Why Do We Need Re-Roofing?

1. Age and Wear: Over time, roofs naturally deteriorate due to constant exposure to harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and sunlight. Older roofs can develop leaks, broken tiles, and general wear, reducing their effectiveness in protecting your home. Re-roofing becomes essential when the existing roof is beyond repair or nearing the end of its lifespan.
2. Damage from Weather: Storms, heavy rains, hail, and high winds can cause significant damage to roofs, such as cracked tiles, dislodged ridge caps, and broken flashing. If a roof sustains extensive damage, re-roofing is often more cost-effective than continual repairs.
3. Improved Insulation and Energy Efficiency: Older roofs may lack modern insulation and roofing materials that contribute to energy efficiency. Upgrading to a new roof with better sarking (insulating layer) and reflective tiles can significantly reduce energy costs by maintaining stable indoor temperatures.
4. Aesthetic Upgrade: Re-roofing allows homeowners to update the look of their property. New roof tiles come in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, enabling a transformation that matches the aesthetic preferences of the homeowner.
5. Increase Property Value: A new roof is a substantial investment that can increase the value of a property, especially if the existing roof is visibly aged or damaged. For those planning to sell their home, re-roofing can be a wise decision to attract potential buyers.

How is Re-Roofing Done?

The re-roofing process involves several key steps, ensuring the new roof is properly installed and durable.

1. Removing Old Roof Tiles

The first step is to carefully remove all old roof tiles. This process starts with taking off the ridge caps, which are the highest points on the roof, followed by the tiles. Specialized tools are used to pry up and remove each tile without causing damage to the underlying structure. Once the tiles are removed, the roof’s surface is inspected for any signs of structural issues, such as rotting timber or weakened battens. Any necessary repairs are made before moving on to the next stage.

2. Installing Battens and Heavy-Duty Roof Sarking

With the old tiles removed, new battens (horizontal strips of wood or metal) are installed across the roof. These battens provide the framework onto which the new tiles will be attached. They are spaced according to the size and style of the chosen tiles.

After installing battens, a heavy-duty roof sarking is laid out. Roof sarking is a protective membrane placed underneath the tiles to act as a secondary barrier against water ingress, dust, and wind-driven rain. It also provides thermal insulation and helps in managing condensation. The sarking is rolled out across the entire roof, with each sheet overlapping to ensure full coverage and maximum protection.

3. Installing New Roof Tiles

Once the battens and sarking are in place, the new roof tiles are installed. The choice of tiles depends on the homeowner’s preferences, budget, and the architectural style of the house. Popular options include:

• Terracotta Roof Tiles: Known for their classic, natural appearance, terracotta tiles are made from fired clay and are highly durable. They are available in various shades, from earthy reds to deep browns, and offer excellent longevity and resistance to weathering.
• Concrete Roof Tiles: These tiles are a cost-effective option that come in a wide range of colors and finishes. Concrete tiles are durable, with a lifespan of up to 50 years, and can mimic the appearance of terracotta or slate tiles while being more affordable.
• Slate Roof Tiles: Slate tiles are made from natural stone and are known for their elegance and long-lasting performance. They are heavy, requiring a strong roof structure, but their classic appearance and durability make them a popular choice for heritage homes.

The installation process starts at the bottom of the roof, working upwards in rows. Each tile is securely fixed to the battens, ensuring proper alignment and overlap. The tiles are interlocked to create a watertight seal, and care is taken to ensure a neat, even finish.

4. Bedding and Pointing Ridge Caps

Ridge caps are the tiles that cover the roof’s highest points where different slopes meet. After the main tiles are installed, ridge caps are bedded and pointed. Bedding involves setting the ridge caps into a layer of mortar, which secures them in place. Once the bedding has dried, flexible pointing material is applied over the mortar joints to provide a strong, weather-resistant seal. The pointing not only secures the ridge caps but also allows for slight roof movements, preventing cracks and ensuring durability.

Types of Roof Tiles

The choice of roof tiles is a crucial aspect of re-roofing. Common types include:

1. Terracotta Roof Tiles: Terracotta tiles are traditional, offering a rustic and natural look. They are highly durable, energy-efficient, and resistant to extreme weather conditions. The color of terracotta tiles does not fade over time, maintaining their aesthetic appeal for decades.
2. Concrete Roof Tiles: Concrete tiles are versatile and available in various styles and colors. They are more affordable than terracotta and slate tiles and provide good thermal insulation. Concrete tiles can be designed to resemble other materials like wood or slate, offering flexibility in design.
3. Slate Roof Tiles: Slate tiles are premium roofing materials known for their natural beauty and exceptional longevity. They are available in shades of gray, green, and black. While they are more expensive and heavier than other options, slate tiles can last over a century with proper maintenance.

