Roof restoration involves cleaning, repairing, and rejuvenating an existing roof to extend its lifespan and improve its appearance and functionality.

It is a cost-effective way to prolong the life of your roof and avoid the expense of a full roof replacement and in some cases, may improve the energy efficiency of your home by reflecting more sunlight and reducing heat absorption.

However, not all roofs are suitable for restoration, especially if they are severely deteriorated or have structural issues.

Do You Need A Roof Restoration Or A Roof Replacement?

Whether you need a roof restoration or a roof replacement depends on the condition of your existing roof and your specific goals and budget.

We’ve outlined some factors to consider when deciding whether to replace your roof or simply restore it.

Roof Condition

If your roof is structurally sound but shows signs of wear and minor damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or surface deterioration, a roof restoration may be a viable option. Restoration involves cleaning, repairing, and potentially applying protective coatings to extend the life of the roof.

If your roof has significant structural issues, extensive damage, or has reached the end of its lifespan, it may be necessary to replace the entire roof. Roof replacement is a more extensive and expensive process, but it provides a completely new roofing system.

Budget

Roof restoration is often more budget-friendly than a full roof replacement. It allows you to address specific issues and rejuvenate the roof’s appearance without the cost of entirely new materials and labour.

Roof replacement is a more significant investment but provides a long-term solution. If your budget allows and your roof is in poor condition, replacement may be the best choice to ensure the integrity and longevity of your roofing system.

Goals

If you want to extend the life of your existing roof, improve its energy efficiency, and enhance its appearance, a restoration is a suitable choice. Roof restoration can also be a more sustainable option by reducing waste associated with tearing off old roofing materials.

On the other hand, if you desire a new roof with updated materials, designs, or features, or if your existing roof is beyond restoration, a replacement is the way to go. Roof replacement allows for more customisation and may improve the value and aesthetics of your home.

It’s essential to have a professional roofing contractor assess the condition of your roof. They can provide expert guidance and recommendations based on a thorough inspection. Their assessment will help you determine whether restoration or replacement is the best option for your specific situation.

Important Questions to Ask When Getting Quotes

When you’re obtaining quotes for a roofing restoration project, it’s essential to ask the right questions to ensure you have a clear understanding of the process, costs, and the contractor’s qualifications.

Here are some important questions to ask during your roofing restoration quotes:

• Can you provide references or examples of past roof restoration projects you’ve completed?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• What is the scope of work for the roof restoration project?

• Do you offer different restoration options or materials?

• Will you conduct a thorough roof inspection before providing a quote?

• What is the estimated timeline for the restoration project?

• Can you provide a written, itemised quote with a breakdown of costs?

• What is the total cost of the project, and are there any potential additional expenses or hidden fees?

• What type of warranty or guarantee do you offer for the restoration work?

• How will you handle unforeseen issues or changes during the project?

• Do you have the necessary permits or approvals for the project?

• What is your safety protocol, and how do you protect the property during the restoration?

• Can you provide a timeline for when the work will start and how long it will take to complete?

• Do you have a clean-up plan for after the restoration is complete?

• What payment terms do you require?

You should also consider the contractor’s reputation, experience, and reviews from previous clients when making your choice.

Solar Panel Considerations

Restoring a tile roof with existing solar panels requires careful planning and consideration to ensure that the restoration process doesn’t damage the solar panels or affect their performance. So what do you need to consider if you already have solar panels installed on your tile roof?

• Contractor Expertise: Work with a roofing contractor experienced in restoring tile roofs with solar panels. They should be familiar with the specific challenges and requirements of working around solar installations.

• Solar Panel Assessment: Assess the condition and efficiency of the solar panels. Check for any signs of damage, shading, or reduced performance. If the panels are old or significantly degraded, you might consider replacing them before restoration.

• Temporary Panel Removal: In many cases, the solar panels will need to be temporarily removed to access and repair the underlying roof structure. Ensure the contractor has experience in safely handling solar panels to prevent damage.

• Panel Protection: Before removal, ensure that the solar panels are properly secured, and their electrical connections are safely disconnected to prevent any accidents. Label and document the panel locations for reinstallation.

• Flashing and Sealant Inspection: Examine and, if necessary, replace flashing and sealants around the solar panel mounts and penetrations to ensure proper water resistance.

• Wiring and Electrical Inspection: Have an electrician inspect and re-establish the electrical connections of the solar panels after reinstallation. Ensure all wiring and electrical components are in good condition.

• Solar Panel Reinstallation: Carefully reinstall the solar panels, ensuring they are correctly aligned and securely mounted. Confirm that all electrical connections are properly made, and the panels are functioning as intended.

• Warranty Considerations: Check whether the restoration work or any temporary removal of solar panels affects the warranties on your solar panel system. Discuss this with your solar panel manufacturer or installer.

If the tile roof on your Brisbane home needs a little attention, our friendly and experienced team are here to help. Give us a call today to organise an inspection and quote.