How Long Will My Newly Restored Roof Keep Looking Great?
If you’re a homeowner in Brisbane, you know how tough our weather can be on roofs. Between the scorching Aussie sun, humid air, and potential for storms and high winds, it’s no wonder so many of us need to get our roofs restored from time to time. But once you bite the bullet and pay for roof restoration, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth out of it. The big question is – how many years can you expect that newly refreshed roof to last before it needs work again?
The honest answer? It depends on a bunch of different factors. Everything from the type of restoration done, the roofing materials, the quality of the workmanship, to the directional orientation of your roof itself can play a role. But don’t worry, I’m going to break it all down for you so you have a good idea of what to expect.
Let’s start with the main roof restoration methods and how long each typically lasts:
Roof Recoating
This is one of the more affordable options where your existing roof tiles are basically just given a fresh coating or painted over. A professional recoating using quality sealants and paints can revive faded, worn roof tiles and protect them from the elements for 5-10 more years typically. The catch is that it doesn’t address any cracked, broken or missing tiles – those issues need a more extensive restoration.
Roof Respotting
If your tile roof just has some individual busted tiles here and there, respotting is the process of removing and replacing just those problem tiles. When done properly by professionals like the team at Brisbane Roof and Paint, respotting can leave your roof looking brand new again for not much cash. But it’s really just a band-aid solution if the overall condition of the roof is poor. For an otherwise solid tile roof though, respotting can buy you another 15-20 years easy.
Full Roof Restoration
This is the big one – a total renovation where your roof is virtually rebuilt from the ground up. Any substandard or damaged tiles, ridge capping, valleys and bedding gets removed and replaced. The roof is then cleaned, sealed and given a fresh coat of premium roof restoration membrane or paint.
When done comprehensively by experienced roof restorers, a full roof restoration breathes new life into even the worst-for-wear roofs. You can expect a high-quality roof restoration to last anywhere from 15-25 years or longer!
All right, so those are the typical methods and lifespans. But what factors can cause that roof restoration last to be on the higher or lower end of those ranges?
- Roofing Materials
The specific roofing materials your home uses can make a big difference in longevity after restoration. Tile roofs (concrete or terracotta) tend to last the longest when restored properly – up to 25-30 years potentially. Metal roofs generally last 20-25 years with restoration. Wood shingles/shakes fall around 15-20 years.
- Roof Slope/Orientation
Roofs that are flatter or have a low slope tend to experience more pooling of water and detritus, which shortens the lifespan of any restoration work. More steeply sloped roofs shed water and debris better for longer. The same goes for directional orientation – roofs that catch more direct sunlight year-round will show signs of wear faster despite restoration efforts.
- Climate/Environment
Duh, right? But it’s worth stating – roofs in harsh climates like Brisbane’s hot sun and potential for storms just won’t last as long before needing another round of restoration compared to milder environments. Homes in dry desert climates or consistently overcast areas can squeeze out extra years from the same restoration.
- Workmanship Quality
Not all roof restoration companies are created equal! Using an experienced, reputable company like Brisbane Roof and Paint that is meticulous about proper preparation, top-quality materials, and best installation practices will absolutely extend the lifespan of your newly restored roof versus slapping on a quick, sloppy coat with some fly-by-nighters. You get what you pay for here.
Final Thoughts
In summary, most homeowners can reasonably expect a proper roof restoration to keep their home’s roof looking fantastic and problem-free for 10-25 years, depending on the various factors I covered. That’s not too shabby of a return on the investment!
Of course, no roof lasts forever, and some basic maintenance is required even after restoration to maximise its lifespan. It’s critical to have your roof professionally inspected annually and address any potential problem areas like cracked sealants, missing capping, or gaps. It’s also wise to get your roof cleaned periodically to remove built-up gunk and debris that can cause premature deterioration.
But when that time inevitably does come to restore your roof again down the road, you can at least take comfort knowing your newly remodelled roof gave you plenty of worry-free years to enjoy coming home to a beautiful, protected house. And hey, maybe material technology will make newer restorations last even longer by then!
A homeowner can dream, right? So when you need a reliable roofer, Brisbane Roof and Paint are the guys to call.