6 Important Benefits of Roof Restoration

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior. It keeps you warm and dry during bad weather and ensures that pests like rodents and birds don’t invade your home. Moreover, a well-maintained roof helps to keep your household’s energy where it should be—inside your home. That’s why it’s important to ensure your roof remains in good condition.

Although you don’t always see it, the value your roof provides cannot be understated. As such, roof restoration, which involves repainting, repairing and cleaning, offers many benefits.

1. A boost in property value

Restoring your roof increases its aesthetic appeal. In turn, this helps boost your home’s property value, as well as its attractiveness to prospective buyers. A recent survey of 1,000 prospective property buyers revealed that 43.1 percent decide whether to buy a property within the first five minutes of viewing one. What’s one of the first things they will see? Your roof!

2. An increase in your roof’s longevity

A roof restoration will prolong the life of your roof and negate the need for expensive repairs, or even a full replacement, in the future. For instance, an experienced roofing contractor will inspect your roof before work begins to locate areas of potential weakness. That means they will identify cracked or broken tiles, or unsecured metal sheeting, both of which can allow the elements in.

In addition, they can remove debris like leaves and twigs, which often build up on flat roofs and in gutters. This kind of debris attracts mould and lichen, which will ultimately corrode your roofing materials. As a result, investing in a roof restoration can add years to your roof’s lifespan.

3. Additional protection against invasive pests

Australia is home to a number of pests that can invade your home via your roof if given half a chance. Roof rats, possums, and other animals will all take advantage of loose tiles or unsecured sheeting. And in their efforts to gain entry and build a nest, they can cause even more damage to your roof. Fortunately, a simple roof restoration can secure your roof against these pests.

4. A better night’s sleep during storms

With cyclone season on the horizon, how sure are you that your roof can withstand heavy wind and rain? Just one loose or cracked tile can let in the elements and lead to a leak that damages your home’s structure overnight. However, a roof restoration, which involves a full inspection beforehand, will ensure that your roof receives the necessary repairs.

As a result, you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably at night, safe in the knowledge that your home’s roof is watertight. Moreover, a well-maintained roof will keep out the inevitable noise that comes with storms and bad weather.

5. A warmer home during winter months

Even the smallest of gaps can severely hamper your heating efforts in winter. Through the process of convection, warm air rises up to the top of your home when you heat it during winter. However, if your roof is damaged or unsecured in just one area, much of your home’s valuable heat will escape through the roof. Inevitably, this will leave your home feeling cold and increase your energy bill.

That’s why a roof restoration is well worth your time and money.

6. A quieter alternative to roof replacement

If you live in a quiet neighbourhood, a complete roof replacement can make a lot of unwelcome noise for your neighbours. The hammering, drilling and moving of equipment and materials will likely last for several days at least. Roof restoration, on the other hand, is non-intrusive and ensures your roof receives the expert maintenance it needs without disturbing you or the neighbourhood.

Does your roof in the Sunshine Coast need some expert TLC? Then get in touch with Homestyle Roof Painters today. Within 2–3 days, we can repaint, repair and recoat your roof with minimal disturbance to your day-to-day life.

How to Prepare Your Roof for Cyclone Season

Is your roof ready for cyclone season? Australian meteorologists refer to the period from November to April as “cyclone season”. On average, about 11 cyclones sweep across Australia during cyclone season. And, because of the warmer temperatures, around Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, have to contend with an increase in severe storms and thunderstorms.

Naturally, if you are unprepared, the heavy rain and winds of storm season can damage your roof. And since, according to NRMA Insurance data, Australia experienced the worst storm season in 4 years, now is a good time to ensure your roof can withstand the coming severe weather.

Time is short. Use the following preparation tips to ensure your home and its roof are ready for cyclone season 2019.

Check your roof for any signs of damage

A roof is like a coat of armour. Just one chink can render it useless, especially when a severe thunderstorm hits. Strong winds can tear off loose shingles and tiles. Heavy rain can stream along a roof’s valleys and enter breaks in the seal. And hailstones can chip away at broken tiles.

Remember, all it takes is one small gap or weakness, and you could find your roof leaking in the next storm. If your roof leaks, the resulting water damage could cost you thousands to repair. Ensure that you check your roof thoroughly before the worst of Queensland’s storms hit. And, if you aren’t sure, hire a professional roofing service to carry out a thorough check of your roof.

