Roof Cleaning vs Roof Renewal

What do you do when something gets damaged? Should it be replaced at once? Most building owners tend to think that getting their roof replaced is the best way to solve their roofing problems. Quite alright, taking out your roof and getting a brand new one installed seems like a nice idea but this is not usually the best choice in every situation. At times, simply getting your roof cleaned can restore it to its original condition.

So, how can you tell if your roof needs to be replaced or that you need a roof cleaning service in Brisbane? In this blog, we will explain to you how roof cleaning differs from roof renewal.

But What Really Is Roof Cleaning?

Roof Cleaning in Brisbane – Before & After Image

As time goes on materials will always need to be serviced or repaired due to wear and tear. There will definitely come a time when you’ll have to tend to your roof. This will involve replacement costs amounting to thousands of dollars. But by just carrying out a simplified roof cleaning routine, the life span of a roof can be prolonged which will help to delay replacements. Most times, you will require the services of an expert roof cleaning Brisbane company that will give you a roof cleaning service that will be less hassle and a more commercially viable option than a total replacement would require.
Well, if you are a rookie when it comes to understanding roof cleaning, then, this is simply what roof cleaning entails:

Think of roof cleaning as a makeover with the objective of mitigating roof damage, as well as, prolonging the life span of a roof. When an experienced roof cleaning contractor is hired to clean your roof, you should get amazing results.

JUST TO BE CLEAR: A ROOF CAN MAKE YOU SICK!

Gloeocapsa Magma on Shingles

“According to Dr. Victor H Morgenroth, who is a semi-retired adjunct professor at UM; the ” dirt ” on roofs could actually be causing illness. Here is an excerpt from an article that was written by Dr. Morgenroth. Having your roof cleaned actually makes sense.

It isn’t just aesthetics. While people like to say that dirty roofs lower a property’s value and may make it hard to sell, the “dirt” on a roof actually shortens its life span and can even present a health hazard. Furthermore, the “dark stains” on a roof act as a sponge to absorb the sun’s heat, which causes a rise in the temperature inside a home or building, creating higher air conditioning bills. The dirt isn’t just dust – It’s alive.

Mould & Fungi on a Roof

The tar used in roofing is fossilized, dead organic matter — and an important food source for fungi. Asphalt, at the granule base, is normally consumed first. Once these granules dislodge, accelerated deterioration will occur. Ceramic granules represent the outer hard shell that protects against hail and other falling debris. Ceramic granules protect against damaging UV radiation and insulate the roof against extreme heat. So you can understand that their dislodgement by the growing fungal colonies can be detrimental to our roofs’ longevity. Surprisingly, the blue-green algae are also food for the fungi. While not all mould (fungi) and algae pose a health danger, some are harmful, especially for us older folks, younger children and people who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems. Their spores, which are on your roof, can get inside your home because they end up on the driveway and walkways from rain, and are easily tracked inside. They can even be drawn into our air conditioning systems and eventually populate our ducts. Different mould species can have varying health effects, but it is important to remember that any excessive mould growth needs to be taken care of, regardless of the species. Any excessive mould growth can lead to increased allergies, toxicity, and house/building structural problems.” (source:roofrenewpros)

The roof cleaning method:

There are two basic ways for getting your roof to be cleaned which could be via pressure cleaning or via chemical cleaning. If you are located in Brisbane and when you hire a roof washing service, you will notice that the experts use a pressure washer to eliminate mould, algae, as well as, dirt or grime. Chemical roof cleaning is not recommended according to the EPA as the chemicals end up in the stormwater and therefore into the creeks.

Roof Cleaning Experts use an environment-friendly diluted cleaning solution to kill mould on a microbial level since chemical cleaning itself is not advised by the EPA (Environmental Protection Authority). Roof cleaning experts will therefore advice not to use a chemical cleaning procedure which is sometimes referred to as soft roof washing. Roof Cleaning Brisbane

Roof Washing Brisbane Before and After Image | House Washing Experts

Roof Cleaning Brisbane Before and After

Chemicals may damage your roof, and any runoffs will create issues with certain areas of your home, as well as, your landscape. However, when you hire the right roof washing company in Brisbane, they will use their expertise to determine the best balance that will guarantee effectiveness while preserving your property.

So, are you looking to eliminate stains on your roof that are caused by mildew? Do you intend to get your roof shingles replaced? Yes, this option may seem rational, but if you opt for a professional roof cleaning service in Brisbane, you will most likely have access to an option that is up to 95% cheaper than a roof replacement or roof restoration.
You could have your roof cleaned and have yourself a brand new roof while spending only a fraction of what you will spend on a new roof in terms of time and cost. While roof replacement is not totally a bad idea, with roof cleaning, you can guarantee that your garden and plants will remain safe and there will be no need to bother about your kids or your pets getting caught in the foot or the mouth by objects left behind after a replacement.

