roof restoration Archives

What are the Expected Lifespans of Roofs?

There are numerous aspects that can affect the lifespan of your roof, from the individual shingle materials to the weather that your area experiences. Prompt upkeep will assist your roof by increasing its life expectancy. To thoroughly comprehend exactly how long your roof should last before replacement, you are required to look into the material of your shingles.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common variations due to their ease to install and them being a very affordable material. They commonly are accompanied by a 25 year warranty, this means that the manufactures expect your roof to last around 25 years before replacement. Approximately, asphalt shingle roofs will have a lifespan of around 15-30 years.

However, the exact lifespan of each roof will very much depend on the level of upkeep that is done as well as the weather of the area. If the roof is subject to constant, harsh conditions, they will have a much shorter lifespan.

If you have opted to go with architectural asphalt shingles, they will last a small bit longer than their other variant. They generally cost more due to their 3 times increased thickness. Again, the warranty on these variants will depend on the manufacturer but it generally spans around 30 years.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles find more popularity in certain areas, however, they are still a more expensive option when compared to other materials. This cost is justified, clay tiles generally last up to 50 years with most manufacturers offer a 30 year warranty with them

Clay tiles also do not need the same amount of upkeep as other materials due to their increased durability. Despite this, annual roof inspections are still a wise choice to inspect for any cracks. Furthermore, this should be completed after any harsh storm as clay tiles are subject to cracking when hit by debris.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles often see lifespans of around 30 years. However, if your roofing is to last this long yearly inspections are a necessary requirement alongside yearly upkeep. Still, wood shingles can greatly contribute to the aesthetic of your house and they are doubled with insect and rot-resistivity.

If a wood shingled roof is not properly maintained with regular upkeep, it will see a greatly decreased lifespan. As wood is a natural material, the shingles are subject to splitting and warping. If this occurs and they are not promptly replaced, they will result in damage to the roof.

Metal Roofs

The durability of metal roofs is contributing to their increasing popularity. The thickness or gauge of the metal directly impacts its lifespan. The thicker the material, the longer that the roof will survive.

Commonly, a thinner (26-29 gauge) will last an average of approximately 20-25 years whereas, higher quality roofs (22-24 gauge) will last around 50 years. Additionally, the manufacturers’ warranty will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but they generally last from 20 years to forever.

The lifespan of a roof depends entirely on both the weather of the area that it is located and the material that is used to make the shingles. Asphalt shingles are the most common with lifespans of around 25 years. Whereas, high-end metal roofs can see lifetimes of 50-70 years alongside proper maintenance.

Can Solar Panels Damage My Roof

Solar panels provide more benefits than they do disadvantages. Many have found that they have made their home more efficient and able to provide necessary energy. Solar panels have helped people save money as natural gas can be expensive. While the installation fee can be high, many have found it worth it to save on their bill every month. It’s a good idea to way all the pros and cons when it comes to solar panel installation.

Most homes have solar panels installed on their roof. This distracts from their presence. Many home owners do not wish for their solar panels to be extremely visible. The roof of a home is important. If it is compromised, vermin and moisture can enter the home. You should always be careful when it comes to installing anything on your roof. With that said, solar panels do not cause a significant amount of problems when they are installed on a roof that is in good condition. There are things to consider when it comes to installing solar panels on your roof:

Is Your Roof Healthy?

It’s easy to damage a roof more if it has already suffered from damage. Those who have maintenance issues should way the pros and cons of solar panel installation. Common problems that may get worse include missing or misplaced shingles, holes, and parts of the roof that are at risk for caving in.

It is important to have these problems fixed before going through with solar panel installation. These problems can get worse if pressure is applied on them. A responsible home owner should be looking after these problems. Remember, pressure is being applied to your roof if you get solar panel installation. Having a professional roof inspection by a company such as Roof Restoration Port Macquarie is a great idea prior to installation.

Take Care of Repairs

It’s beneficial to take care of all needed repairs before having solar panels installed. Having your roof looked at by a professional roofer before deciding to go through with installation can save you time and money. While hiring a roofer can costs money, fixing increased damage can cost more. Also, it’s very possible that you’ll have to remove the solar panels if damage occurs.