Look for discolouration

One area you should be concerned with is discolouration. If your roofing material is terracotta, metal or concrete tile, this is especially important, because discolouration usually means moisture build-up, and these materials suffer in moist conditions. You might also notice algae, which thrives in moist conditions.

Since moisture erodes most roofing materials and causes discolouration in the process, take discolouration seriously. It might also be a sign that your roof is — or is about to start — leaking.

Unclog your gutters

Clogged gutters are especially bad during storms. The rainwater needs somewhere to go, and if your gutters are full of debris, that rainwater will instead pool on your roof. In a particularly bad storm with heavy rainfall, such pooling could put enormous strain on your roof and the underlying layers. Even a tiny weakness in your roof’s integrity could cause all that water to leak into your home.

Moreover, if that water has nowhere to go, even after the storm has long since passed, your roof will begin to rot. In turn, nasty organisms like mould and algae will then take root in and under your roof, affecting both your roof’s integrity and your health. If you haven’t had your gutters cleaned recently, hire a roofing service to clean them and make sure they are ready for severe weather.

Hire a roofing service to inspect your roof

If you aren’t sure of the condition of your roof, hire a professional roofing service to inspect it for you. Don’t attempt to inspect your roof yourself if you are unsure of what to look for or have little experience in doing so. A close-up roof inspection is risky, especially if you don’t have the right equipment or help available.

A reputable roofing company can inspect for leaks, damage and issues with your roof’s paint job. They can then carry out the necessary repair work there and then, so you can rest easy knowing that your roof will keep you safe and dry during cyclone season.

Are you worried that your roof might not be ready for cyclone season? Then get in touch with an experienced roofing service like Homestyle Roof Painters today. With their help, your roof will be ready for anything that nature throws at it!

5 Reasons Why Your Tin or Tile Roof Has Started to Leak

Colourbond tin and concrete tile roofs are extremely durable. They are also well suited to the unique challenges from the warm Australian climate. For instance, tin and tile roofs can withstand fire, severe weather and pests with few problems. However, despite their durability, they can spring a leak if you don’t maintain them or at least monitor them regularly.

Has your Colourbond tin or concrete tile roof started to leak? Then one of the following four problems could be to blame.

1. One or More Tiles Are Broken

Both concrete and clay tiles have long lifespans, with concrete tiles lasting about 50 years and clay tiles lasting at least 100 years. However, just one broken tile can compromise an entire roof. For instance, instead of rainwater hitting the tiles and draining into the gutters, it will gush past the broken tile and onto the sarking or felt.

Tile breakages can occur due to debris falling onto your roof during storms or because someone didn’t take care while walking on your roof. Generally, asphalt-based sarking is waterproof and so guides rainwater into your gutters during severe storms. However, constant exposure to rainwater causes the underlay to rot and eventually crack. This is when leaks happen.

In this instance, you should replace the broken tile(s). However, ensure that you examine the sarking for water damage before you do so.

2. Screws Are Missing or Perished On Tin Roofs

Roofing screws are responsible for the majority of leaks on metal roofs. Metal roofing screws seal water out by compressing a rubber washer at the base of the screw head. When the screw is driven into the metal roofing panel the rubber washer forms a ‘gasket’ between the roofing panel and the screw head. It sounds simple enough but several things can go wrong like under driving screws, over driving screws, driving screws at the wrong angle and screws that missed the framing member.

Even if the screws were installed correctly with the right amount of torque it doesn’t mean that the rubber washer is safe. Hot summers are unkind to the rubber washers. They degrade and lose their seal and it can be very difficult to distinguish which screw is leaking and which is not.

3. The Sarking Is Compromised

Your roof’s sarking probably won’t last as long as Colourbond tin or concrete tiles will. This is especially true in areas of Australia, such as Sydney and Brisbane, which sometimes experience severe rain and hailstorms from early spring to summer. Over time, the sarking will deteriorate until it can no longer keep rainwater out.

Unfortunately, the water will then soak into your roof. Unless you hire a company to repair or replace your roof’s sarking as soon as possible, the damage could extend to your ceilings and walls.

