DIY Roof Restoration Tips and Advice
Is it OK to work on your own roof?
Is your roof looking a little worse for wear? Maybe it’s time for a roof restoration to keep your home in tip-top shape and even boost its value.
If you are a DIY enthusiast then you probably like to get your hands dirty. DIY roof restoration is possible to do yourself. However if you don’t have any experience we would still recommend consulting a professional roofing company for advice. If you’re not confident in your ability to do the job properly, it’s best to leave it to a professional. That being said, we have put together a list of steps required when restoring your roof. We hope this guide will help you through the process like a seasoned pro. So strap on your tool belt, and get your safety gear ready.
The Roof Restoration Process
Remember: Before starting any job on a roof always remember safety first. Be sure to have all PPE gear and equipment on hand be3fore you start.
1. Roof Inspection and Assessment
First things first: check the roof (and be careful up there.) This is when you look out for any damage or weak spots that require repairs before you start the process. Check around the edges and corners of your roof as well as inside the attic and around windows. Make sure to check the entire surface, including all pipes, vents, and chimneys. Once you know what needs fixing, assess if it’s within your skill set to tackle. Remember: stay safe and be realistic.
2. Roof Repair
Pull up those sleeves and dig into fixing any signs of damage you found during the first stage. Whether it’s replacing broken tiles, patching leaks or tightening loose screws. Depending on the type of damage and how extensive it is, small problems may be able to be handled yourself with simple patching jobs or minor replacements of shingles or tiles.
3. Pressure Clean
One very important step pressure washing. Give your roof a good ol’ scrub down using a pressure washer (be mindful of how much force you’re using). Roof cleaning helps remove dirt, moss, lichen or other debris to ensure proper adhesion of treatments applied later on. Pressure cleaning also exposes any existing issues that haven’t been spotted in an initial visual inspection. Things like cracks in tiles or mortar joints that need attention.
4. Rebedding & Repointing
Rebedding is when you completely replace all broken & rotten mortar joints. If the beddings beneath ridge caps have crumbled away or mortar has become cracked. Re-bed them with fresh mortar. Repointing involves just topping up any worn down mortar joints by filling up those depressions with new cement mix. Either one can help restore that original look while also keeping leaks at bay protecting against future weather damage over time. You’ll need waterproofing materials such as bitumen paper between layers too so make sure you have enough supplies ready beforehand for this step if required.
5. Preparation & Treatment
Metal roofs might need some rust treatment while tile roofs may require an anti-fungal or waterproofing treatment before priming begins.
Treat surfaces with a degreaser/detergent solution. It will remove residue from previous layers plus give better adhesion for whatever product is chosen later on down the line when coating takes place. Usually a solvent-based acrylic membrane or lining system would be used here but there are many other options available too depending on budget constraints. A primer must always be applied beforehand no matter which route one decides upon though regardless!
6. Roof Prime & Seal
Before applying the final coat of membrane or paint. You must prime and seal the entire surface to ensure that it sticks and adheres properly. This also helps protect against weather elements such as UV rays, wind driven rain. Primer should be applied uniformly over entire area being restored then allowed to dry fully before moving onto a sealant.
7. Filler Coats
Noticed any dents or uneven surfaces? Depending on the condition of your roof there’s often times the need for filler coats. These essentially ‘fill in’ larger patches or holes that may cause water damage. These are usually made from rubberized bitumen-based products.
8. Roof Membrane & Painting
Now you’re on the home stretch. Slap on a UV-resistant roof membrane coating (check for tile or metal-specific products). A membrane or lining can be applied directly across entire roof surface. This step provides further waterproofing. So make sure to check product instructions carefully first when choosing membrane type. Last but not least. You add your chosen topcoat color. Two coats should do the trick – waiting for the first one to dry before applying
9. Check Your work
Once you’re done with all of these steps, do a final check to make sure nothing was missed.
Make sure you inspect the edges, corners, windows, pipes, chimneys and other nooks for any neglected spots. And if you have doubts about taking on the project yourself because of lack of experience or just having busy days – don’t worry! Reaching out for professional help is also an option. Just ask your local roofing contractor’s opinion on matters that may exceed your capabilities. And lastly, always wear protective gear when climbing up onto roofs or working in tight spaces (e.g., helmet and goggles). As being safe first should always be priority no matter how confident you feel.
What are some common DIY roof restoration mistakes?
- Underestimating the time needed to complete the project
- Skipping the crucial roof inspection step
- Skimping on materials and methods, sacrificing quality
- Inadequate cleaning before starting any repairs or treatments
- Overlooking personal safety and fall prevention practices
- Pushing forward despite hazardous conditions
- Forgetting to keep up with necessary maintenance once the job is done
FAQ
How long does it take to restore a roof?
It can typically take anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks. This depends on the size of the roof and any other work that needs to be completed.
What are some problems that can happen if I do it myself?
Some common issues that occur include not properly preparing the surface before applying sealant and/or paint. Also not correctly cleaning the tiles before painting. Many people try to save money and use inferior materials that don’t last long. Also remember. roofs are high and falling from a single-story home could cause serious injury. Also, remember to check your insurance incase you avoid it by doing work that isn’t covered by correct licensing.
How do you fix a roof by yourself?
To fix a roof by yourself, you would need to check for any damage such as missing or cracked tiles, replace missing or damaged tiles if necessary, clean any debris off of the surface of the roof, apply a primer coat if needed and then apply a topcoat with either sealant or paint depending on your preference.
How many coats of paint do I need for a roof restoration?
The amount of coats of paint needed for a roof restoration depends on what type of tile is used on your roof but generally two coats should cover most roofs adequately enough.
What chemical do you use to clean roof tiles?
When cleaning roof tiles it is important to use an appropriate chemical based cleaner in order to remove dirt and debris from the surface. Be sure to follow all instructions when using these cleaning chemicals and wear protective goggles and gloves when applying them to your roof tiles.
Can I paint my roof myself?
6. Yes you can paint your own roof provided that you have some basic knowledge around painting techniques and have access to quality supplies like brushes, rollers etc. Use ladders carefully and having someone with you while painting your roof in case assistance is required at any point during this process. If in doubt get a quote from a roofing expert. It might be cheaper than you think.
Conclusion
Restoring your foof can be a great way to upgrade and refresh your home’s exterior look and extend the life of your roof. Make sure you always follow safety measures when doing any DIY work on your home. Saving money should not be the only consideration when taking on such a job.
Having knowledge in the field and using high-quality materials can prove to be beneficial in the long run when it comes to roof restoration.
If you have any questions or need to consult a roof restoration company please let us know.
