The Aussie Re-Roofing Guide

We Explore The Costs, Materials and Procedures Of Re Roofing

Considered to be one of the best ways to protect a home is through having a properly designed and well-built roofing system. Not only does it safeguard the house against harsh weather conditions, it also protects the household from every danger or accidents caused by nature. Despite the fact that most roof-related problems have DIY fixes, there will be instances where re-roofing is required– to the point that it’s even crucial. This is usually the case for old roofs in an irreparable state, and re-roofing is an ideal way to secure the house against future hail, thunderstorms, and snowstorms.

Here’s an Australian Re-Roofing Guide to Help Every Homeowner Out There:

What Is Re-Roofing?

The concept behind re-roofing is pretty simple. Wherein, unlike basic tasks of fixing or installing a roofing system to a newly built house or building, re-roofing calls for the installation of a new roof– this could either be on top of the old one, but there are cases where the old roof can be torn down to replace it with a new one.

A re-roofing task is something that a lot of people can easily understand. However, it can also be the most difficult roofing procedures, that experience and skills are needed in order to effectively accomplish this task.

It all starts with the careful inspection and evaluation of the roofing needs. Wherein, the re-roofing company should be able to provide a detailed plan on how to proceed. Generally, this will involve stripping down a huge portion or sometimes, all of the elements that built up the current roof. This will be replaced with new materials as well as framing. Sometimes, it could even be a completely new roofing system that has a different structure. If you are a property owner looking to get a re roofing quote then visit our home page here. Masterbuild Roofing Brisbane has over 10 years experience and all roofers are fully licensed and insured.

What a lot of people fail to realize is that the process involved in re-roofing can be complicated, and that’s why they try to cut down the costs of re roofing projects. The disadvantage of this is that, hiring an inexperienced roofing expert can lead to delays, extravagant costs, and more often than not, the entire job would have to be redone completely.

Reasons to Consider Re-Roofing

There’s a number of functional, as well as aesthetic reasons why a home owner should consider re-roofing his home. Some of these are:

• If the roof is leaking, this could cause serious damage above and inside the home– that’s why the roof should be replaced as soon as possible.
• Re-roofing offers the homeowners the benefit of replacing cracked tiles.
• It reduces the need of trying to match odd-looking tiles to something new.
• It is great for improving the overall insulation of the place.
• It can update the look of a home, that it’s considered to be a part of a makeover.
• It can add more value to one’s home.

The Drawbacks of DIY Roofing

For the past few years, a lot of homeowners have no choice, but to tighten their belts because of the economic issues they have to deal with. A lot of them try to stay away from the so-called “unnecessary” expenses of calling a professional roofing contractor and would rather employ DIY techniques and guidelines available online– hoping that it can help in completing the project themselves.

Although this would make you believe that you’ll be able to save a lot of money, because you wouldn’t be paying someone to replace the roof for you, you have to know that trying to perform this task on your own has a number of disadvantages as well. That said, a lot of homeowners who opt for DIY often end up spending more than what they would pay to a contractor.

 – Safety Concerns

One of the main concerns of replacing the roof on your own is safety. Although the Internet is packed with safety guidelines, most of these can’t surpass the skills and experience of professional contractors. These people know what has to be done in order to keep themselves and the people around them safe.

 – Cause of Delays

Unless you have been doing DIY re-roofing jobs on a constant basis, expect that this could take weeks to complete– especially if there aren’t any clear strategies to use or some problems have been encountered along the process. On the other hand, hiring an expert will give the assurance that the job will be completed in a timely manner.

 – Inexperience

Just like what has been mentioned earlier, homeowners don’t really have the skills and experience needed to replace a roof– unless they’re in the business themselves. DIY enthusiasts often make a lot of mistakes, that it could even lead to insulation problems, leaky roofs, worse case scenario, serious damage that would call for additional repairs. This would lead to more expenses.

 – Unpredictable Weather Changes

Bad weather can ruin anyone’s re-roofing plans. Likewise, without the proper precautionary measures the professionals take, a homeowner could end up wasting a lot of money on a roof that is not properly installed.

The Professional Approach to Re-roofing

Roof installation is divided into 3 stages, namely:

1. The initial process where the area is measured and a strategy will be formed.
2. The preparation of the roof, as well as the building or house.
3. The installation of the new roofing system.

To give you a better understanding, we’re going to discuss the 7 steps done by a professional roofing company during roof replacement– both old and damaged roofing system. These are very affordable and you can ensure about the quality of the roof.

Step 1: Examination

The initial step would be checking the old roof, allowing the contractor to carefully take the gutter measurements and other details to stay away from any issues or problems during replacement.

Step 2: Analysis

The contractor must analyze the data gathered and produce a valid estimate. In this step a valid estimate will also be given, as well as the possible recommendations for roofing options and features needed.

Here, the homeowner can talk to the roofers and share their thoughts and opinions in regard with their new roofing system.

Step 3: Preparation

The requirements involved would be prepared, and safety precautions should be followed thoroughly– this includes clearing and cleaning of the area where the contractors are going to work.

Step 4: Stripping Away of Existing Tiles

In this step, the workers are asked to strip away the existing tiles as well as the metal flashing around the valleys, chimneys, and vents in the roof. The old roof will be taken away in order to make way for the new one. During this process, the roof should be carefully inspected in order to ensure that it’s free from any forms of water damage as well as rotten roof battens.