4. The Valleys or Gutters Are Blocked

The combination of trees and wind is a roof’s worst enemy with water damage. For instance, during windy days, leaves and twigs from nearby trees may end up clogging the valleys or gutters of your roof. Add rain to this equation, and you have a high risk of a leak occurring somewhere on your roof.

On an unobstructed roof, rainwater runs down the valleys and into your gutters and poses little threat to your roof. However, if debris clogs those valleys, rainwater will have nowhere to go and so will pool on your roof until it finds another outlet. Unfortunately, even a minute gap in your roof flashing or sarking, something that would not normally be an issue, could cause a leak.

The same applies to your gutters. If leaves and twigs clog your gutters, pooling rainwater could end up soaking into your roof and causing a leak. If tree debris has blocked your roof’s valleys and gutters, hire a roofing company to clear them and carry out any necessary repairs or additions before the next storm hits.

5. The Weather Has Been Especially Severe

Even the most well-designed roofs can suffer in severe storms. This usually happens because strong winds force rainwater under your roof’s tiles and onto the sarking. If a powerful storm rages for hours and forces rainwater to saturate your roof’s sarking, eventually that water may find its way into your roof’s sarking.

In this case, repairs might not be necessary. However, a roofing company can make some changes or additions to your roof’s flashing or sarking to ensure that severe storms don’t cause leaks in future.

Has your roof sprung a leak recently? Then act quickly if you want to minimize the damage to your home’s structure, while ensuring that moisture problems don’t harm the health of your home’s occupants.

How You Benefit From Clean Gutters

Rain gutters control the flow of water from your roof. Without gutters, rain would puddle on the roof, run down the walls or gather in crevices. With gutters, rain water flows in a directed path to a disposal site, where it does not damage your home.

When rain gutters get clogged from debris, the water becomes trapped and can cause problems. Regular maintenance and cleaning allows gutters to do their job well, which provides several benefits to you. Learn how clean gutters benefit you and your home.

Prevent Damage

Clogged gutters don’t properly direct water away from your home. If the water pools on your roof, it can damage the roof and may leak into your home through the ceiling.

If the water finds another way down the house—such as by dripping down the walls—it can damage paint or exterior building materials. The water can also leak into the home through siding panels or windows and cause further problems inside.

Once on the ground, water can pool around the base of your home. Eventually, pools of water like this can cause floods or foundation issues. Luckily, clean gutters keep water from leaking into your home and prevent water damage.

Increase Curb Appeal

Dirty gutters are an eyesore. When someone sees your home, you want their attention to go to your bright front door, your beautiful siding or your seasonal decorations. You don’t want attention drawn to piles of leaves and mud in your gutters. Clean gutters allow the unique features of your home to stand out.

Clean gutters also increase curb appeal by protecting your landscaping. Dirty gutters can’t direct water overflow away from your flowerbeds or carefully planned xeriscaping. With dirty gutters, water can pool and drown sensitive plants or wash away small landscaping elements. However, clean gutters protect your landscaping and ensure that water is directed to a safe place.

Keep Pests Away

Nearby trees are the most common culprit for clogged gutters. Leaves, twigs, mud and sap from trees gather in gutters. Those cosy elements provide an ideal place for creatures to hide away. For example, mice, squirrels and birds can make nests in dirty gutters. And pests like worms or wasps can also take cover among the debris.

In some cases, these pests can use dirty gutters as a stopping point on their way into your home—once on the roof, they can find damage or openings to crawl their way inside.

Clean gutters, however, are much less appealing to these creatures. Clean gutters do not provide nesting materials or cover from predators. If you keep your gutters clean, you can prevent pests from being attracted to your roof.

Improve Watertightness

If your home is watertight, that means that water cannot get into your home. And one of the inherent benefits of gutters is watertightness around your roof and home.  Generally, watertight homes also prevent water from pooling on or near the home as well. Clean gutters facilitate this benefit even better, as they prevent pooling and direct water away from the home’s main structure.

This movement prevents stagnant water, which prevents the growth of mould, algae and moss. Each of these troublesome substances require water to flourish, so dirty gutters and stagnant water encourage their growth. If you have mould growth in your gutters, you can have them cleaned. However, the best approach is often to prevent mould growth from starting, which you can do with clean gutters.

