Signs That You Need a Metal Roof Restoration and What That Entails
The condition of your roofing will affect the overall impression people have of your home. If you've detected signs of wear and tear, it might be time for a roof restoration, which involves several stages.
Roof Repair, Restoration, or Replacement
It might be clear-cut that the roof needs work and doesn't look great, but you might be unsure about whether a restoration is the best approach. A roofing contractor can address this — they'll inspect the roof, check its condition and advise on what's needed. But generally, if the damage is limited to a specific area and everywhere else remains unblemished and sound, you might only require restricted repairs to that section.
A restoration is advisable if the roofing as a whole has issues — such as rusty and loose nails, loose flashing and moss growth — but the problems are not critical.
There comes a time when the deterioration is so great that replacing the roofing is the best option. The metal might be severely rusted, and it may have reached the end of its usable lifespan in any case.
Signs That a Roof Needs Restoring
As well as loose nails and sheeting or moss growth, your roof might reveal other symptoms that need attention. For example, the metal sheets might be dull and discoloured or rusty, they may have holes and the rafters underneath might be crumbling from moisture damage. If water has reached as far as the ceiling plaster, you'll notice dingy patches and mould that will require the attention of a ceiling contractor.
While you'll notice some of these issues from ground level by merely gazing upwards, a roofing expert can safely clamber on top to check every centimetre. They'll additionally probe elements such as the guttering and also the flashing, which is the metal material that covers the joins between protruding objects, such as chimneys, and the roof cladding.
Stages of a Roof Restoration
The particular tasks roof contractors undertake depend on the specific job, but the restoration process generally follows several stages. First, contractors will scrutinise the cladding and write a report listing any concerns with a detailed quote of what's required. Once they get the go-ahead, they'll go over the metal with a pressure washer to get rid of dirt, debris, rust stains and flaky, peeling sealants and paints.
The real restoration work begins after this. They'll fix any loose sheeting and nails and eradicate rust, which is essential because any remaining traces will spur further oxidisation. Finally, they'll spread a primer and two coats of a membrane, the particular types of which depend on your roof.