Roofing Tips for Renovators

A roof is a crucial part of any building – it is what makes it a shelter. If you are renovating a roof, there are some things to consider before you even start. So here are some roofing tips for renovators:

What Type of Roof Renovation do You Need?

There is a good reason for you to want to renovate a roof – the question is, do you know what you need? There are a range of different types of roofs available with various finishes, especially if you are doing a full replacement. However, if you are only slightly renovating it, then there are other options you can consider like adding more insulation or solar panels.

Nevertheless, whether you are simply enhancing the look or functionality of the roof, or changing the roofing and building in its entirety, you should contemplate what type of renovation the roof needs. Some examples of the types of roofs include:

• Flat roofing
• Rubber/Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) roofing
• Slate roofing
• Fibreglass roofing
• Pitched roofing

Whatever type of roofing you choose is all dependent on your own preferences and the qualities of each type of roof, so it is important to ensure that there is also a good reason for why you need to replace the roof with the new one.

Consider the Weather

Working on roofs can be dangerous and difficult, especially during very hot and very cold conditions. As a renovator, you should avoid renovating the roof during periods of rain and snow to ensure the safety of yourself and your team, if you have others working with you. Hot days with the increased likelihood of heatwaves should also be days where the roof is left alone.

As a result, you should plan ahead and consider the timing of your renovation alongside the weather conditions, so that there are no delays or disruptions to the renovation.

Going Green

For a sustainable approach, you may want to consider green options such as installing solar panels onto the roof. Solar panels are a source of renewable energy and although they may not look appealing on the roof, they are perfect if you or your client is aiming to be more environmentally-friendly.

Another way of going green for roofing is to simply install a green roof. Green roofs absorb carbon dioxide and pollutants, which can improve air quality and better the environment. Their ecological benefits are vast, ranging from low carbon emissions to preservation of vegetation, and animals and insects. A green roof can be costly, however, it is worth looking at the long-term benefits to see whether it would be a worthwhile investment.

Other Things to Consider

It is always a good idea to scope out the old roof first before starting any renovations. Inspect it for any missing tiles or cracking, for areas that look like they no longer provide adequate covering. Head inside and inspect the ceiling as well to check for any leakage or stains, indicating that the roof has started to leak.

This will then help you better understand and find the type of roofing that is perfect for the building.