If the roofer identifies problem it can be fixed. Having these repairs done will fix future problems with your roof and solar panels. Remember, a damaged roof can result in more problems than just your roof needing repair. It can also cause mold problems and pests. This can result in a massive amount of damage to your home. All of which will need to be fixed by a professional roofer. When all factors are considered, you should be able to install a roof with no problem.

The Bottom Line

Keeping the integrity of your roof can mean avoiding more problems when it comes to installation. Roof damage is a lot more likely to occur if there is damage to your roof that has already been done. Consider whether getting solar panels installed is safe by asking your roofer and the solar panel installer about potential consequences. Having a maintenance check can ensure that this process will go smoothly.

Benefits of Tile Roofs

Even though tile roofs are usually more expensive to install than other roofing materials, they are durable. The fact that they last longer than other roofing materials can help you save money in the long run. There are many reasons why tile roofing is a good choice for your roof. Here are the major benefits of tile roofs:

Durable
Tile roofs can last longer mainly because they can withstand harsh weather conditions. In fact, a tile roof can last longer than the house they are put on. The materials used to make tile roofs are what makes them durable. Apart from their durability, tile roofs are fireproof and can prevent a fire from starting and prevent a fire from spreading to a neighboring home to your house. This is because concrete and clay are non-combustible and cannot burn. Tile roofs also cannot decay. These roofs are a good option for those who are looking for a strong roofing material.

Beautiful
Tile roofs are usually very beautiful and installing them can make your home look more beautiful and increase the home’s value. In addition, this roofing material can complement or accent the exterior finish or color of most homes out there. Remember that your roof is among the first things that people see when they look at your home. Therefore, having a beautiful roof is very important and you can achieve this by installing tile roofs.

A Tile Roof Is A Good Insulator
Tile roofs are good insulators and can keep your home cooler during the summer months and warmer in the winter months. This can help make your home comfortable and also reduces the heating costs in the winter months and the cooling costs in the winter months. What makes a tile roof a good insulator is the natural air ventilation under the tiles which creates a heat transfer barrier.

Easy to Maintain
Tile roofs are easy to maintain as they don’t need maintenance or repairs on a regular basis. The only time that tile roofs need maintenance or repair is when they break because of a heavy impact and when replacing the materials where the tile roofs are laid every 20 years.

Many Options to Choose From
There is a wide variety of tile roofs in the market. This makes it easy for you to find a tile roof that will meet your needs. You don’t have to limit yourself to a certain style or color of a tile roof as you can get a style and color that matches your aesthetic goal. You will find tile roofs in every shade, color, and style you can think of.

Tile Roofs Are Eco-Friendly
Tile roofs are eco-friendly because the materials use to make are not limited natural resources. Besides, there are no chemical preservatives used during the process of making tile roofs. Tile roofs can also be recycled.

As you can see, there are many benefits of tile roofs. If you are looking for a good roof material, it is good to consider tile roofs to enjoy the benefits mentioned in this article.

5 Pros of Epoxy Floors

Finding the right floor solution that stands the test of time is hard. A good floor is a stain, spills, and chemical resistant. Almost all types of floors have disadvantages. Epoxy floors have more benefits, but they have a few advantages. It is important to examine the pros of epoxy floors before installing it.

Epoxy floor

What is an epoxy? It is a material that seals concrete floors. It is used on floors for walkways, commercial buildings, homes, warehouses, food or beverage plants, pharmaceutical buildings, garages, and it can also be used on walls and ceilings.

Here are the pros of epoxy floors.

1. Durability

Epoxy coatings last longer because they can resist considerable wear. You will never have to worry about installing a new floor regularly. By the way, installing a new floor costs a lot of money. So, epoxy floors are not only durable, but they can also save you money.

2. Strength

Epoxy is converted into a solid polymer. A solid polymer prevents chemical breakdown and it is incredibly strong. That is why epoxy floors are very strong and they are chemical resistant. You can install epoxy floors in high traffic areas.

