Mistakes to Avoid During Your Roof Restoration Project

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Have there been damages to your roof after a powerful storm? Restoring your roof from scratch isn’t recommended as a DIY job, but if you absolutely must, there are a few mistakes you want to avoid.

From the materials you’re using to maintaining your roof post-restoration, there are many things to think about. The last thing you want is to be paying thousands of dollars for extra issues that could have been avoided.

This blog will give you guidance on how to ensure your new roof stays sturdy.

Roofing Restorations: What Not To Do!

Roofing Restorations

The roofing materials aren’t right

A common mistake is picking the wrong roofing material for your climate, roof pitch, or the design of your property. For example, asphalt shingles are not as durable in comparison to metal roofing (like Zincalume or Colorbond steel roofing), especially for high-wind or coastal areas.

Cheaper materials might be a bit of a cost-saver, but as a result, you’re up for pricey repairs and premature wear. Let’s look at these issues in more detail.

Using poor-quality or mismatched metal flashing
Applying materials that aren’t compatible with the existing roofing system
Installing roofing materials directly onto the wooden deck without underlayment
An incorrect shingle overhang allows water to seep into the fascia boards
Installing materials with proper overhang to stop wind damage and water leakage

You haven’t booked an inspection

Before starting any roofing projects–metal or otherwise–you’ll need to get the roof inspected by a professional. For example, if you overlook damage to the roof decking, corroded flashing, or the roof’s surface, you’ll end up with water leaks or hidden structural issues later down the track.

An inspection identifies poor ventilation areas where potential leaks can form. Without one, you also risk covering up existing damage, failing to pick up small problems, or missing out on insurance claims for storm hits or high winds.

The installation techniques are poor

In some cases, roofing contractors can install your roof poorly and cause leaking roofs or issues that emerge years after a new roof is installed. What are some examples of these errors?

Failure to install a drip edge, which results in water intrusion
Using improper tools or not securing the roofing materials
Incorrect nailing patterns or not using enough nails or screws
Neglecting to replace old or corroded metal flashing

When an inadequate amount of fasteners is used, your roof is vulnerable to high winds or storm damage.

Lack of insulation and ventilation

This should not be overlooked in any roofing project. When your roof lacks airflow, moisture builds up in the roof cavity, leading to mildew, mould, and damage to your property’s foundation. Poor insulation also increases utility bills, and your roof overall won’t last as long. Here are some results of poor insulation:

Trapped heat, which wears down roofing materials over time
Ice dams form in colder months (regional Victoria)
An increase in humidity can lead to structural problems
Excessive heat buildup damages roofing materials as well

Ignoring waterproofing or flashing

If flashing is carelessly installed (or if old flashing is reused), you’re up for water leaks on a rainy day. Flashing, no matter what, must be positioned and sealed to protect joints, valleys, chimneys, skylights and vents. Flashing mistakes include:

Misaligned flashing that exposes gaps
Using adhesives instead of mechanical fastening
Skipping flashing installation during roof replacement
Reusing old flashing instead of brand-new materials

In any case, new flashing should always be put in during roof replacements for water protection. Drip edges–a type of metal flashing– are essential for redirecting water into gutters and away from the fascia and walls.

Skipping safety measures

A roofing restoration is potentially hazardous. Some roofers cut corners by skipping basic safety equipment or rushing through the job to meet deadlines. This risks injury and compromises the workmanship of the roofing. Essential safety equipment includes:

Guard rails or scaffolding
Roof harnesses and anchors
Non-slip footwear and protective gear

Poor cleanup and aftercare

Post-installation clean-up and follow-up inspections are a given. Some roofing companies might leave behind debris, loose nails, or damaged landscaping, which is borderline dangerous for a homeowner! It heightens the risk of extensive repairs later down the track. Aftercare should include:

An inspection of the finished work
Rubbish removed and gutters cleared
A written summary of services completed
Guidance provided on maintenance and future inspections

For example, if your gutters aren’t cleared, they can become blocked and cause water damage to the foundation of your home. Whether working as a DIY’er or a professional roofing contractor, it’s non-negotiable to ensure that you’ve cleaned up after restoring the roof.

Xclusive Roofing recommends a professional inspection at least once every two years as well as after severe weather events.

Overlooking long-term planning

A roofing contractor always needs to plan for the longevity of your residential property. This means understanding the conditions of a warranty, scheduling further maintenance every 3 months, and picking durable materials. How can you think long-term?

Know how often the roof needs to be maintained
Choose roof materials with a 20+ lifespan (such as Colorbond steel or tile roofing)
Discuss any future upgrades, such as solar panel preparation or insulation
Follow manufacturer guidelines to maintain warranties

Long Term Planning

DIY Roof Restoration

Unless you’re qualified and licensed to work with roofing materials, a DIY job can be dangerous. Although it can be an interesting project to plan and put into place, it is better to leave a complete restoration to the professionals.

You’re at risk of falls or serious injuries without proper training
Warranties are voided. Professional-grade equipment means you’ll get high-quality work.
There’s more potential for errors.
You might not have specialised tools, which affects the warranty.
If you make a mistake, you’ll be paying a fair bit to fix it.

To learn more about roof maintenance, read: How To Choose the Right Material for Your Gutters: Advantages and Disadvantages.

What are some clear signs that a roof has issues post-restoration?

Sagging or uneven areas indicate structural problems that weren’t addressed.
Blistering or peeling paint from incorrect surface preparation or moisture trapped beneath the paint layer.
Ongoing water leaks due to inadequate sealing or missed damage during the restoration. Not all sealers are suitable for every roof type (some can degrade over time)
Mildew or mould grows from bad ventilation or leaking.
Premature wear of materials.
Poorly-sealed flashing.

Weather conditions also impact roof restoration and performance. Extreme heat makes roofs expand, so it is harder to install and leads to cracking. Heavy rain prevents adhesives from setting, strong wings lift or misalign materials, cold temperatures make materials brittle, and high humidity slows the drying time.

A reputable roofing specialist knows exactly what to do: you can call up Xclusive Roofing!

Why Reach Out To Xclusive Roofing for Roof Repairs in Melbourne?

We help with roof painting, such as restoring faded roofs with professional painting that protects and refreshes the look of your home.

We support you with thorough roof cleaning to remove moss, lichen, mould and debris while improving appearance and extending roof life.

We fix cracked tiles, loose flashing, or storm damage to prevent leaks and future issues.

We offer professional rebedding and repointing services to secure roof caps and extend your roof’s durability.

Read: 5 Compelling Reasons for Roof Restoration: Safeguarding Your Home’s Future.

Roofing Restoration for Melbourne Properties: Call Us Now!

If you require a roofing restoration in Sandringham, St Kilda, Windsor, Ringwood, Toorak, Lysterfield, Doncaster, Croydon, Bentleigh, or Bayswater, you will experience lasting peace of mind.

Whether you’re tired of fixing constant leaks or want to give potential home buyers a little confidence, Xclusive Roofing can help your residential or commercial property look its best.

A family-owned business with 150+ years of combined experience, we’re licensed, insured, available for after-hours emergencies, and offer a 10-year workmanship warranty. From roof tiling to metal roofing and roof restorations, every aspect of your roofing needs is met with care.

For metal roofing, we support you with custom made flashing, gutter replacements, downpipes, Colorbond steel cladding, and Klip-Lok roofing. Our team also has experience with tiling extensions and roof replacements.

Get a free quote and contact us now on 03 5978 6473 or email quotes@xclusiveroofing.com.au. You can also visit our show yard in Clyde North.

We provide a 10% off pensioners discount and $1000 off metal roofing.