Save Money

In the long run, clean gutters can save you money because they prevent so many other issues. If you keep your gutters clean, you won’t have to pay for gutter-related pest control or gutter-related landscape management. Clean gutters will add lifespan to your home, especially by keeping your roof intact, which will save you money.

If you need professional gutter cleaners that you can trust, contact Homestyle Roof Painters. In addition to cleaning, we will provide a full written report about the state of your gutters so that you can best manage them. We want your clean gutters to benefit you.

How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspected?

Why Your Roofing Needs Inspecting

Your roofing needs to be inspected from time to time to ensure that it’s safe and that it doesn’t need to be repaired or replaced.

  • Fix  small problems before they cause bigger issues
  • Ensure that your roof is safe
  • Find out if you need to replace your roof
  • Ensure proper maintenance of your roof

The experts at Homestyle Roof Painters offer a variety of services to meet your roofing needs, including doing inspections.

This is a valuable way to protect your home and your family and take care of your house at the same time. How do you know if your roof needs to be inspected? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Reasons To Get a Roof Inspection

  • There Has Been a Big Storm

A simple rainstorm won’t necessitate a roof inspection, but a violent storm might. If there has recently been a lot of rain or other extreme weather, your roof could be damaged and you don’t know yet. Letting it go could result in more damage and leaks in your home. We can assess for damage and repair or replace parts that broken or missing so your roof is restored to its old condition.

  • You have a leak

If you have exhausted all other options, the leak is probably in the roof. Our leak detection service can identify the source of the leak.

  • You Need to File an Insurance Claim

If you need to file an insurance claim due to hail, rain or other damage, you will need to have your roof inspected beforehand. This process creates a detailed picture of what’s wrong with your roof so your insurance company can calculate the money owed to you for the claim. You can then use that money and we’ll replace or repair your roof quickly and efficiently.

  • You Want to Increase the Value of Your Home

A new roof can dramatically increase the value of your house, which is great if you plan to sell anytime in the next couple of years. At the same time, a new roof increases the curb appeal of your house and makes it more attractive for your own enjoyment or to attract future buyers.

Give Homestyle Roof Painters a call today to arrange an inspection. We can then help you decide what your next steps are.

How Long Does A Roof Inspection Take?

On average a roof inspection takes around 30-40mins.

How Often Should You Get a Roof Inspected?

General guidelines suggest that your roof needs an inspection every 3-5 years depending on the type of roof you have. 

To keep small problems at bay, our experts recommend having your roof inspected more often than that.

If it’s been longer than that, it’s time to give us a call so we can come look at it.

This routine maintenance is a good way to save money on costly repairs that are a result of neglect.

It doesn’t take long to do a roof inspection and you will get some valuable information about your roof in the process.

Check out our previous post on roof painting:

Benefits of Painting Your Roof Tiles

Benefits of Painting Your Roof Tiles

At Homestyle Roof Painters we are experts in all roofing maintenance and repairs. One of our common jobs is roof tile painting in Brisbane.  

Painting your roof tiles has many benefits that makes it worth the investment.

Before you decide to paint your roof, it’s a good idea to learn more about the benefits and the process so you can be sure it’s the right choice for your house. Here are the perks you can take advantage of when you let us paint your roof for you.

Lowers Energy Costs

A painted roof offers extra insulation for your home, which reduces the amount of time you’ll spend running the air conditioner or the heater.

This is because the special Colourbond paint we use adds extra insulation which helps hold the cool air in when it’s hot outside and traps the warm air when it’s cooler outside.

This results in less energy usage, something that can significantly reduce your energy costs.

Boosts the Kerb Appeal

You’ll love the way a painted roof looks and it can instantly enhance the kerb appeal of your house, making it look brighter and newer almost instantly.

If you don’t want to replace your roof, you can let us paint it and get a brand new look at a fraction of the cost. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for the way your garden and the exterior of your house meld together.

It’s Good for the Environment

Using less energy when you paint your roof is an eco-friendly choice that is good for your community and the environment as a whole.

You can reduce your carbon footprint since a painted roof uses less heat and air conditioning and that’s something to feel good about.

Improves the Value of Your Home

Having a painted roof increases the value of your home.

This is due to the reasons listed above. If and when you decide to sell your home, it’s attractive to buyers to know that they can lower their energy costs, do something good for the environment and have a home that they love the look of on the outside.