3. Saves Time

If you are busy, you may want to install a new floor quickly. Do not worry because installing epoxy flooring is easy and it is quick. If you are installing it in your office, the work takes a short time. You will never stop your normal activities because you can install it at night.

4. Easy to Clean

It is easy to clean an epoxy floor because it does not absorb water. Concrete is porous, so it absorbs a lot of water. That is why it is hard to clean a concrete floor. In short, it is much easier to maintain an epoxy flooring.

5. Safety

Epoxy floors are resistant to temperature, slippage, fire, and extreme impact. That is why it is safe for both your employees and building. If you want peace of mind and to avoid unnecessary accidents in your building, install epoxy flooring.

These are the pros of epoxy floors. Once you decide to install epoxy flooring in your building, hire a reputable contractor to install it. Do install it yourself, especially if you are not qualified for this job. You may not do a perfect job and you make costly mistakes. Let a professional install it if you want to save time and money.

How To Clean Your Roof Cheaply And Effectively

Have you started to notice spots or black streaks on your roof? It is time to do a little maintenance and cleaning before that dirt, algae, or fungus becomes a roof damaging issue. Here are the steps to easily clean your roof.

Cleaning roofs

Step 1 – Plan to do your cleaning a cool overcast and low wind day. Wind and heat will cause cleaning solutions to dry out too quickly.

Step 2 – Pre-cleaning – Make sure you do a little cleanup of your roof and gutters before you get started. You want runoff to go down your gutters where you can collect it more easily.

Step 3 – Damage Check – Make sure you don’t have any loose or damaged shingles on the roof. You may want to have them repaired before cleaning.

Step 4 – Mix Your Cleaning Solution – You can buy premade solutions at most home improvement stores, but you can mix an effective cleaner right at home. Use a mixture of 50% water and 50% standard laundry bleach. If your roof is badly stained, you can add in a cleaner based on trisodium phosphate, just make sure you stay away from ammonia-based cleaners.

Step 5 – Protect Your Yard – If you have nice grass or plants below your eaves, you may want to cover them before starting. The bleach mixture can be a little harsh on plants.

Step 6 – Soak the roof with your garden hose. Get all of the shingles damps before using the cleaning solution. The solution works best when it soaks into the fungus or algae to kill it.

Step 7 – Spray The Cleaning Solution – Put the cleaning solution into a lawn and garden sprayer. Spray every foot of your roof, making sure you don’t miss any spots. Let the cleaning solution soak on the roof for around 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 8 – Rinse With Water – It is time to head back on the roof with the garden hose. You may want to add a garden nozzle to the hose for this step. Spray the roof to remove the cleaning solution. Make sure you inspect the roof for remaining stains as you go. If you still have spots, repeat step 7. NOTE: Never use a pressure washer on your roof. The high pressure can knock off the gravel, lift shingles, and cause water leaks.)

It will take you several hours to clean your roof, but this simple process can make your home look better and extend the life of your shingles. Those nasty black spots and streaks will be gone, at least for now.

Things To Look For In The Roof When Choosing A Property

Are you looking at buying an existing home?

If you are there are a lot of things that you need to keep in mind before you purchase. One of those things is the condition and type of roof that the property has. There are a wide range of building materials available for roofing it this will greatly affect the lifespan and maintenance schedule for the roof itself.

Mold and rust

Check the roof to see if there is a buildup of mold. Mold can be bad for numerous reasons, with one of those being a bad smell. Also, it is a sign that there is possibly a leak somewhere inside the roof. Aside from that, mold can make a roof look unattractive and potentially shorten the lifespan of the roof itself. Fortunately, it is possible to work with a professional to get rid of the mold from your roof and to make any necessary repairs. If the roof is made of metal you will also want to be aware of any spots where there is rust.

Potential leaks

If a roof is at risk of leakage it can cause a host of problems that are often very expensive to fix. For this reason, you want to make sure the roof of the home you’re potentially buying doesn’t have leaks or potential weak points that can lead to leaks. A good way to check for previous leaks is to look for wet spots on the interior of the property such as the ceiling and walls.