Making A Decision

Whether you opt for having your roof replaced or you hire Professionals to give you a roof washing service, arriving at a good decision requires you to carry out assessments to determine what option would be the best. This is very important since the experts will have to decide what is best for your roof. If the experts ascertain that getting your roof cleaned would be a better option than to replace it, the contractors will get your roof cleaned.

Compare the Costs: Roof Cleaning vs Roof Restoration

Points To Consider

Upfront Costs
As already stated, roof replacements cost more than roof cleaning and will cost you in thousands of dollars. In fact, this is one of the reasons that owners of buildings usually love to put off a replacement while hoping that their roof stays in good condition. So, if you wish to save money while getting to experience what a new roof feels like, then, go for a roof cleaning service instead.

Roof Cleaning

How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost:
There can be numerous factors in determining the correct price for roof clean including the location, access and pitch, the current age and material the roof is made of.

The cheapest roof cleaning materials are cement tile, colorbond, iron and trim decking. The cost for cleaning such material sits at $1.70 per square meter with the average price between $400 -$800.

Terracotta Roofing, although gorgeous, sits at the top for the most expensive material to clean. A slower more intricate clean is required for a solid Terracotta Roof Clean to be performed. The costs for cleaning Terracotta sits at $3.90 per square metre. Fortunately, most Terracotta roofs are smaller than your average sized home bringing the average cost for a Terracotta Roof Clean between $600 – $900

The roof design and complexity will also be factored into the price. For example, a straight forward lowset single cable roof will be cheaper than a multi-gabled property of the same size. So it’s best to consult an established and trusted roof cleaning company which will offer you a no obligation roof cleaning quote absolutely free.

Roof Restoration – Roof Renewal:

“How much does roofing cost?
There are many factors that may impact the cost of reroofing including removal and disposal of the existing roofing material, location and access, roof pitch and replacement tile. Roofing is priced per square metre.

The cheapest roofing material is concrete tiles, followed by steel and then clay/stone tiles with Colorbond at the top end of the scale. The cost of supply and installation can vary widely, but generally expect to pay around $50 to $70 per square metre for high quality metal roofing. The cost of tile roofs varies, but as a rule of thumb, tile roofs cost between $80 to $110 per square metre, supplied and laid.

Expect to pay in the range of:

$8 to $10 per square metre for sarking
$40 to $60 per square metre for concrete tiled roofing
$50 to $70 per square metre for steel roofing
$80 to $110 per square metre for terracotta tiled roofing
$200 to $500 per square metre for traditional slate tiled roof
Quotes will be based on the size of your roof and the complexity of the roof design. For example a simple gable roof will be less expensive per square metre than multiple gables.

To strip and replace roofing (for an average sized 3 bedroom family home), expect to pay in the region of:

$6,000 to $10,000 to replace an existing metal skillion roof with Colorbond
$20,000 to replace existing tiles with Colorbond
$15,000 to $20,000 to replace an existing asbestos cement roof with Colorbond”

Turnaround time

Although roof replacement seems to be a permanent solution, it requires a lot of labour and materials which will need a lot of time to be completed. This could mean that you will be inconvenienced for a period of time until the roof is replaced.
If you do not have the time to spare, then, you should go for the roof cleaning service. With roof cleaning, you will have the ability to go on with life as the restoration procedure takes place.

Environmental & Health Considerations

Juxtaposing roof cleaning with roof replacement with regards to environmental friendliness reveals that roof cleaning has more advantages. Tear-offs tend to increase the level of landfill waste. This causes a rise in the level of methane gas thereby enhancing climate change.
If you are the owner of a building, you can help to preserve the environment when you choose roof cleaning over roof replacement.

From being exposed to rainfall to unbearable heat, your roof has to endure harsh conditions. Organisms that stain your roof such as mould, algae, as well as, moss can create black streaks on your roof by eating through them. These factors will definitely result in the rotting of your wood thereby requiring a roof replacement prematurely. However, when you carry out roof cleaning regularly, it can save you a lot of money while helping to prolong your roof’s lifespan. Roofs that have algae, moss, as well as, streaks can be put through pressure cleaning.
When the tiles of your roof acclaimed, it helps to eliminate algae and other harmful organisms which in turn prevent your roof from being damaged or rotting. Also, when you get a roof washing Brisbane service, you will be able to keep critters at bay. This is because critters know that when wood begins to rot, it translates into food and shelter for them. Basically, critters will gain access into your home through areas that have rotted away. Therefore, it is important that if you are located in Brisbane that you hire a roof cleaning company to help you address this and keep out these unwanted guests.

Conclusion

Roof cleaning, as well as, roof replacement is never a simple job. It requires working with the right experts who have the right training and expertise to ensure that the job gets done correctly. Remember to always seek the help of a professional roof cleaning Brisbane company before you decide on getting a roof replacement or a roof cleaning service.