Re-Roofing: Step-by-Step Summary

1. Inspection and Planning: Before starting, the roof is inspected to identify any structural repairs needed and determine the materials required.
2. Remove Old Tiles: Carefully remove existing tiles, starting with the ridge caps and working downward.
3. Install New Battens: Lay out and secure new battens according to the type of roof tiles being installed.
4. Apply Roof Sarking: Install heavy-duty sarking as a protective and insulating layer under the tiles.
5. Install New Roof Tiles: Place and secure new tiles, starting from the bottom of the roof and working upwards.
6. Bedding and Pointing Ridge Caps: Apply mortar to bed the ridge caps and then use flexible pointing for a durable, weatherproof finish.
7. Final Inspection and Clean-Up: Inspect the finished roof for alignment, secure tiles, and overall quality. Clean up the site and ensure all debris is removed.

Conclusion

Re-roofing is a comprehensive process that not only enhances the functionality and appearance of your home but also protects it from the elements for years to come. Whether upgrading from old terracotta tiles to modern concrete or slate options, the result is a durable, aesthetically pleasing roof that adds value to your property. The wide variety of roof tiles available ensures that homeowners can choose a style and color that suits their home while benefiting from the latest advancements in roofing technology.

Roof warranties are essential in providing homeowners with protection against potential issues with their roofing materials or installation. There are generally three main types of roof warranties: Manufacturer’s Warranty, Workmanship Warranty, and Extended (or System) Warranty. Each type of warranty offers different levels of coverage depending on the materials, installation, and any additional services provided.

1. Manufacturer’s Warranty

The manufacturer’s warranty, also known as a material warranty, covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. This warranty is provided by the manufacturer of the roofing products, such as tiles, shingles, or underlayment. There are typically two types:

• Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty: This warranty covers defects or failures in the roofing material due to manufacturing errors. Coverage usually lasts for 50 years of different roof tiles. However, this warranty typically only covers the cost of replacing the defective materials, not labor.
• Prorated vs. Non-Prorated Warranties: Some manufacturer warranties are prorated, meaning the coverage diminishes over time. In contrast, non-prorated warranties offer full coverage for the entire term, providing greater protection but often at a higher initial cost.

2. Workmanship Warranty

A workmanship warranty is offered by the roofing contractor who installs the roof. This warranty covers any issues resulting from improper installation, such as leaks, poor alignment, or failure to follow manufacturer guidelines. A strong workmanship warranty ensures that any errors made during installation are corrected at no extra cost to the homeowner. Nationwide Integrated Coverage period is for 10 years.

3. Extended (System) Warranty

An extended warranty, sometimes referred to as a system warranty or full-system warranty, is an upgraded option that combines coverage for both materials and workmanship. It’s usually offered by the manufacturer in partnership with certified contractors. This type of warranty covers both material defects and installation errors, providing more comprehensive protection. System warranties often require that all components of the roofing system, such as underlayment, flashing, and shingles, are from the same manufacturer and installed by a certified contractor. Nationwide Integrated is partners with leading manufacturers  in Australia , So we are entitled to provide extended warranty, depending on the terms.

Understanding these different types of roof warranties helps homeowners make informed decisions about their roofing investment and ensures that they are protected against unexpected issues in the future.

Tile material benefits?

When selecting roofing tiles, various materials are available, each offering unique benefits in terms of durability, aesthetics, energy efficiency, and cost. The most common tile materials include terracotta, concrete, slate, and metal. Here’s an overview of the benefits of these tile materials:

1. Terracotta Roof Tiles

Terracotta tiles are made from natural clay and have been used for centuries in roofing. They are known for their distinctive reddish-brown color, although they can come in various shades and finishes.

Benefits:

• Longevity: Terracotta tiles are extremely durable, often lasting over 50 years, and in some cases, up to a century with proper maintenance.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Their natural earthy tones and traditional appearance make them a popular choice for Mediterranean, Spanish, and Tuscan-style homes.
• Color Retention: Terracotta tiles are baked at high temperatures, ensuring that their color doesn’t fade over time.
• Energy Efficiency: The natural properties of clay make terracotta tiles excellent insulators, helping to keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
• Low Maintenance: These tiles are resistant to mold, fire, and insects, requiring minimal upkeep.

2. Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water, and are molded into different shapes and profiles. They are versatile and offer a range of design options.

Benefits:

• Affordability: Concrete tiles are generally more affordable than terracotta or slate tiles, making them a cost-effective option.
• Durability: These tiles are strong and can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, hail, and high winds.
• Variety of Styles: Concrete tiles come in various styles and colors, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of more expensive materials like terracotta or slate.
• Energy Efficiency: Like terracotta, concrete tiles provide good insulation, improving energy efficiency in the home.
• Fire Resistance: Concrete tiles are non-combustible, providing an extra layer of protection against fire.

3. Slate Roof Tiles

Slate is a natural stone that is often considered the gold standard in roofing materials due to its high-end appearance and exceptional durability.

Benefits:

• Longevity: Slate roofs can last well over 100 years, making them a lifetime investment for homeowners.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Slate tiles have a classic, elegant appearance and are available in various shades of grey, green, purple, and black, giving a timeless look to any home.
• Durability: Slate is highly resistant to water absorption, making it virtually impervious to frost damage and weathering.
• Low Maintenance: Slate tiles require little to no maintenance once installed, as they do not rot, corrode, or degrade over time.
• Fire and Mold Resistance: Slate is a natural stone, so it’s naturally fireproof and resistant to mold and mildew growth.