Structure

Depending on the type of material that the roof is made of it will require s strong structure underneath to take the weight. This is particularly important for such materials as tiles and slate. Make sure you get a building report on the condition of the underlying is sound and does not have any rust, wood root or termite damage.

The best thing that you can do to make sure that the roof is in good order is to organise a professional roof inspection. Roof Restoration South Adelaide are specialists at this and will provide you with a written quote for any work required as well as a full condition report on the roof itself. This can potentially give you a lot of bargaining power in the negotiation of the property if there are issues with the roof.

The Latest Advancements In Roof Technology

Today, technological advancements can be seen in each and every aspect of human existence; from smart devices, to self driven cars and so much more. Roofs and roofing materials have also been experiencing their very own technological improvements over the last years, and more so, over the last few decades. There are now major differences between the hi-tech roofs of today, and those of decades past.

The roof is no longer seen as a simple part of a structure used to provide cover and protection against the elements. Today’s roofs play a vital role in maintaining efficient energy consumption and boosting safety levels within structures while also saving costs.

Read on to find out more about the latest advances in roof technology that property developers and owners are now reaping from.

Enhanced Safety Levels

Today’s roofs are designed to ensure utmost safety of the contents and occupants of different housing structures. Roofs coated with fire resistant materials can stand up to the damaging effects of fire; and as such won’t collapse as easily during a fire and damage or harm anything or anyone trapped in the structure during such an episode. Fire resistant roofs are also known to help weaken fires and with it halt its spread.

Water resistant roofs on the other hand reduce/eliminate the chances of roof leaks and with it the likelihood of mold growth and structural damage that may be caused by moisture.

Eco-Friendly

Over the past few years, there has been increased emphasis on going green and eco-friendly living for the sake of saving the planet. The roofing industry has not been left behind, and has worked towards the development of eco-friendly roofs. Roofs can now help regulate indoor temperatures by simply painting them accordingly; or where necessary using specific roofing materials. The paint and roofing materials help facilitate the absorption or reflection of heat as and when needed. Furthermore, some roofs even support the growth of vegetation for greener living and energy efficiency.

Durability

The durability of a structure’s roof directly affects its value and appeal. Today’s roofs are being made to last longer, by boosting their ability to stand up to the damaging effects, cracks and water damage, of the elements. Laminated shingles and metal shingles are among the most durable roofing materials; they can withstand decades of exposure to extreme weather conditions.

From the safety of fireproof and water proof coatings to the insulating properties of polyurethane foam, technological advancements can now be seen in every aspect of today’s roofs.

Article supplied by the fantastic team out at Roof Restoration Sutherland Shire.

Things To Look For In A Roof When Buying A Home

Before you go out and buy a new property, it’s best to do a bit of homework first.

This homework should include understanding how well the property has been kept and how the roof is doing and what sort of condition it is in. You may want to take a look at the state of the roof and then make a decision whether or not to buy.

1) Ventilation

The ventilation has a big role to play in how the roof sustains itself over the long haul. This means taking a look at the ventilation system and if it is running on full cylinders. To most people’s surprise, the roof does impact this system and it has to be sealed up or there will be leaks.

2) Natural State of the Roof

This is the most important tip as you want to take a look at whether there are missing tiles, leaks, or any other issues that might pop up from time to time. You want to analyze all of this information and make sure the state of the roof is up to scratch.

3) Leaks

This is a good tip to have in the back of your mind as too many people have to deal with leaks later on. You want to see if there are holes in the roof and whether these holes will let water in.

4) Drainage

How is the drainage system? Is it going to be able to handle inclement weather or it is going to cause issues once you make a purchase? Buyers have to be careful about this since it can end up becoming a major expense as soon as the purchase is made. Be smart and pay attention to how the drainage system works.

This assessment should include taking a look at the drainage pipes, gutters, and downpipes. It will help you understand the drainage system’s health and whether it’s good to go or not.

Having this information on hand will do wonders in making a sound decision. It is easy to get misled or assume the roof is going to be good as that doesn’t always have to be the case. You need a lot more out of the solution and that’s only possible when you’re paying attention to what you’re getting. Look into the roof that is on offer and then pick out the property that suits your needs.

