Most roofs last decades with good care and maintenance, but they eventually require replacement. However, you don’t have to replace every aging or damaged roof. In some cases, you may refresh the roof and regain its original glory. With careful execution, the refresh may cost you less than the replacement. Below are some tips to help you with the refresh.
Inspect the Roof
The first is to inspect the roof and identify the areas that need work. Some of the issues, such as algae growth on the roof, will be obvious. However, an aging roof might have issues that an average homeowner might not notice. Examples include:
- Hidden water damage
- Deteriorated insulation
- Decayed deck
- Hidden pest damage
Get a professional roof inspector to assess the roof and determine the extent of the damage. That way, you can make an informed decision on whether to refresh or replace the roof.
Clean the Roof
In most cases, you will have to clean the roof. Don’t just clean the roof — get a pressure washer to remove deep-seated stains. Deep cleaning is especially necessary if:
- Your roof has obvious dirt or debris
- Your roof has discolored patches
- You have not cleaned your roof in a while
You can clean the roof yourself, but a professional will probably do the job faster, better, and safer. For example, you might damage the roof if you use an incorrectly set pressure washer. Deep cleaning might be enough if organic growth and dirt were the only problems with your old roof.
Replace Loose or Damaged Parts
In most cases, pressure washing alone isn’t enough to restore an old roof. Many aging roofs have broken or loose parts that require replacement or repair. For example, the inspection might reveal:
- Loose, cracked, or missing shingles
- Loose, damaged, or missing flashing
- Blocked or damaged vents
- Missing vent caps
- Leaking gutters
- Gutters with poor slopes
- Deteriorated insulation
You have to mark these parts and fix them appropriately. For example, you must replace cracked shingles to prevent future leaks. You must reattach detached gutters to facilitate efficient drainage. All parts of the roof must be sound for your roof to work efficiently as it did when new.
Seal the Roof
A roof sealant is a liquid or jelly-like material that solidifies on the roof after application. Roof sealants have numerous benefits, including:
- Waterproofing the roof to protect it from water intrusion and damage
- Protecting the roof from sun damage, especially ultraviolet (UV) damage
- Increasing the roof’s fire resistance
- Preventing mold growth
- Increasing the roof’s energy efficiency
Roof sealants come in different types, each with its unique strength. Assess your priorities and choose a sealant that will meet them best. For example, acrylic roof coatings are often better than polyurethane coatings for UV protection.
Paint the Roof
Another option is to paint the roof. Many roofing materials can benefit from painting, including asphalt shingles. You just need to get a professional to do it. Painting the roof can:
- Increase its aesthetic appeal, especially if the existing material is faded
- Increase the roof’s energy efficiency — for example, you can use light-colored paint to reflect sunlight
- Extend the roof’s lifespan by minimizing heat absorption and related deterioration
Just like sealants, roof paints also come in different types with different strengths. A roofing contractor can help you choose the best paint for your roof.
Thorough roof renovation is not a DIY job. Get a professional roof contractor who will do excellent work and guarantee their work.
Golden Spike Roofing, a family-owned business, has over 75 years of combined experience in the roofing industry. We can help solve your roofing issues, whether you need repair, maintenance, or replacement. Contact us for a free quote for any roofing service you need.