There is a reason tile roofing has stayed popular in Australian homes. It gives the property a well-presented look from the street without needing to try too hard. More importantly, it gives the property protection from various weather surprises.
Still, even the most durable tile roofs are not completely safe from damage. As the years pass, small changes in the roof’s condition can build up until proper repair or restoration becomes necessary.
In this guide, we will look at what goes into tile roof restoration. We will also explain why it can be a smart way to keep your roof in better condition for longer.
Is Your Tile Roof Due for Restoration?
As mentioned earlier, tile roofs are not completely trouble-free. Regardless of whether the tiles are made from clay or concrete, the same kinds of issues can still appear. Knowing what to watch for can help you get more value from your roof.
- Faded roof tiles
- Tiles that have cracked or slipped out of place
- Moss that’s starting to spread
- Presence of mould
- Cracked or missing pointing
- Water marks
- Damp smells
- Leaks during or after heavy rain
What Happens During Tile Roof Restoration?
Roof Inspection
The first step in restoring your roof is a comprehensive inspection of your roof. Roofers will check the tiles carefully to see where wear or damage has started. They will also check the underlying structure to see if there are any problems that need to be fixed. This step helps shape the right restoration plan for your roof. From there, they can create a tailored plan for the restoration work.
Prepping the Surface
Proper surface preparation is important because the restoration is only as good as the roof beneath it. This involves removing debris and moss from the roof surface. Aside from that, algae and other contaminants can also be removed, so the surface is ready for restoration. If old build-up stays on the tiles, the restoration materials may not set properly onto the tiles. Once the surface is stable, the restored roof has a better chance of standing up to normal wear over time.
Replacing Broken Tiles
One important part of tile roof restoration is dealing with damaged tiles properly. This is because once water finds a way through, the problem can move beyond the tile itself. Of course, colour matters when repairing roof tiles. However, it should not come at the expense of the roof’s integrity. If the replacement tiles are the wrong size, they may not sit properly along the roofline. As such, this may lead to broken tiles or extra replacements in the future. In order to maintain uniformity in the roof, tiles with the exact size plus profile must be used.
Rebedding and Repointing Ridge Caps
To keep your tile roof weather-ready, rebedding and repointing may be part of the restoration work. As time passes, the mortar around the ridge capping can weaken. Once the mortar begins to break down, the ridge caps may no longer sit firmly in place. This can leave the roof more exposed to leaks or unwanted movement.
Through rebedding, the ridge capping gets a fresh mortar base that helps it sit securely again. On the other hand, with repointing, the joints around the ridge caps are sealed. This process is what stops water from getting into the roof. When this work is done by professionals, better leak protection is achieved.
Finishing the Tile Roof Surface
Before any colour is added to your roof, a primer or sealer sets the surface up properly. As such, it gives the roof better protection against future build-up. This means moss or lichen has a harder time taking hold again. After sealing, the roof is ready for a roof membrane. In some cases, a specialised acrylic paint may also be used to give the tiles a stronger protective finish.
Why Restoration Can Be Better Than Waiting for Repairs
When the structure of your roof is still in good shape, tile roof restoration extends its working life. However, it may not be the best option if the roof has serious structural damage or has already reached the end of its life. Although for many tile roofs, restoration sits in the practical middle. Rather than pulling everything apart to start again, it gives the existing roof more support.
Talk to Us Today
Take this opportunity to invest in the future of your home. At Nev’s, we provide a tile roof restoration service that helps bring back your roof’s protection without making the process complicated. Call us today to talk to our team.