From Shingles to Rubber

If your roof is old, but you don't want to invest in a new roof yet, consider calling a residential roofing contractor to check your roof and suggest repairs or treatments that could help your roof last longer so you can put off a replacement. Here are some residential roofing services you might need to extend the life of your old roof.

1. Apply A Coating

A coating may not always be a good idea, but you might discuss the option with your roofing contractor. A coating seals the roof so it won't leak. Coatings are often white, so they reflect the sun and keep your home cooler in the summer. A coating can be put over different types of roofing, including asphalt shingles. You'll need to verify with your roofer and codes office that coatings are allowed in your area. By sealing the surface of your roof, a coating might extend your roof's life by several years.

2. Apply A Rejuvenation Product

When your asphalt shingles get old, they dry out and get brittle which makes them easier to crack. You might ask your roofer about rejuvenating your roof with an oil-based coating. The shingles soak up the clear oil to make the shingles more pliable like when they were new. The treatment is invisible, but it restores the old color of your roof, and the coating locks in the protective granules so your roof has an improved appearance while being protected from UV damage.

3. Make Repairs

At the very least, you'll want the roofer to make repairs to your roof where they're needed so your roof doesn't leak. If your roof starts leaking, it may deteriorate fast after that. The roofing contractor might need to repair holes in flashing or secure loose flashing to your roof. They may need to replace curled, cracked, or missing shingles. The roofer might even need to replace portions of the plywood deck that have started to rot due to moisture damage.

4. Wash Roof And Remove Moss

If your roof is unattractive because it has black algae stains or it's covered in moss, you may want your asphalt shingles washed. A contractor can do this using the soft wash method with a power washer so the shingles aren't damaged. When the stains are removed your roof will have a younger and more attractive appearance. Soft washing can also remove moss, and this is important since moss will shorten the life of your roof by wiggling under shingles with its roots.

For more information, contact a roofing service, such as JCB Roofing / HHI, SC.