When to restore or replace your roof
HERE are some simple facts if you are thinking about restoring your roof. What is roof restoration? Restoration is an upgrade and rejuvenation of an existing roof.
Restoration work can be done on various roofs, but commonly restored roofs are concrete tiles, metal tiles, pre-painted steel and long run metal.
Full restoration work normally includes:
Cleaning and removal of lichen
Repairs and/or repointing/re-mortaring and/ or re-flashing
Replacement of damaged tiles or roof sheeting
Application of a coating system
Restoring and applying a colour coating system will extend the life of the roof and improve its aesthetic appearance.
Restoration is called for if the general condition and/or surface coating has deteriorated with age and needs upgrading.
The principal reason for re- coating a roof is to recolour it and restore the overall finished appearance.
For metal roofing or metal tiles, re-coating will provide protection of the metal surface.
For concrete tiles, recoating will also reduce the ageing/weathering of the surface of the tiles.
Before re-coating work is undertaken, it is necessary for the applicator to ensure the roof has been properly prepared prior to application of any coating.
For example, repairs have been completed satisfactorily and the roof surface thoroughly cleaned.
A coating system must be applied in accordance with the coating manufacturer’s recommended instructions for the surface being coated.
This may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Will re-coating on its own fix all the problems?
No – if the roof is leaking and/or has become extremely porous; has faulty laps; mortar has deteriorated; rusting or similar faults, re-coating only of the roof is not the answer to stopping the leaks.
If the roof is very old and has considerable erosion or surface weathering, these areas of the roof will most likely need to be replaced as they will be unsatisfactory to recoat.
Is it worthwhile to restore a roof?
Yes – if your roof is suitable to restore, it is worthwhile as, dependent on the age of the roof, it can extend the life of the roof at least a further 15 to 20 years and will renew its appearance.
How do you know when to replace rather than restore your roof?
The Roofing Association of New Zealand does not recommend restoration of roofs in or under the following conditions and advises full roof replacement: In severe cases of a roof pitted or eroded and, particularly if it has become extremely porous (absorbing water) through age.
Any roof material type where the product is beyond its useful life.
Metal tiles and/or longrun metal roofing with severe rust requiring significant costly repairs (if in fact repair is possible) to make the roof watertight e.g. the cost to carry out repairs proves to be uneconomical.