Roof restoration is a cost-effective way to extend the life of your roof without replacing it entirely. It involves cleaning, repairing, and sealing your roof to fix minor issues and improve durability. Here's what you need to know:
- Cost Savings: Restoration costs 50–70% less than replacement, typically ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with an average of $4,000.
- Lifespan Extension: Adds 10–20 years to your roof’s life.
- Energy Efficiency: Reflective coatings can lower rooftop temperatures by up to 50°F, reducing cooling costs.
- Eco-Friendly: Cuts waste by up to 90%, keeping materials out of landfills.
- Improved Performance: Treatments restore flexibility, waterproofing, and resistance to wind and hail.
The process includes a professional inspection, thorough cleaning, minor repairs, and applying treatments like GreenSoy Technology. This method rejuvenates shingles, enhances durability, and often includes transferable warranties. Restoration is ideal for roofs with mild wear, such as faded color or minor leaks, but not for those with severe structural damage.
To determine if your roof qualifies, consult a professional for an inspection.
To Restore or Replace a Roof? How to Make the Call - Lunch & Learn Episode 9!
How Roof Restoration Works
Curious about what happens during a roof restoration? Here's a breakdown of the process, which usually takes just a few days from start to finish.
Inspection and Assessment
The first step is a thorough evaluation of your roof to see if it's a good candidate for restoration. During this inspection, professionals look for structural issues like sagging spots, missing or cracked shingles, and exposed decking. They also check for granule loss - those bare patches on asphalt shingles where the protective coating has worn off.
Water damage is another key focus. While minor leaks and stains can be repaired, roofs with severe water damage might need a full replacement. The roof's slope is also considered, as flat or low-slope roofs may not be suitable for certain treatments.
In general, roofs with mild to moderate wear - like faded color, slight granule loss, small cracks, or minor leaks - often qualify for restoration.
Cleaning and Preparation
If your roof passes the inspection, the next step is cleaning. This phase removes years of dirt, moss, algae, and loose granules, ensuring the restoration products adhere properly. Professionals use power washing equipment with just the right pressure to clean effectively without damaging the shingles. Heavily moss-covered areas might get extra attention with eco-friendly treatments.
Once cleaned, the roof needs time to dry completely, which can vary depending on the weather. After drying, minor repairs are made, such as replacing damaged shingles and sealing cracks.
Safety is a priority throughout this process. Crews follow strict OSHA guidelines and use proper fall protection equipment to ensure everyone stays safe while working.
With a clean and prepped roof, it's time to move on to the rejuvenation phase.
Rejuvenation and Final Steps
The final phase brings your roof back to life. Using GreenSoy Technology, a patented solution, professionals spray a rejuvenating treatment across the roof. This product penetrates the asphalt shingles, restoring their flexibility and improving resistance to wind and hail.
GreenSoy Technology replenishes essential components that shingles lose over time due to sun exposure and harsh weather. This helps them regain their waterproofing abilities and durability. Once the rejuvenation treatment is applied, a protective sealant is added to create an extra layer of defense against moisture, UV rays, and temperature changes.
Before wrapping up, the crew conducts a final inspection to ensure the treatment is evenly applied and vulnerable areas like flashing and roof penetrations are securely sealed. Many restoration projects also come with a transferable warranty, which can be a great selling point if you ever decide to put your home on the market.
Restoration vs. Replacement Costs
Homeowners often find themselves debating whether restoring their roof is a smarter financial move compared to a full replacement. Restoration tends to be more budget-friendly, making it an appealing option for those who want to extend the life of their roof without the hefty expense of tearing it off and starting from scratch. This cost advantage is a major reason many property owners lean toward restoration when their roof is still in decent shape. Let’s break down the factors that influence restoration costs and the financial perks it can offer.
What Influences Roof Restoration Costs
Several elements come into play when determining the price of a roof restoration project. One of the biggest factors is roof size - a larger roof naturally requires more materials and labor. Your location also matters. If you live in an urban area with higher labor costs or stricter building regulations, you’ll likely face steeper prices. Weather in your region can add another layer of complexity, as areas prone to extreme conditions may require additional prep work to ensure durability.
