring of your roof as close to its original state as possible. That involves tasks such as inspecting, cleaning, carrying out repairs, and replacing the materials that require it. The end result is a roof that is back in its optimal condition.

It’s a process that extends the life of your roof, helps to prevent major damages from occurring from wear and tear, and improves the aesthetic of your home. Roof restoration is a job that sits in a group with roof replacements and roof repairs. It is, however, a more proactive approach than both. Roof replacements are often a last resort when the roof is beyond saving. Roof repairs focus on a damaged area in particular. The restoration process is more of an ongoing process of care and attention.

Roof restoration is rarely a process that sits at the top of any home maintenance list, but it should.

Signs You Need Roof Restoration

There are some signs to look out for that will indicate it’s time for roof restoration. Most of them can be spotted with a cursory glance from time to time.

• Roof Age: If your roof has been up there for over 20 years, chances are it will need some care and attention. Materials tend to last around that long. At the very least, it’s time for a detailed inspection.
• Missing or Worn Shingles or Tiles: If your roof has shingles or tiles, these are a good indicator of your roof’s condition. When some go missing, crack, or lift, your roof will need some restoration.
• Leaks or Water Damage: Internally, if you spot water stains on your walls or ceiling or have a leak, you need to act.
• Moss and Lichen: It might look harmless, but moss and lichen are a great indicator that something is wrong with your roof. They both require water to grow, meaning that the roof isn’t draining properly.
• Faded Appearance: Sometimes, the aesthetic of the roof can let you know it’s time for a restoration. If the material looks worn and old, you can begin a rejuvenation process.

The Benefits of Roof Restoration

It might not be your favorite thing to invest money into, but there are a great deal of benefits to roof restoration projects:

• Increased Property Value: If you’re taking your home to market, you need your roof to be in its best shape possible. Undergoing regular roof maintenance ensures that it’ll be in the best condition for viewers.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: When you restore your roof, you’ll often find that the insulation works more efficiently and there’s added ventilation. Both create more regulated internal temperatures and improve energy efficiency.
• Extended Lifespan: A roof replacement is a costly undertaking. Roof restoration can extend your current roof’s lifespan and minimize the chances of needing a full replacement.
• Preventative: Regular roof inspections and restorations allow you to spot small issues before they turn into major ones.

Roofing Restoration Materials and Techniques

The method of roof restoration will vary depending on the materials that you have. Most roofs will use one of the following materials:

• Asphalt Shingles: When restoring asphalt shingles, you’ll be replacing individual shingles that have become worn or broken. This is a relatively straightforward process and can be undertaken quickly.
• Metal Roofs: With a metal roof, you need to keep an eye out for rust and corrosion. Treat any affected areas accordingly with specialized coatings, especially around joins and fastenings.
• Tile Roofs: As with shingles, replacing broken tiles is a priority, alongside reapplying sealants and removing any moss or lichen that may have accumulated.
• Wooden Roofs: Wooden roofs are more susceptible to moss, lichen, and rot. Inspect each section carefully for any signs and replace them as required. You should also look closely for any signs of insect infestation.

Then, there are steps that you should undertake regardless of the material that you have on your roof:

• Inspect: The first step in roof restoration is a roof inspection. This gives you an idea of what work will need to be carried out and what materials you might need to complete it.
• Clean: You should undertake roof cleaning regularly. This stops debris from accumulating and reveals any issues that might be lying underneath.
• Repair and Replace: If issues are discovered, then repair or replace the material as required.
• Protect: Once new materials are in place, or even if you’ve just completed cleaning, reapplying any protective coatings is a must. These will protect materials, enhance durability, and also improve the appearance of the roof.

Roof Restoration Considerations

Undergoing roof restoration is something of a thankless task. You might not even notice a visible difference. You can, however, feel safe in the knowledge that you’re protecting your home, your possessions, and your family. A restored roof is a happy roof and one that will serve you for years to come.

• By regularly restoring your roof, you can increase your home’s value and protect your roof materials.
• A maintained roof means better energy efficiency for your home.
• Each specific roofing material has its own restoration requirements.

Would you prefer to leave it to the professionals? Have a chat with the team at All County Exteriors. We offer roof restoration, roof repairs, and roof replacement throughout New Jersey and surrounding areas. It’s easy to schedule a consultation.