The Roof Restoration Process

Steps On Reviving Your Roof

The Roof Restoration Process

Has your roof seen better days? If your shingles are cracked, tiles are broken, or metal sheets are rusted, it might be time to breathe new life into your roof with a thorough restoration. Don’t worry, revamping your worn-out roof is very achievable if you understand the key steps.

In this article, we’ll walk through the roof restoration process so you know what to expect.

1. Inspecting Your Roof and Identifying Any Damage

The first step is doing a roof inspection from top to bottom. Safely make your way up there in proper non-slip shoes – safety first! Visually check for any signs of damage spots or leakage by scanning the entire roof surface. Pay special attention to vents, skylights, and valley areas where water runoff tends to pool. Look for:

  • Cracked, broken, or missing shingles
  • Broken or slipped roof tiles
  • Punctures or corrosion in metal roof
  • Indentations or soft areas indicating moisture below the surface
  • Discoloration or leaks indicating interior water damage

Take plenty of photos with your phone so you remember exactly what needs repairs later. Use close ups and wide shots to capture the full picture. Don’t forget to snap any leaks, stains, or interior water spots too.

When you spot any issues, ask yourself:

  • How long has the damage been there?
  • Is there mold or rotting wood underneath?
  • Can I spot the original cause like a falling branch?

Knowing the root cause will help you properly restore that area.

Roof Inspections

2. Deep Cleaning the Roof

Once inspection is complete, it’s scrub time! Pull out the pressure washer or call in the pros with industrial sprayers. Roof cleaning removes built up moss, dirt, and debris to uncover underlying issues. As you spray the roof down top to bottom:

  • Use caution on delicate materials like wood or slate
  • Pay special attention to the valley and eave areas where buildup collects
  • Check around vents, skylights and chimneys too
  • Keep an eye out for leaks appearing as rain drops hits the roof
  • Make sure the gutters are cleared out so they flow properly

Pro Tip: Use a garden hose to pre-soak the roof if there’s heavy crusted material. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes before power spraying. The water softens the gunk so spraying removes it easier.

3. Rolling Up Your Sleeves for Roof Repairs

Did step 1 inspection reveal any trouble spots? Time to fix them! Refer back to those damage photos as your checklist. Here’s how to approach common issues:

Replacing Missing and Broken Shingles

Lift or pry up curled and broken asphalt or wood shingles carefully to avoid tearing felt underneath. Slide the replacement shingle into place, overlapping surrounding shingles properly. Secure with roofing cement and galvanized nails.

Fixing Cracked or Slipped Tiled Roofs

Mark broken tiles for replacement. Lift slipped tiles and re-secure by nailing directly to the batten. Fill any gaps at seams with flexible sealant.

Patching Holes and Rust Spots in Metal Roofing

Scrub rusted areas with a wire brush. Apply metal primer then touch up paint to color match surroundings. Patch holes or cracks with flexible sealant and metal sheets secured with self-tapping screws.

Take your time making repairs to get clean seam lines with no drips. Do it right the first time! Double check your work matches existing materials and allows proper drainage.

4. Applying Protective Coatings

Once repairs are made, it’s time to shield that fresh new roof with an elastic coating. Elastomeric roof coatings fill in pores and create a fully adhered protective membrane. Brush or roll on two coats allowing proper drying time between layers. Types of coatings include:

  • Acrylic coatings – Waterproof and reflect UV rays
  • Silicone coatings – Waterproof and withstand ponding water
  • SPF coating – Seamless foam layer for weatherproofing
  • Asphalt coating – Waterproof and prevent corrosion

Choosing the right coating for your roof’s material protects your restoration for years. Consult the pros to determine which is best for your needs.

5. Final Inspection and Quality Check

You made it to the home stretch! Before you crack a cold one in celebration, give your restored roof one last look. Follow up on any iffy spots and ensure all repairs meet quality standards. Look for:

  • Smooth repairs – no uneven patches or raised edges
  • Proper drainage and alignment still intact
  • Flashing around vents, pipes etc replaced as needed
  • No leftover debris, materials or tools scattered about!
  • Coating evenly applied with no missed spots

Make any final tweaks required. Now snap those AFTER photos to appreciate your beautiful new roof! Here’s to enjoying worry-free rain and wind storms once again.

Steps On Reviving Your Roof

The Bottom Line

Whether your roof just needs a good scrub or has seen better days, renewal is possible. Now that you know what to expect from the roof restoration solutions, you can decide which steps are DIY or if you need the roofing experts. If your roof requires major repairs, don’t delay. Schedule an inspection today with our roofing company! We offer free consultations.

Extra tip:

When restoring your roof, don’t forget to check the ridge capping. This critical part prevents water seepage where roof planes meet. A reputable roof restoration company will have proper safety equipment to access and replace damaged ridge caps. Extreme weather conditions like hail and high winds can damage it, allowing water infiltration or even algae treatment if moisture sits. A full roof restoration service includes checking and replacing it as needed to protect from future leaks.