The current condition of your roof plays a significant role as well. A roof with minimal wear and tear will need less preparation compared to one with issues like moss buildup, leaks, or significant granule loss. Additionally, roofs with steep pitches or complex designs - think multiple dormers, skylights, or chimneys - require more labor and safety measures, which can increase costs.
Financial Benefits of Restoration
Taking these cost factors into account highlights how roof restoration is not just an upfront money-saver but also a long-term investment. By restoring your roof, you can extend its lifespan, delaying the need for a full replacement and saving thousands in the process.
Restoration doesn’t just save you money on the roof itself; it can also lower your energy bills. A restored roof often improves reflectivity, which can reduce cooling costs during hot months. Plus, it helps maintain your home’s market value. A recently restored roof can make your property more appealing to potential buyers and even speed up the sale process.
Other perks include transferable warranties and better resistance to wind and hail damage. Some insurance companies may even lower your premiums due to these improvements. With all these benefits combined, roof restoration stands out as a cost-effective and practical alternative to replacement.
How Long Restored Roofs Last
Restoring your roof can significantly extend its lifespan, making it a smart investment for homeowners who want to get the most out of their roofing system. A restored roof not only lasts longer but also performs better over time.
Added Years of Roof Life
For asphalt shingle roofs, a single treatment with Scharf Fresh Roof can add more than 6 years to the roof's life. If you continue with treatments every five years, you can extend the roof's usability by as much as 15 additional years. This is made possible by Scharf Fresh Roof's patented GreenSoy Technology, which rejuvenates shingles by restoring their lost flexibility and durability.
But it’s not just about longevity. Restoration also improves your roof’s overall performance in meaningful ways.
Improved Roof Performance
Restored roofs are better equipped to handle harsh weather conditions. Research from Ohio State University on 17-year-old asphalt shingles treated with a restoration product found notable improvements in flexibility, durability, and granule adhesion, along with a 24% reduction in hail damage.
This improved flexibility helps prevent cracking during high winds, while better granule adhesion maintains the protective surface, reducing hail damage significantly. Restoration treatments also allow shingles to expand and contract with temperature changes, minimizing the risk of cracks over time.
These performance upgrades are complemented by additional benefits like warranties that add value to your property.
Warranty and Property Value Benefits
Scharf Fresh Roof includes a 6-year transferable warranty that covers material defects and ensures shingles maintain their flexibility.
"And with our industry-leading 6-year warranty, you can trust that Fresh Roof delivers lasting results, saving you time and money in the long run. Plus, by refreshing your roof's appearance, Fresh Roof enhances your home's value and curb appeal."
One standout feature of this warranty is its transferability. If you sell your home while the warranty is still active, the new owners can benefit from the coverage - a strong selling point for potential buyers. Additionally, the restoration process with GreenSoy Technology is designed to work seamlessly with your existing roofing materials, so it won’t void the manufacturer's warranty. Instead of applying a surface coating, this technology restores the asphalt from within, ensuring compatibility with the original roof structure.
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Benefits for the Environment
Roof restoration isn’t just about saving money or improving performance - it’s also a smart choice for the planet. By restoring your roof instead of replacing it, you significantly cut down on waste. Think about it: old roofing materials that would typically end up in landfills are instead preserved, and there’s less demand for producing new materials. That’s a big win for reducing environmental impact.
Scharf Fresh Roof takes this a step further with their commitment to sustainability. For every roof they restore, they plant a tree. This initiative not only supports reforestation but also helps offset carbon emissions, making a positive environmental impact.
What’s more, their process uses 100% US-made eco-friendly materials and incorporates patented GreenSoy Technology, which avoids harmful chemicals. It’s a method designed with the future in mind - promoting safer, greener solutions.
Choosing roof restoration means extending the life of your roof while reducing waste and contributing to reforestation efforts. It’s a decision that benefits both your home and the environment in a meaningful way.