If you want to get top dollar for your home and don’t need a new roof, painting your roof tiles is a great idea.

Call Homestyle Roof Painters today for a quote on having your roof painted or any other of your roofing needs.

Check out our previous post on adding to your property value with roof tile painting:

Add Property Value with Roof Painting

Add Property Value with Roof Painting

Whether you plan to sell your house in the near future or not, it always pays to pay attention to the property value of your home.

That way when and if you do choose to sell, you can get the most money for it. One great way to increase the overall value of your house is to paint the roof.

There are many benefits to roof painting on the Sunshine Coast and the experts at Homestyle Roof Painters can help you get the job done right. Here’s why it works.

Improve Kerb Appeal

One thing that really helps to sell houses is the way your home looks on the outside.

Painting the roof is a less costly way to transform the exterior of your house without having to pay to replace the entire roof.

You can give your home a lighter and brighter look and make it appear fresh and new with a simple coat of paint and our roof painters can do a great job to help you.

Reduce Energy Consumption

A painted roof acts as a bit of extra insulation for your home, reducing your energy consumption and lowering your energy bills.

The Colourbond paint we use helps hold the warm air in during the winter and the cool air in during the heat of the summer.

This is a great selling point as all homeowners want to lower their monthly bills and save money.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Energy experts say that painting your roof is good for the environment because lowers energy usage, but also because it reduces your carbon emissions.

In this day and age, many potential home buyers want a house that costs less and is a healthy choice for the community.

When we paint your roof, you are doing your part for the environment and that always feels good.

Protects Your House

When we paint your roof it also helps protect your home by eliminating moss and lichen growth, which sometimes occurs in places that don’t get a lot of sun.

This helps prolong the lifespan of your roof and ensures that you don’t have to replace it more often than is necessary.

It also protects against cracks and holes in the roof that need to be repaired before they cause further issues.

Contact Homestyle Roof Painters today for more information and help with painting your roof and improving your home value.

You can also use our special free online paint previewer to see how your home would look.

Check out our previous post on Roof Restorations:

Do I Need A Roof Restoration?

Do I Need A Roof Restoration?

Roof restoration on the Sunshine Coast isn’t something you’ll have to do very often, but it’s important to do so when you see signs that it needs it.

By not carrying out roof repairs when needed, it can lead to big issues down the road, ones that have potential to cause serious damage to your property and your wallet.

If you don’t know whether you need a roof restoration, have a look at your roof and watch for the following signs.

Then call Homestyle Roof Painters for help getting yours fixed up.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Assessing damage to your shingles will require getting up on the roof and looking closely at it.

t’s always a good idea to call us because our trained experts are able to see what needs to be replaced and what can be restored.

In general, you’ll want to call in the pros if you notice any curling, cracked or missing shingles anywhere on your roof.

Granules in the Gutter

If you see anything in your gutter that looks like black sand, you have a problem.

That black stuff is shingle granules and are a red flag that your shingles are wearing out and need to be restored or replaced.

Proper repairs can help save your roof for a bit longer before it needs to be completely swapped for a new one.

Is Your Roof Leaking?

Clearly a leak somewhere in your house is a big indicator that your roof may need some work.

If you don’t go in the attic often, take some time to check it for signs of leaking or water damage.

Restoring your roof can stop those leaks and keep the water from causing bigger, more costly problems.

Do You Have Water Damage?

If you see any stains on your walls or ceilings, that’s evidence of water damage, which usually means your roof is leaking.

Restoring the roof should help fix the problem, but don’t let it go too long or you may wind up with structural problems that can compromise the safety of the house and cost you a lot of money.

How old is your roof?

A roof should last between 20 and 25 years.

When you get up on your roof, look to see if there’s wear and tear, especially around the chimney, near the gutters and vent pipes.

This indicates that you need a roof restoration pretty soon.

Call Homestyle Roof Painters for more information about your roof restoration on the Sunshine Coast.

We can also advise on cleaning, repair, and leak detection.

