If you have a roof made using metal tiles, concrete tiles, pre-painted steel or long run iron sheets, then it is bound to degrade with time. The prolonged exposure to moisture and ultraviolet radiation wears off the roof material gradually. This is where roof restoration comes in handy. The process aims at rejuvenating and upgrading your roof to restore its aesthetics and functionality. If you have an old dilapidated roof in need of an upgrade, here is what you need to know about roof restoration and how you can make the most of it.

Cleaning and Removing Lichen

Roof restoration involves thorough cleaning of your roof to get rid of the debris, dead leaves and dirt that have accumulated over time. Moist areas on the roof are also bound to have lichen. Lichen is a slow-growing plant that forms a crust-like structure, branching on the surface of rocks, trees or walls. Lichens can be green, grey or brown depending on the prevailing climatic conditions. An extensive growth of lichens on your roof not only taints its beauty but also interferes with the insulation qualities of the material used to make the roof. By getting rid of the dirt and lichen, you can optimise the insulation capabilities of your roof and significantly cut your energy bill.

Roof Repairs

Before repairs commence, your roof's condition has to be analysed to determine if roof restoration will really work. Essentially not all roofs can be restored, forcing you to replace the whole of it in some cases. For instance, if your roof is extremely porous and absorbs a lot of water due to ageing, then you will have to replace rather than restore it. Repairs generally involve re-mortaring (for tiled roofs that have concrete joints) and flashing. When flashing is added, pieces of impervious material are installed on the roof to prevent water from seeping through.

Roof Coating

Coating your roof is an important step in roof restoration that will enable it last longer and add to the aesthetic appeal. It protects metallic roofs against rusting and reduces weathering for concrete tiles. Remember that roof coating is not the remedy for a leaking roof and it has to be repaired accordingly before the coat is applied. If you live in a hot area, you should go for a reflective coating. It reflects most sunlight away, improving the cooling effect of the roof. This will cut down the energy cost you'd have incurred from the extensive use of electrical air conditioning systems.

Contact a company like Blue West Roof Restorations to learn more about roofing repair and replacement options.