When Is It Time For A Metal Roof Restoration?
When is it time for a metal roof restoration? Read below for all the key information.
Many people choose to have a metal roof installed on their home, as they offer the most durable option. Even the most well-cared-for metal roof will need some care and attention though. If your roof is looking tired, is it time for a restoration, or will you need to replace it?
Restore Or Replace?
What’s the difference between restoring or replacing a roof? There are a few things that you need to know. Restoring a metal roof will involve making smaller repairs, to restore the roof to be fully watertight and protected. It’s a cost-efficient option, and you’ll be able to keep the roof you have without having to spend more than you need to.
In some cases, a roof will be too damaged for restoration. In these cases, they’ll need to be fully replaced in order to keep the building protected. It’ll also be the most sensible option if the roof is nearing its maximum lifespan.
Metal Roof Restoration
Even the best kept metal roofs will suffer the ravages of time. Being exposed to the elements for a long time will make them look dull, and cause some minor damage. If you’re seeing some issues, don’t panic and think that you have to replace the roof. You could just restore it so it’s back to its former glory.
Restoring a roof will correct minor issues, but if your roof is aging or has more serious problems, you won’t be able to fix them with this method. In these cases, a roof replacement will make more sense.
How Do You Restore a Metal Roof?
Replacing shingles or panels: Is there damage to just one section of the roof? If so, then the whole roof won’t have to come off. Instead, you can just replace that section.
Most metal roofs are created in panels, which are designed to fit together. If one area is damaged, then you can just take the panel off and replace it with a new one. There’s also the option to use metal shingles. If you used these when replacing your roof, you can simply take off the damaged ones and replace them, the same way you would with asphalt shingles.
This method works best if the area has suffered rust or water damage, or has faulty hardware. As you replace these sections, always check the surrounding area for damage. You’ll want to catch that now before it has the chance to spread.
Coating your metal roof: When you have your roof installed, you have the option of adding a coating to it. These coatings are designed as an extra barrier against the elements, keeping the roof in good condition. It’s a good idea to add one, as they help that roof last even longer.
You’ll have a choice of coatings, so you can pick the one that’s right for you. Silicone coatings, for example, are highly long lasting. There are also cool roof coatings that reflect the sun and help you keep your cooling bills down.
These coatings will need to be reapplied regularly, in order to work as well as possible. When you have your roof installed, your team will let you know how often you should expect to reapply it. Check your roof around this time, and have the coating reapplied to protect it.
When To Replace Your Metal Roof
While you’re taking the best care of your metal roof, it will, at some point, degrade. They can only last for around 60 years maximum, so if yours is reaching the end of its lifespan, restoring it won’t be the right choice. There are some other ways you’ll know it’s time for a new roof too:
Leaking roof: Are you seeing your roof start to leak? That’s a sign that the roof is starting to fail, and that restoration alone won’t fix it. This could be happening because a panel has failed, a misshapen roof panel is letting water in, a storm has damaged the roof, and so on.
If this is left to continue, you’ll see that water damage builds up, and mold begins to form. This is highly problematic for your roof and will be expensive repairs later down the line. Replacing the roof will stop this damage in its tracks.
Rust: A small patch of rust, located to one panel, isn’t too much to worry about. If you’re seeing that rust creeping over your roof, then that’s a real problem. When rust forms, that’s a sign that the protective coating has failed. It allows air and moisture to come into contact with the roof and allows rust to form.
If the rust is too widespread, the damage will be too great for restoration. As such, the roof will need to be replaced. It can lead to leaks and other issues, so it needs to be handled as soon as possible.
Loose or dented roof: Most metal roofs can withstand quite a lot when it comes to severe weather. However, it can’t take on everything, and some can be damaged after a storm. They can lift and bend panels, and that leads to more problems.
For example, if a metal roof has lifted, then that can allow rodents and other pests to make their home in the roof. They of course lead to even more problems that you don’t want to deal with. As well as this, you’ll see more water coming in and damaging the roof.
The only way to fix this will be to replace the roof. You’ll need to consider severe weather when replacing the roof, to ensure you pick a material that can withstand high winds.
Conclusion
Now you know what damage on your metal roof can be repaired, and what needs to be replaced. Restoration can help you get the most out of your metal roof, and keep it going for years to come. If the damage is too great though, it’s always best to replace the roof.