A roof coating: what is it anyway, when is it needed and is it an alternative to new covering? We have summarized all the advantages and disadvantages of roof coating here
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Roof coating: The advantages and disadvantages at a glance
- why It makes sense to coat the roof
- Coating a new roof: the work steps
- The perfect time for roof coating
- New roof sealing: the costs
- When should you do without a roof coating
- The risks of a roof coating
- Conclusion: roof coating or new covering
A covered roof is re-sealed by a so-called roof coating. This happens especially when the coating of the clay roof tiles or cement tiles has been affected by weathering. Over the years, they are either porous or covered with moss. A new roof coating makes the previously cleaned surface dirt-repellent, stops the aging process and is intended to extend the life of the tiles by around ten years. Why do many choose roof sealing rather than new roofing? Quite simply: a roof coating is significantly cheaper - it usually costs a lot less than half of a new covering.
Does roof coating make sense?
There is no general answer to whether a new roof coating makes sense. This varies from case to case and depends primarily on the condition of the roof tiles and the insulation below. In the case of an old, poorly insulated house roof with brittle pans, you should opt for a new covering - this gives you the option of carrying out extensive thermal insulation and, if necessary, renovating the roof structure. If you react early, however, before major damage to the roof can occur, sealing makes sense. Please note, however, that a new seal can only be used with certain materials: This includes roof tiles made of brick, concrete and fiber cement panels.
Coating a new roof: the work steps
Anyone who has their roof re-coated intends to preserve the basic substance of the tiles. The first step is a thorough inspection of the damage by a professional. This also checks whether tiles have already come off the roof and may need to be replaced. This is followed by professional cleaning. As a rule, the roof tiles are first cleaned of dirt and moss with a high-pressure cleaner. You must first clean the gutter so that the loosened dirt can drain away with the water. After cleaning, the roof is primed so that the actual coating lasts better. If it is completely dry, the final seal is applied. If everything was done professionally, the roof will look like new afterwards.
The perfect time for roof coating
The right time for a new coating has come when the bricks visibly show the following signs of wear:
- porous spots
- loose roof tiles
- strong changes in color and structure (due to sun, wind and rain)
- heavy growth due to moss and lichen, which cannot be easily removed
- Dirt and sand in the gutter, which could be the removed substance of the roof tiles
If one of the factors listed above applies, you should definitely contact a specialist who will take a professional look at your roof. A professional can tell you fairly quickly whether a new coating is worthwhile in your case or not
New roof sealing: the costs
The cost of a new roof coating cannot be said exactly. The prices vary from case to case as they strongly depend on the initial condition of the roof. If no extensive renovation work is required in advance, you can calculate costs in the amount of 15 to 20 euros per square meter. In addition, there may be additional costs for inspection and cleaning. Find out beforehand exactly how the specialist company calculates the prices.
The following factors determine the price of the roof coating:
- Size of the roof
- Roof pitch (since it has a great influence on the work processes)
- Age of the bricks
- Gutter height
- Gutter cleaning
- Buildings on the roof (solar systems, dormers, antennas, satellite dishes or fireplaces)
- Water pressure for cleaning
- Roof test
- Pre-cleaning the roof tiles
- Touch-ups
- Mixing the color
- Travel costs
The risks of a roof coating
A new roof seal can actually favor mold. Especially if the coating material is of poor quality. The roof is waterproof after being coated, but the moisture generated inside cannot be passed outside. This means that mold can form in the roof structure or insulation, which in the worst case can lead to costly roof structure renovation.
The perfect time for roof sealing is very difficult to determine because the time span is very short. Either the bricks have aged too much or are still too new. Be sure to get advice from one or more experts.
The process of roof coating is not licensed in Germany. This means that it can be carried out by any company - even without submitting a master's certificate.
If cleaning and coating are not carried out professionally, even highly porous bricks can be damaged even more. After that, water can penetrate the roof structure and cause permanent damage. Therefore, you should value a specialist company with experience, which usually offers a guarantee for possible consequential damage.
New cover is supported with low-interest loans and grants from KfW. However, a roof coating does not, as it does not improve the energy efficiency of the house - for this reason, you should carefully consider both options.
Conclusion: roof coating or new covering
If the roof is already very old, cleaning and sealing usually does not provide the desired protection. If you catch the perfect time, it makes sense and is inexpensive. In order to find the best solution for your roof, you should definitely hire experienced roofers from your area to carry out an assessment. Because once the roof is properly renovated - regardless of whether with a new coating or new covering, you will save higher costs in the long run because you will have to do a complex roof truss renovation.