Repair or redo your roof: how to choose?

Small repair of the roof or a complete change of the cover, taking the time to reflect is imperative before any roof repair. If it is simply a question of replacing two or three accessible and recent tiles, the intervention of a pro is not necessary; beyond two or three tiles, or with a zinc roof, it is imperative to call in a specialist. Several questions then arise: how not to modify the aesthetics of the roof? For a complete roof repair, prefer terracotta tiles or natural slate? What are the points to check before any change of cover? Our advice and solutions for your roof work and repairing your roof without error ... - >> To read also >>

Climbing on a roof presents a certain danger and it is still necessary to respect some technical rules to guarantee the durability of the roof. Beyond the two or three accessible tiles, or when it comes to zinc, the intervention of a specialist for roof repair is required. For a recent frame, you will have no trouble finding the same roofing elements. But with an old roof repair san antonio tx, the problem gets worse. Discover our advice and solutions to repair or redo your roof without crashing.

Solution 1: roof repair without errors

1) Look for similar salvage tiles, but without flaws. It is not necessarily the best choice. You will not always have reliable information on their origin, their quality, and above all, you will not have any guarantee of durability. Placed on the north side, for example, they may not withstand frost for long.

2) Buy something new with an aged look. Some flat, diamond, or channel tiles imitate degradation due to passing time, in all imaginable dimensions and colors. The ideal: the variegation, a mixture of new "aged" and old tiles.

For mechanical tiles (interlocking), on the other hand, the imitations are less convincing. Better to change an entire section of the roof.

For natural slate, the opportunity is possible, but, if it is a very resistant material (some say it has a lifespan of 100 years), it is also one of the most fragile. Slate does not stand up well to "dismantling" and the beautifully recovered roof slates are difficult to find, if not locally.

For zinc, only take new. Today, its surface is available in multiple colors and finishes, more or less shiny, allowing to obtain the desired aged or colored appearance.

 

Solution 2: change coverage

Getting into such an expensive endeavor is a delicate decision that deserves a thoughtful approach. What are the points to check before anything else?

- Have the frame inspected by a professional to ensure its strength and the durability of the new roof. And to know how much weight it can support. For flat tiles, count 60 to 65 kg per m2. Channel tiles: 40 to 45 kg per m2. Slate: around 25 kg per m2. Zinc: about 7 kg per m2.

- Find out about local town hall requirements to make sure there is no aesthetic requirement (color, shape, format). The choice of cover must also take into account the local climate (wind speed, frequency of rain or snow, etc.).

- Take into account the slope of the roof when deciding on the suitable cover.

- Check the efficiency of the ventilation to make the necessary modifications. Save economies of scale by undertaking this kind of work in parallel with the repair of the roof.

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Take the opportunity to do ancillary work during roof repair

1. Add an under-roof screen. HPV (Highly Water Vapor Permeable) Underlayment Screen helps waterproof your roof against air and water while letting water vapor escape. It reduces the pressure-depression phenomena of the roof, responsible for the roofing of the tiles during storms, which allows the installation of tiles on lower slopes. Finally, it prevents the penetration of powdery snow, dust, and pollen. How to choose the screen? It all depends on the frame, the spacing of the rafters, the type of roofing, but also on the presence or not of converted attics.

Only a professional can judge the feasibility of the operation. Choose a quality product that is thick enough because it is made to last. Once installed, the screen is exposed to the risk of aging, first because of UV rays (before laying the cover), then high heat under the cover in summer (they can exceed 80 ° C). Some membranes have a metalized surface and therefore reject part of the heat in summer while reducing energy loss in winter and allowing water vapor to escape.

2. Install roof windows. The quality roof windows (with good thermal and sound performance) provide an appreciable solar gain in converted attics. The peripheral connections must be perfectly executed to guarantee reliable sealing and thermal insulation. Today there are models suitable for listed buildings, in metal or wood.

3. Opt for a green roof. It can be installed on a flat or sloping roof, regardless of its size. It offers good thermal and sound insulation. The professional must check whether all the conditions required for the installation are met. In the north of France, the green roof will generally be lighter than in the south. Heavy rains will feed the plants, so the watering system is less complex. A high-performance waterproofing membrane must be provided (a conventional under-roof screen is not suitable, because it is permeable to water vapor). The attic, on the other hand, must have efficient and adjustable ventilation to prevent condensation. Last tip: choose a system in which the plants are mostly mature during installation.

4. Lay photovoltaic tiles. More aesthetic but more expensive than large panels, photovoltaic "tiles" (in fact, small stackable panels) adapt well to slate or terracotta roofing. The waterproofing of the roof must be guaranteed and provide good roof ventilation, because the panels generate real overheating, which is too often neglected. This overheating is moreover detrimental to the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel. For zinc roofing, the integrated panels are specific, because the contact between different metals causes accelerated oxidation. It is better to contact a QualiPV zinc roofer and opt for products that have received a technical opinion (issued by CSTB).

Will my blanket withstand the elements?

The regulations set the minimum slopes for each type of tile, and the conditions of use depending on the wind factor and the concomitance (a simultaneous action) wind-rain. A professional roofer must therefore install the roof according to strict rules. Slate and zinc are naturally resistant to frost. But avoid installing zinc in wet weather. It must be able to oxidize gradually to create its famous protective patina. Current clay tiles are designed to withstand frost (according to standardized tests). However, for extreme cases, there are "NF Mountain Climate" models.

Real or fake slates for a roof repair?

Natural slate, made from shale rock, offers an almost unlimited lifespan but is quite expensive. Fiber cement slate is often used inexpensively but beware of the risk of discoloration over time. The terra cotta products dyed in the mass can also be confused durably with the slate, but without reaching its smoothness. It is therefore essential to choose taking into account the price of the realization, its appearance, and its durability.

How can I prevent my roof from being invaded by moss?

Are you sure it is foam? Mosses are fairly thick plants that prevent water from flowing normally and promote infiltration. The green to gray coloring that the tiles take is more often explained by the presence of algae or lichens. The proliferation of these undesirable depends on the climate (humidity), exposure (to the north in particular), prevailing winds, and even air pollution (growth favored by nitrates). A little compacted snow can loosen them naturally. Another solution, less random, is annual maintenance which consists of spraying a suitable product, as less toxic as possible. If we are to believe the Imerys researchers, "technical" anti-diversion and antilichen tiles should see the light of day.

After repair, what to do to protect your roof?

Inspect it regularly and intervene quickly: tiles cracked, loose or loose; weather vane damaged; flickering antenna; clogged gutters; annoying tree branches or climbing plants; weakened chimney, etc. Check the ridges, hip, and especially the mortar seals (because of the risk of infiltration). Roof ventilation must also be carried out in good conditions (no damp attics).