If you don’t feel like you’re in a position where you can judge the state of the roof, using roof professionals such as Roof Restoration South Adelaide can ensure a proper assessment of the roof.

If the roof isn’t good enough then you shouldn’t be taking a look at it at all!

What you need to know about roof when buying a property

If you have recently purchased a home, and you are not sure about the type of roof that you have, there are ways of assessing its overall condition. There are many things that you need to know about maintaining or managing the roof that you have. If you purchased a new home, it will likely last for a couple decades, depending upon the material that is used. For example, corrugated roofs made of galvanized steel will last for decades. Conversely, if you have asphalt shingles, these typically last for decades as well, but they are much more easily damaged. Here are a few tips that new homeowners can use to properly take care of their roof.

Which Type Of Roofing Material Is The Best?

There are so many different roofing materials available. This could include slate, wood shakes, asphalt shingles, corrugated metal, and many other materials. The cost difference will depend upon how expensive it is to create each one. For example, if you are getting stone coated steel, or if you are going to use advanced solar tiles, these are all beneficial for completely different reasons. Solar tiles are going to produce a substantial amount of electricity for your home, but they can easily be broken or damaged. If you have clay or concrete tiles, these will likely last 50 years or more, and they will be much more expensive.

How To Care For The Type Of Roof That You Have

The type of roof that you have will prompt you to take care of it in different ways. If you have solar tiles, you need to make sure that the tiles are free from any type of debris, including leaves or branches. Not only can this blocked the production of electricity, but they could lead to damaging the tiles. If you have clay, concrete, or slate on your roof, there is literally nothing that you have to do to protect them. It is recommended that you have your gutters cleaned every year, and while they are out there, they can also remove any lingering debris.

Roof-Painting-Roof-Restoration-Penrith

If you are a new homeowner, you can use these tips to ensure that your particular roof is going to last as long as possible. It just depends on the material that is being used, and how old the roof actually is. If you have a leak, you can always contact a local roofer to evaluate the problem. They will know exactly how to resolve the issue. In most cases, a roof is simply going to last a long time, even if it is neglected, because almost all of these materials are designed to last for a couple decades or more.
A big thanks to the team at Roof Restoration Penrith on the help with this.

More gutter cleaning advice

Tips And Tricks For Homeowners – Cleaning Guttering

The largest investment that most people will make is their property. However that initial investment is only the beginning of what for many people will be a long term struggle to not only maintain the value of their investment – but also, if possible to increase that value in the hope that they will be able to realize a good return – and then upgrade.

Unfortunately there are some maintenance jobs that are involved in protecting that investment which are tedious and simply do not show on the outside of the property – but if neglected will have dire consequences for the value of the home.

One of these is cleaning the guttering. Failure to do this on a regular basis can affect the structural integrity of the property and cause water damage that can be incredibly costly in the medium term.

On the face of it cleaning guttering can seem like the simplest job in the world. Just climb a ladder and scoop the debris out. But there are some common sense approaches that not only make the job that much easier and more effective – but safer as well.

Firstly remember that cleaning gutters shouldn’t be an annual event – it should take place twice a year – in the Spring and in the Autumn (or Fall as the America’s call that season). And on’t wait until a big storm has hit and then retrospectively clean the gutters – wet debris is unpleasant to handle and a lot more difficult to remove.

Remember safety first. It may be tempting to scamper about the roof and not reposition a ladder. However, common sense would indicate that this is an incredibly dangerous approach.

Even if you practice ladder safety don’t make one of the mistakes that is responsible for a large number of injuries. Don’t overextend yourself. If you cannot reach a section of gutter without leaning away from the ladder then it’s time to move the ladder – and make sure that the surface under the ladder legs is firm and that the ladder is set firmly.

Wear a good pair of gloves a use a simple garden trowel to help remove the debris. It’ll make the process that much easier.

If you want to avoid the more unpleasant parts of the project then look into an investment in mesh guards which prevent the buildup of debris in the gutters. You’ll still have to clean off the surfaces but it can really make a difference when performing the gutter cleaning job.

This article is thanks to the guys at Roof Restoration Narre Warren