Which Roof Types Work with Restoration
Not every roof is a candidate for restoration, but many common materials can benefit from the process. Knowing which roofing types are compatible and assessing your roof’s condition can guide you in making the right choice for your home. Let’s break down which materials are suitable and how to evaluate their potential for restoration.
Roof Materials That Can Be Restored
Asphalt shingles are the leading choice for roof restoration in the United States. They are widely used and highly compatible with treatments like Scharf Fresh Roof’s GreenSoy Technology. This patented solution is designed to extend the lifespan of asphalt shingles while improving their resistance to wind and hail damage.
Beyond asphalt shingles, several other roofing materials can undergo restoration effectively:
- Metal roofing can be treated to enhance durability and weather resistance.
- Modified bitumen and built-up roofs are often restored using elastomeric roof coatings, making them great options for commercial properties.
- Tile roofs (both clay and concrete) can be restored to address issues like aging underlayment or localized damage without requiring a full replacement.
- Historic materials like wood shingles, slate, and authentic clay tiles can also be restored, preserving their aesthetic while improving functionality.
- Even synthetic alternatives like synthetic wood shakes may benefit from treatments aimed at boosting their longevity and overall performance.
Determining If Your Roof Qualifies
Once you’ve identified a compatible material, the next step is to evaluate your roof’s condition. The main factor is its structural health. Roofs with a strong structure but minor surface issues - like small cracks, granule loss, or weather-related discoloration - are typically good candidates for restoration. However, if significant underlying damage is present, a full replacement might be the better option.
While the age of the roof plays a role, it’s not the only consideration. A well-maintained older roof may still be a prime candidate for restoration, while a newer roof with poor installation or significant damage might not qualify.
To make an informed decision, have a professional inspect your roof. An expert can evaluate its structural integrity, identify hidden problems, and determine if restoration will improve its lifespan and performance. This evaluation often includes checks for proper ventilation, flashing condition, and adherence to local building codes.
Making the Right Choice for Your Roof
Choosing the best option for your roof means balancing cost, durability, and environmental impact. Roof restoration not only saves money but also extends the lifespan of your roof, helping you get the most out of your investment. For many homeowners, it’s a smart alternative to a full replacement.
Restoration enhances your roof’s flexibility and durability while cutting down on waste - an option that aligns with eco-friendly goals by reducing landfill contributions.
To know if your asphalt shingle roof is a good candidate for restoration, a professional inspection is key. If your roof shows minor signs of wear but remains structurally sound, restoration can be a budget-friendly and eco-conscious way to extend its life. Reach out to Scharf Fresh Roof for a thorough evaluation to see if restoration is the right fit for your home.
FAQs
How can I tell if my roof is better suited for restoration instead of a full replacement?
If your roof has minor to moderate damage but remains structurally sound, restoration could be a smart option. Signs to watch for include curled or cupped shingles, missing granules, or moss growth - as long as there aren’t major leaks or extensive wear and tear. Compared to a full replacement, restoration can save money and reduce waste.
That said, getting a professional inspection is essential. Experts can assess moisture levels, structural stability, and other critical factors to determine if restoration is the best route for your roof.
What are the environmental advantages of restoring a roof instead of replacing it?
Restoring a roof instead of opting for a full replacement comes with some clear perks for the planet. By giving your existing roofing materials a second life, you cut down on the waste that would otherwise end up in landfills. Plus, it helps save the natural resources that would be tapped into to produce brand-new materials.
On top of that, many restoration methods involve adding reflective coatings to the roof. These coatings can make your home more energy-efficient by minimizing heat absorption, which could lead to lower cooling bills during the hotter months. In short, choosing to restore your roof is a smarter option that benefits both the environment and your wallet.
Will using treatments like GreenSoy Technology impact my roof warranty?
When applied by certified professionals, treatments like GreenSoy Technology are generally safe for your existing roof warranty. These products are specifically formulated to protect and extend your roof's lifespan without harming the original materials.
That said, it's always a good idea to review your warranty terms and consult your roofing provider to ensure compatibility. Warranty policies can differ, so knowing the details of your coverage is essential. Trusted treatments like GreenSoy are typically designed to complement existing warranties and may even enhance your roof's durability.