Step 5: Measure the Batten

Every now and then, when installing a new metal roofing, there will be instances when the homeowner will be asked to measure the batten, and the old ones should be replaced with steel roof battens as a way to comply with the local building codes, as well as manufacturer specifications.

Step 6: Installation of Edging

The reflective foil, or other forms of insulation should be laid down– this will depend on the preference and needs of a home owner. Then, the roofing experts will start to install the edging of the roof and align and add the metal panels as well. Aside from that, this should also be modified in order to ensure that it’ll perfectly fit into all areas of the roof– this includes the chimney and vets.

Step 7: Thorough Cleaning

Since re roofing can be a very messy job, it’s important to have the habit of having a time interval in order to perform a thorough cleaning job. See to it that the new roof looks almost perfect before paying in full.

The Types of Roof Materials

Despite the fact that re-roofing installation should be left to professionals, choosing the roofing materials will still depend on the owner. Listed below are just some of the widely used varieties of roofing materials to consider:

Metal Roofing

A lot of homeowners prefer metal roofs because they’re considered to be the most durable of all, and more often than not, most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. Metal roofs are available in different designs, shapes, and varieties, such as aluminum, copper, and high-grade steel. Aside from that, these roofs also conduct heat much easily as compared to other types of materials– which only implies that it offers temperature and insulation control.

For property owners interested in using steel then we recommend to view the colour ranges from Colorbond Roofing, they have long been considered an Australian favourite. You can learn more about the Colorbond roof materials here.

Tiled Roofing

 – Slate Tiles

When it comes to roof replacement jobs, tiles are a very popular choice, mainly because some contractors consider this to be the best type of material that can be used in this industry. Slate is often made from natural, quarried stone, and that’s why it’s lighter in weight as compared to other variations of tiles. Though, more often than not it will call for reinforced framing. Slate tiles can be a little bit more expensive, but what makes the price worth the cost is that it’s capable of withstanding moisture, fire, and even insect damage– which a normal lifespan lasting for a century.

 – Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta Tiles can last for almost 5 decades to a century. Though, this will still depend on the quality of material used. Usually made from pulverized clay combined with water, terracotta tiles can be very heavy, that it measures around 1,000 pounds per square. Though, unlike other types of roofing, terracotta tiles are non-combustible and energy resistant. With that, together with the fact that they can be in rich color choices, the price can be hefty, however, they’re still cheaper as compared to slate tiles.

 – Concrete Tiles

This kind of roof material is a perfect choice for those who are interested in having a wooden roof, as it imitates wood, clay and slate. Most variations of this type of roofing are very easy to install and they also come with lifetime warranties.

Though, it’s important to note that concrete tiles need to be checked on an annual or bi-annual basis to see if there are any loose or cracked tiles. Also, unlike slate tiles, concrete tiles are relatively cheaper.

The Benefits of Opting for Roof Tiles

• Roof tiles don’t warp, rust, or corrode.
• This type of roofing is ideal for coastal locations, mainly because they can endure spray, wind, and salt ocean.
• It assists in keeping unwanted noise out of the house.
• It offers comfort that can be enjoyed all year round. Also, aside from being able to help in energy savings, it’s also considered to be environmentally-friendly.
• Little to no maintenance especially if the tiles are installed properly.
• Roof tiles have 20 year warranty against any kinds of defects.

Tiled Roofing Suppliers

Tow of the most respected and well regarded roof tile manufacturers in the industry are Monier and Boral, both have a great range of tiles to choose from with a huge selection of colours to suit nearly every requirement.

Re-Roofing Costs

The cost of re-roofing usually depends on the size of the roof, the material to be used, and whether it’ll be DIY or a professional team of contractors will be hired.

Likewise, the fees and labor prices can also vary from one company to another. Some roofers charge more on certain tasks, such as customizing the roofs, or installation of additional features to improve something.

Though, the most important factor one should focus on would be the material itself. As a homeowner, you ought to know that although roof installation can range from $50-100 per square, the choice of clay tile roofing will cost more– around $100-400, while slate tiles will cost around $400-600 usually.

For a home where a larger roof is needed, and the homeowner is still interested in adding advanced features, and use high-grade materials, then the roofing cost can be in excess of $10,000.

Luckily, during your search of a professional roofing company, re-roofing is one of the most accessible services there is. Depending on one’s need, a professional team of roofing contractors can modify the cost and lessen the expenses for as much as $2,000 while helping the owner get the best possible solution for the shortest amount of time possible.

Final Thoughts

Re-roofing a home can be a great investment and the best way to improve the thermal efficiency of a home. Aside from that, a new roof can also add more value to the property, that it’s also a form of initial investment that can be worth it, once you have decided to sell your property. Lastly, in order to ensure that the job will be carried out professionally, it’s always important to look for a reliable roofing company and stay away from those DIYs re-roofing techniques available online. For property owners in Brisbane, Queensland who are looking for advice on their re-roofing project then feel free to contact Brendon Jones to discuss your requirements.
—-

References:

http://www.monier.com.au/Uploads/Download/343/Monier-Re-Roofing-Brochure-National-0315-Web.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roofer
http://www.reroofingbrisbaneqld.com.au/