Roof Restoration Vs Roof Repair: Which One Do You Need?

Improving your property comes with a few requirements. Among these are minor repairs and improvements to parts of the property, such as the roof. If you have been performing routine maintenance to fix minor issues with your roof, it may be a good candidate for restoration. In most other cases, a repair will suffice. But, how do you know whether you need a repair or a restoration?

Restoration Vs Replacement

Most property owners understand what a roof repair is, as it is exactly what it sounds like. However, many of them are confused about the difference between a replacement and a restoration. A replacement is simply the removal of the whole roof before a new roof is applied to the property. 

A restoration, on the other hand, involves addressing minor issues much like a contractor would do with a repair, but a new layer of roofing material is applied to prolong the life of the roof. Restoration is usually the middle ground between repairs and a full restoration as it is less expensive and a lot less invasive than a full or partial replacement.

When to Do a Roof Restoration

It is important to understand that a roof restoration is not always the right fit depending on the condition and the type of roof you have. So, when is your roof a great candidate for restoration? First, the roof needs to be in good condition. Ideally, you should do yearly or routine inspections and maintenance to eliminate issues such as missing shingles or damaged flashing. A sample of the insulation as well as the deck should also be carried out to check if the roof is in a good enough condition for the restoration.

Because a thorough inspection of the roof as well as related structures is required before the restoration, it is always better to get in touch with a contractor who can do both. Doing this ensures that the contractor will do the restoration with a full understanding of any issues your roof does or does not have. Roofing contractors like D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal can inspect the roof and do all types of repairs and restorations. They will come down to your property to inspect and advise you on the next course of action.

When Do You Need a Replacement?

Roofs that cannot be restored need to be replaced. This is usually where there is so much damage that a restoration would not be enough to restore your roof’s health. This includes where there have been multiple cases of leaks, lichen, or moss. In these cases, the contractor may strip all the shingles or other roofing material from the roof and replace the underlayment as well as the roof itself.

Additionally, a contractor may recommend a roof replacement if there is decay or moisture on the insulating material or deck below the roof.

A roof restoration is a great option where there is damage to the roof but not enough to warrant a whole replacement. Where there are recurring issues or so much damage that a restoration would not solve the existing problems, a roof replacement is always the way to go.