There are certain areas in the home that we simply don’t think about as much as we should, and few are more prevalent than our roofs. These home features are largely out of sight and out of mind until issues have already arisen. But you’ll soon regret neglect here if there’s water flooding into your attic space or damp creeping into your walls, especially when you consider that even simple preventative measures can keep your home safe from these common roof-based issues.
Protective roof coatings are becoming increasingly popular amongst homeowners, and they utilise coatings made from materials like acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane to provide benefits like waterproofing, UV protection, and more. All of this can extend the lifespan and appearances of your roof, but a roof coating isn’t suitable in all situations. Keep reading as we consider the sure signs that your roof would be a good coating contender.
# 1 – Visibly Altered Appearances
Most of us start to look different as we age, and your roof is no exception to that rule. Long before there are any actual issues, a roof on an older house might especially start to look faded and brittle, or even just a little dirty and weather-stained. This is all normal fare in roofs that are between 5 and 10 years old, but that’s not to say these issues are inevitable. Problems like faded or brittle-looking roof tiles can be especially problematic, as they tend to suggest that your roof is starting to lose its natural oils. As a result, you could soon find yourself with broken or cracked roof tiles on your hands.
Coatings can help with this in various ways. For one thing, a quality coating will generally serve to give your roof a new lease of life, making it look so sleek that it could practically pass as brand new. Well-chosen coatings also provide a range of appearance-preserving benefits, such as anti-corrosion capabilities and a significant reduction in the wear your roof will receive in the coming years.
# 2 – Signs of Minor Damage
It’s vital to note that coatings are not a miraculous cure for all rooftop issues. In fact, this treatment isn’t suitable for roofs with notable existing structural damage, which will require repairs or replacement instead. However, a coating might still be a good fit for you if you’re noticing only minor signs of damage right now, such as small cracks or minor leaks.
Coatings can work well in these instances because they provide that additional protective layer that your roof is currently missing, and can help to prevent these problems from getting worse. That said, don’t simply jump into a coating without thought here. Instead, be honest with your chosen professionals about your concerns. They’ll be able to conduct a thorough investigation to tell you whether your roof is a suitable coating candidate or whether other repairs are necessary first. Even in this latter case, you may still want to get a coating, but you should prioritise other work beforehand.
# 3 – Complex Cleaning Requirements
Let’s be honest, roof cleaning is never a simple chore. Even just getting up there with an everyday ladder is such a hassle that you probably put this task off as much as possible. Sure, you could employ professionals to do it, but that costs more than you might have in your maintenance fund.
It’s all a headache, and it can become even more of one if you can no longer neglect this task due to visible issues like moss growth. Unfortunately, there’s nothing to stop moss from making itself at home on your roof annually, especially if you have a north-facing property with continual shade that keeps those tiles nice and damp. This is bad news because as well as looking unwelcoming, unchecked roof-based moss growth retains water and also adds weight that you simply don’t need.
Luckily, coatings can be a way to keep moss at bay for good. Hydrophobic coatings are especially effective as a repellent, meaning you wouldn’t need to keep scraping that moss off for any longer!
# 4 – Temperature Troubles
You might not automatically connect external roof coatings with temperatures in your home, but this is another selling point worth delving into. Admittedly, a coating probably won’t do much to keep your home warmer in the winter. But if you’re constantly struggling with indoor heat in the summer, then you need to look no further than coatings.
Reflective white coatings are particularly effective here, as they create a reflective roof surface that prevents heat absorption. More generally, advanced coatings will stay cooler than ambient air, while all quality coatings have essential UV qualities. This is beneficial for avoiding weather-based roof damage, but it also ensures that your roof never absorbs ultraviolet rays that could inevitably crank the temperature up a few degrees otherwise.
# 5 – A Need for Peace of Mind
Sometimes, a roof coating is also right for you if you simply want some additional peace of mind. After all, it’s easy to feel worried by the fact that some roofing materials like asphalt only last for around fifteen years. Not only does the onward march of age therefore put your property at risk, but it also threatens to set you back in the ballpark of up to £100 per square metre if you need a replacement.
Coatings can really help with this, as on average, they can extend your roof’s lifespan by around twenty years, all for a fraction of the cost of a brand new roof. In terms of your roof itself, a coating will also help you to feel better about everything from heavy rains to ageing, none of which will take half as much of a toll as it would otherwise.
Ultimately, speaking to the pros is your best bet for deciding whether a roof coating is right or not, but this handy guide could be a great first step towards making the right choice for your home.
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