Roofing repairs and restoration are an ongoing process in Melbourne and other cities across the country. In particular, this part of the country is subject to a diverse range of weather conditions. Weather events are unpredictable, and can vary from hot dry climate to rainy, stormy conditions. These do have a significant effect on buildings and other man made structures.
Your roof is the one structure that directly faces the impact of changing climate. Keeping it in perfect order is important.
Why Roof Maintenance is Important
Whether yours is a brand new structure or a heritage home, keep your roof in mind whenever you think of building maintenance. The roof is probably one of the areas of the building that’s subject to neglect.
Though it is almost invisible, it is what protects the structure, and prevents damage to occupants and the contents of the home. It provides integrity to the structure and gives it aesthetic appeal. The roof provides space for insulation and temperature control systems, and though you tend to take it for granted, it actually forms a large part of the building’s overall structure.
Keeping it in excellent condition is a wise investment in the longevity, safety and value of your property.
The best strategy is to have regular inspections done by a professional roofing expert. They can flag potential problems and you can take the steps required to fix them.
Signs of Roofing Damage
Some signs are visible such as a sagging roof, missing shingles, broken or cracked tiles, algae or fungal growth on the ceiling and walls, and pest attacks. Other signs may be less visible such as blocked pipes and unusually high power bills. Winds may blow debris, twigs, branches and leaves onto the roof. This may block gutters and pipes, leading to pooling of water on the roof.
In some cases, you may want to change your roof for aesthetic reasons to align with other restoration or renovation works. Perhaps you’ve just purchased an older home and prefer to get a complete makeover done.
Whatever the reason, with Melbourne’s autumn season coming to a close, it’s time to get your roof ready for the winter ahead.
Prepare For A Roofing Refurbishment
When the roofing inspection team provides its report, you get a fair idea of how much restoration is required, and also whether it has to be done immediately or not.
Get a few quotes from trusted roofing contractors and compare quality of work, prices and punctuality. Check reviews and references for roofing restorations and repairs in the local area before you sign up. Get in touch with reputed roofing contractors like firstclassroofing in the Melbourne area before deciding on who to go with to improve your roof structures.
Spells of dry weather are best time to launch project. Make sure to get all your washing done ahead of time so that you don’t have clothes out to dry while the work is going on. If you have any furniture or lighting fixtures outdoors, it’s wise to protect them before the work starts.
Schedule the work at a time when everyone is relatively free from health issues, and there aren’t any important family events or exams in the offing.
Ensure that your cars are parked safely away from falling debris, cover your swimming pool and keep your windows shut. Inform your neighbors about potential disturbance and keep your kids and pets safely indoors.
It is a good idea to think about moving the family to a hotel or an AirBnB for the duration.
Roof Restoration Ideas – Colorbond Roofing Is Not The Only Option
Home-owners are lucky people today, with the plethora of innovative and creative ideas available for a variety of roofing refresh projects.
You can incorporate your dream plans for environmentally sustainable roofs, using modern technology and materials. There is a whole world out there filled with great options to make a statement with your roof, ensure that it lasts longer and continues to be efficient and economically viable.
Solar panels are the right option when you want to reduce the carbon footprint, and take advantage of government subsidies and incentives that are available. This can also increase your property value.
Reflective coatings are a super idea to reduce the heat and light. You can use reflective paint along with double sided solar panels to keep summer temperatures down while enhancing your solar power output.
You may have heard about green roofs. They’re the latest buzz in the industry because they’re not just environmentally friendly, they’re very attractive besides keeping summer temperatures down. You can grow your own vegetables, herbs, flowers or fruit, and deal with stormwater.
A lesser known option is the blue roof that protects your roof against flood or hail damage. Some home-owners like to have a roof garden over this, while others may leave it uncovered.
Metal roofing isn’t a new concept, but with technology advancing by leaps and bounds, newer materials and products are available in the market. Colorbond steel is one of the most popular roofing products in the world, and it not only performs like a star, but also looks great. Apart from steel, you can consider copper too. Though it’s quite expensive, copper gives a unique style to your roof and it ages beautifully.
You may find the initial investment slightly high, but in the long run, it can be a great option. Metal roofs require less maintenance, can withstand extreme weather and climate changes and are highly energy efficient.
If your design aesthetic tends towards state of the art, contemporary roofing, take a look at glass roofing. It provides amazing natural light and gives you that wonderful sense of being connected with the outdoors. You can enjoy rain, sunshine or watch the wind in the trees, all through the comfort of your glass roof. Modern glass roofs are coated with transparent, low emission, reflective coatings that hold temperatures down.
For the eco-conscious home-owner, using recycled materials or upcycling materials from factories and metal component manufacturers can give your roof that distinctive, quirky look.
You can style your roof differently by adding decks, skylights and windows. If you’re interested in astronomy and star-gazing, you can build your own mini observatory right there on your roof-top.
While it’s great to be creative, ensure that you’re in compliance with local area and national building regulations.