8 Signs You Need a Roof Restoration

  • Is your roof older than 20-25 years?
  • A Leaking Roof
  • Water damage
  • Damaged or missing shingles
  • Signs of light coming through the roof
  • Corosion in your gutter
  • Guttering is out of alignment 
  • Cracks and holes in the tiles

 

Adding Value To Your Home With Roof Painting

At Homestyle Roof Painters, we’ve been responsible for a huge proportion of the quality roof painting Sunshine Coast property owners have been enjoying over the years. These are property owners who can vouch for the benefits. There are many pluses to painting your roof. But after the obvious benefit of improved kerbside appeal, the biggest plus is it’s a great way to add value to your home.

You’ll get a good idea of the return on your investment as soon as you receive our free inspection and quote.

Visual appeal

When you choose Homestyle Roof Painters to give your roof a fresh coat of paint, your property will undergo a very noticeable facelift. And while its appearance is being rejuvenated, your neighbours will look on in wonder, knowing your property is instantly becoming more attractive to potential buyers.

Your home’s exterior is a major factor in considering its value. A tired looking roof is not going in your favour when the lending institution does its property valuation.

For the best return on your investment, make sure the colour you choose blends with your home’s exterior as well as its surroundings. Our experts can help you choose the precise shade for your roof but you can also use our paint previewer.  

Energy saver

If you choose a light roof paint colour, it can help keep the inside of your home cooler. By deflecting some of the sun’s intensity during summer, you can also save money on your energy bills. As well as making sure the job of roof painting is done correctly, our expertly trained roofers will gladly help you choose the right roof paint for your home. 

Longer life

Prolonging the lifespan of your roof is another important reason for painting it—that coat of paint will save you money, especially compared to the cost of investing in an entirely new roof. Either option will attract buyers, but there’s no point over-capitalising on your home when your plan is to sell it.

Waterproof

New roof paint will add a layer of waterproofing to your roof, placing it in better shape to help slow the degradation of roof tiles and prevent damage from leaks. It’s a cost-effective measure that protects your home from the elements and the costly problems they might otherwise cause.

When your roof is in good shape, its ability to protect the rest of your house not only gives you peace of mind as the homeowner, it also offers assurances to potential buyers when you plan to sell. 

For absolutely all your roof painting needs on the Sunshine Coast, your go-to experts are Homestyle Roof Painters.

What Do Good Roofing Contractors Check?

Inspecting a roof should be a thorough process.

This is one of the most important parts of a building and any damage can affect other parts of the structure.

Leaks and mould can turn into huge issues that could lead to lengthy repairs.

When hiring roofing contractors on the Sunshine Coast, they must carefully inspect the area where the work will be carried out.

You might have contacted them for a particular concern but there could be other underlying problems.

If they go undetected, they could cause a lot of damage before they are spotted.

Here is a summary of what the team at Home Roof Painters looks for.

Leaks and Flashing

Any signs of water damage are often an indicator of leaks on the roof. Another possibility is that the gutters could be clogged and not draining properly. If your roof has suffered under extreme weather, some tiles might have blown away. This gives water extra room to seep in and cause damage. Your roof should also have a leak barrier of at least 1 metre, which should be designed to repel water. When it is made form improper materials, it can cause leaks.

Mould

Constant contact with water can cause mould and rot to appear.

Unfortunately, it is easy for them to spread and affect other areas of the house.

Tackling these issues early on is the best way to defeat them. The team at Home Roof Painters can tackle these issues straightaway.

Roofing Structure

Some structural problems can very obvious, the roof can be sagging or perhaps you can see light coming through the roof.

In these cases, you need to call roofing contractors on the Sunshine Coast immediately.

This type of damage is very serious and could compromise the structure of the building.

All the external components should be inspected, and any missing or damaged parts repaired.

Failure to do so can result in problems with the underlayment, sheathing and joists down the line.

Shingles and Gutters

The Homestyle Roof Painters team will check that there are no loose or missing shingles.

If some of them are rotting or have algae growth, they might need to be replaced.

The gutters can also help you determine if the shingles have reached the end of their life.

If the gutters have excessive quantities of shingle granules, that could mean that they have been through enough.

Engaging roofing contractors on the Sunshine Coast can be a difficult task.

That is why Homestyle Roof Painters offers a written report as well as a no-obligation quote.

Call us on 07 5495 2200 or visit our website and read what others have said.

You may also find our previous post of interest to you:

Most Common Causes Of A Leaking Roof