It can take a few years of neglect before you realize how badly you’re damaging the roof on your home. Restoring your roof to its original condition is not a simple job. If you’ve been neglecting your roof for quite some time, chances are, it’ll have some major damage or repairs needed to be done before it can be restored.
Below are some of the steps you should take when restoring dilapidated roofing in an old home:
- Determine The Type Of Roof You Have
One of the first steps that you’ll need to make is to determine the type of roof you have, and to know the different types of repairs you can make on your current roof. There are basically three different types of roof: slate, wood, and metal. Each of these types of roofs have different maintenance and repair requirements.
If you have a wood or metal roof, then you’ll want to make sure that you use the right materials, which can be found in most hardware stores. Slate roofs need to have a sealer applied to it on a regular basis to protect it from rain, insects, and other types of weather damage. Once you know the type of roof that you have, you’ll be able to identify the best steps to take care of it.
- Inspect For Damages
When restoring an old roof, carefully examine the area that will be affected by the repair and make a list of the items that you need to purchase. These can include plywood, nails, and a hammer. Before you begin any work on your roof, it’s important to check its structure. Older homes tend to have buckles or damaged trusses that need to be repaired. If you’re faced with this situation, take a few minutes to look around and make sure everything’s okay. Also make sure that there aren’t any shingles or other items laying directly on top of the roof. If you find shingles, they need to be removed to prevent damage.
- Find A Contractor
Find an experienced roofer who knows how to restore dilapidated roofing in an old home. The best way to find a contractor that knows what they’re doing and doesn’t charge exorbitant fees is to look for one that specializes in this type of work. You will be able to find such companies on the Internet or through referrals. It can be as easy as doing an online search for roof restoration services Melbourne, and this will show you a list of all the contractors in your area. The most important thing that you can do when it comes to deciding which company is right for your needs is to ask around and see what other people think.
- Remove The Shingles
The next thing you need to do when restoring an old roof is to remove all the existing shingles. Check with your local building code office to make sure that you can legally remove the shingles from your roof. If you’re using metal to repair or replace the shingles, follow the building code in your area. This is one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face when you attempt to remove the shingles yourself. Make sure that your old roof is completely stripped off of the rest of the house. You should also look for some loose shingles and nails that could cause problems later.
- Buy Supplies
The next step is to purchase plywood from your local roofing supply store. Measured it carefully. It should be long enough to cover the entire area that needs to be repaired. After purchasing the plywood, it is time to apply a coat of sealant. This is a very important step and should not be overlooked.
- Clean Work Area
It is vital to ensure that you make sure the area is clean before installing a new roof. Whether it’s a new or repaired one, you will want to make sure that it’s clean before applying the sealant. You do not want to risk the new roof coming loose during installation. Also, make sure that to cover the area with the roofing membrane that was applied when the roof was purchased.
When you’re installing your new roof, you’ll be able to see how much coating has been applied. If there are areas that look dirty, take them off before you apply the roof sealant. You should also take some time to check and make sure that the edges are smooth and clean. If they’re not, you’ll need to sand those edges down before you apply the roof sealant. Make sure that you’re working at the same angle as the roof and that the area that needs sealing is as straight as possible. This will help ensure that the sealant will adhere to the roof properly and won’t leak out.
Conclusion
Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements and having a damaged roof can mean problems for you and your family. Restoring your roof can be hard work, but hiring the right expert will help make this process a breeze. There are many steps to restoring your roof and a contractor can make sure that it gets done safely and correctly.
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