Though your roof offers protection against the elements, gives you security and privacy, prevents pest and animal attacks and completes the aesthetics of your building, it’s one of the most neglected areas of a structure. Whether it’s a residential or a commercial building, the roof receives scant attention till it begins to cause problems.
When your roof leaks, tiles go missing, the structure sags or warps, and your electricity bills spiral out of control, that’s when you realize your roof is in dire need of repair, renovation, restoration or complete replacement.
Today the roofing industry is in sync with the latest in materials, technology and design. If your roof needs a revamp, it’s best to get it done sooner rather than later by a reputed roof replacement company in the Melbourne area.
Do You Really Need To Re-Roof?
Re-roofing is probably one of the most laborious, time-consuming and expensive projects that you may have to undertake. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, extra care after a serious weather event, attention to roofing accessories, and ensuring that surrounding trees are kept pruned will prolong the life of your roof.
Missing or broken tiles, broken fasteners, sagging beams, water pooling, or growth of vegetation are unmistakable signs that your roof needs work.
If you have recently purchased an older structure, it’s worth replacing the old roof with a more modern roof. This will help you to get better warranties and insurance.
Cosmetic updates, like repainting or replacing tiles, can offer a temporary refresh, giving the building a more modern or polished appearance.
Roofing is a major investment that can increase your property value. If you plan to sell, rent or lease your building, the condition of your roof will play a big role in getting a good rate.
Damaged, neglected roofs pose a danger to occupants, pets, plants, vehicles, visitors and the grounds on which the building stands.
Modern Roofing Tech
Today roofing technology integrates smart systems, modern materials, design and professional expertise.
Materials include composite shingles, metal panels, tiles that integrate solar panels, multi-layered roofing systems, modular panels, weather resistant and reflective coatings, stronger sealants and adhesives. Some coatings are mold and algae resistant. Self-sealing membranes are another innovation that help to promptly deal with small leaks.
Tech advances include smart, AI-powered systems that detect damage early through data from sensors. Drone inspections have made inspections easier and more regular.
Today, you can get customized parts manufactured by 3D printing. This is a great option if you have a vintage roof.
Keeping these aspects in mind, let’s take a look at the pluses and minuses of re-roofing using the latest roofing tech.
Pros and Cons Unpacked
Shingles manufactured from organic materials and fibreglass are available for modern re-roofing projects. They are attractive and available in several designs. The downside is that they tend to deteriorate over time, cause leakage and fade. Some older organic tiles may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos.
Modern roofing membranes prevent moisture damage. They are manufactured from different materials and perfect for your flat or slightly pitched roof. However, unless they are installed by an expert, they cause leakage, water pooling and roof damage, making this roofing tech a high-maintenance one.
Metal roofing is very popular today for both residential and commercial buildings. It is long-lasting, attractive, versatile, reduces energy-bills, and easy to repair. The flip side is that it is expensive, easily damaged by falling branches, can be noisy during rains, and could damage your roofing fasteners when it expands and contracts.
Smart roofs are all the rage today for most types of buildings. They can self-heal, detect damage before it becomes a big issue, optimize temperature and ventilation and protect the crawl-space directly below your roof. The biggest con of installing a smart roof is that it can be highly expensive. They have to be installed by a tech expert, and different components come at various price bands. They are dependent on internet connectivity and you will need a back-up system to store data. Some customers are concerned about privacy of the data collected by the sensors and whether the manufacturer stores or shares it, especially if it is connected to your personal or home network.
Roof coatings offer a range of advantages such as extending the life of your roof, reduced energy bills, temperature control and UV protection. However, they are not very durable, may cause water pooling, and are not easy to repair. Some coatings may give off a strong chemical odor when freshly installed. They may also cause dirt to stick on to them due to static.
