When should a roof be restored instead of replaced?

Getting a new roof is a major expense that takes a significant amount of time to complete. Not every roof needs to be completely replaced when it becomes old or damaged. Often, a professional restoration service can provide a cheaper and more practical alternative, fixing problems and improving the appearance of a roof while bringing it back to a good condition for many more years. At Glasgow Roofmasters, we offer a professional roof restoration service that can restore your old roof back to a clean, watertight, strong, and attractive condition. With well over 25 years of experience in roofing, we understand that many properties and roofs are better served by renovation rather than complete replacement. Every property is unique, so before starting work we carry out a full no-obligation survey. We do not simply recommend roof replacement for every property or suggest a new roof when a simple restoration will do. Our experienced surveyor examines the entire surface of the roof looking for cracks, porosity, missing or damaged tiles, loose coverings, moss, algae, plant growth, discolouration, and any other signs of ageing or deterioration. We then explain what we find and whether a full restoration is suitable. Should we recommend work, we prepare a written quotation which clearly explains the work involved, the time frame, and costs, with no obligation on the customer to proceed. We only recommend a full restoration if we think it is the most sensible option based on the age and condition of the roof. How does Glasgow roof restoration work? We carry out a careful and thorough assessment of the entire roof surface to ensure we know what needs to be done before applying any work to the surface. We normally begin by cleaning the roof surface with hot water and a high pressure power washer. This removes dirt, moss, algae, and other contaminants from the surface. We may then apply an algaecide to discourage new growth before continuing with any repairs or treatment. We then repair loose covering materials, cracks, surface damage, junctions, flashings, penetrations, damaged joints, and porous areas. Often, damaged or loose fixing tiles or shingles need to be secured back onto the surface. Once all surface repairs have been carried out, we often apply a primer to prepare the surface for the final protective treatment. This also helps ensure the treatment penetrates the surface more evenly. The final sealant is usually available in different colours and finishes so the finished surface of your roof matches your property. The sealant we apply provides a uniform surface which helps resist UV and UVB light, damage from thermal and atmospheric effects, pollution, heavy weather, hail, and other local contaminants such as urban grit. How long can a restored roof last? The lifespan of the restored roof depends on the properties of the roof and what covering you have. Different materials react differently when restored. We deal with felt membranes, slate, asphalt, concrete tiles, clay tiles, felt, and other materials used in the construction of roof coverings. How long your restored roof will last depends on its condition when we start work. Roofs with heavy moss growth or that require significant repairs and renovation may not last as long as cleaner, less worn surfaces. We treat every roof differently in order to adapt our work to the existing surface rather than applying a one-size-fits-all solution. In some cases, where all restoration needs are met, we can restore a roof for 10, 15, or 20 years and beyond. Each roof responds differently to restoration and sometimes the type of tile or covering used means a different duration of roof life. Asphalt, felt, slate, concrete tiles, clay tiles, and other common roofing materials are all capable of benefiting from our roof restoration work. Our roof restoration service is designed to improve the appearance of any roof and can be performed on pitched or flat surfaces. We can restore a wide range of roofs, including New build, and our work can help improve the appearance and water tightness of the property. What are the benefits of Glasgow roof restoration? There are a number of reasons to carry out a roof restoration instead of replacement: 1. Cost-effective – Restoration is normally cheaper than replacement, especially when it comes to labour and material costs. Roof replacement, including the removal and disposal of the existing roof, is much more costly and disruptive. 2. Faster – Restoring a roof usually takes less time and less mess than replacing a roof. 3. Suitable for most properties – Our roof restoration is suitable for most properties with a roof made of concrete, asphalt, clay, felt, slate, or other common covering materials. 4. Saves waste – Removing, recycling, and disposing of an entire roof can create a great deal of waste.

5. Less disruption – a replacement roof, especially on a high or large property, can take a week or more to replace. This amount of work can disrupt normal life and business, especially if a large part of the property is affected. 6. Leaves the roof visible – Restoring the roof keeps the existing tiles or covering material where they should be, helping the roof to look much the same as it did when it was new. 7. Maintains roof integrity – Glazing, finishing, and coating a roof avoids the need to remove a substantial amount of the roof covering, which is often necessary when replacing with a new roof. 8. Protects the existing roof surface – Treating the existing roof surface means it stays in place, protecting the surface and avoiding potential damage from new material. 9. Extends the lifespan – restoration is designed to extend the lifespan of the roof for another 10, 15, or 20 years and more. What types of roofs can be restored? Almost every common roof covering and construction type can benefit from restoration. Our team members have experience of almost every roof type, including clay, concrete, slate, asphalt, felt, and other coverings. Every roof type is different, and we modify our process to suit the existing surface instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution. How is a roof restored? We normally start restoration by cleaning with hot water and a high-pressure washer. The cleaned surface is then examined for cracks, loose covering material, porosity, damage, and moss growth. Areas of porous surface may be filled in, loose or damaged tiles fitted or repaired, and cracks sealed. Once the surface has been repaired to provide an even, non-porous surface, we usually apply a primer. The final coat is designed to be a protective sealant which is normally available in different colours and finishes to suit the property. The coating will normally provide a much more uniform appearance to the surface and offer protection against the build-up of harmful UVB and UV light, damage caused by UVB and UV, extreme weather, pollution, and other local pollutants such as grit and grime. How much does a Glasgow roof restoration cost? Every roof has unique characteristics that can affect the cost of restoration: 1. Size and complexity of the roof 2. Difficulty of access 3. Condition of the existing surface 4. Porosity 5. The extent of moss growth 6. Speed of weather changes 7. Security considerations 8. Safety considerations 9. Waste and debris removal requirements We are happy to advise on a cost from images and video but otherwise prefer to give a free no obligation inspection before providing a quote for the work. We have many years of experience and a full team of fully insured and experienced workers. Our roof restoration comes with a written estimate, no obligation, and a five-year workmanship guarantee. How long can a restored roof last? The lifespan of a restored roof depends on the roof type and the work carried out. Different materials such as felt, slate, asphalt, concrete tiles, clay tiles, and others respond differently to restoration. We have the experience to prepare, repair, and restore any of these roofing materials and can normally give a good indication of the number of years until the roof requires work again. How can Glasgow roof restoration benefit a property? Restoring a roof can prolong the life of a roof for between 10 and 25 years – and up to longer depending on the amount of wear and tear on the existing roof surface. Restoring a roof avoids the cost of removing and disposing of the existing roof material and provides a faster, less disruptive service than full replacement. It can also enhance the appearance of a property, including the roof, and help protect a property from water damage and other related issues. Our roof restoration work is usually suitable for either pitched or flat roofs. We can restore a wide range of roofing types including natural and artificial slate, felt, tile, asphalt, membrane, and other common roofing materials. For property owners who want to breathe new life into their tired-looking, moss- covered, faded, cracked, porous, or damaged roof, our professional roof restoration service could provide a cost-effective way to save money and keep your roof looking its best. For a free assessment of your roof and a no-obligation quotation, contact Glasgow Roofmasters today.