Tile roofs have important advantages over other types of roofs. Shingles are resistant to pests and can withstand extreme weather. They also have very good thermal properties that reduce temperatures on the roof. Here are 5 tips to help you maintain your roof yourself.
Periodically inspect the roof.
Shingles are very durable, but they should still be inspected occasionally. Look for broken or cracked shingles. Damaged sections should be replaced immediately. Take steps to reduce the effect of other problems that may affect the shingles.
Wash the roof at least twice a year.
Washing off debris and dirt will eliminate the possibility of mold and moss growing on the shingles. Use a water pressure gun to clean the roof. Set the gun to a pressure of 8,300 kPa and spray from a height of 2 feet (61 cm). The spray should not be too strong so as not to dislodge the shingles. Use a pressure gun that has an induction system that is capable of adding a chlorine solution to the spray. This helps to eliminate the organisms and also applies a treatment to the surface to prevent their growth.
Renew the roof
After washing and drying the roof, you can take a few additional steps to protect and rejuvenate the surface.
-Polishing. Over time, whitish deposits occur on the shingles. This is known as efflorescence and dulls the surface, but does not affect the overall structure of the shingles. Polish the tiles with a clean cloth.
-Priming. Apply a coat of primer to the roof. This will give the surface a glossy protective coating that reflects the sun’s rays, which keeps the interior of the house cool. The primer helps fill the porous surface of the concrete, which will form a waterproof layer.
-Paint. Use heavy-duty acrylic paint. You can use fine sandpaper to prepare the shingles before applying the paint, but this is an impractical process when it comes to painting a ceiling.
-Sealing. Applying a clear acrylic sealer is important to the roof restoration project. Use a sealer to restore the color and durability of the shingles. Feel free to visit their page to know where to find the best roofing contractors.
Replace damaged shingles.
Broken, cracked or broken shingles should be replaced when discovered. Broken shingles can compromise the roof’s ability to withstand rain and sun. To replace a shingle, slide a flat bar under the two shingles above the broken piece. Place another flat bar under the shingle on the left side of the broken piece. Carefully lift the bars up and then remove the broken shingle. Before applying the new shingle, you must install a new layer of casting. When you finish installing the new shingle, first remove the bar on the left side and then the bar on the top.
Carefully walk on the roof shingles.
You will need to climb on the roof from time to time to clean the surface and make repairs. The shingles are fragile and you can damage the roof when you walk on them. The key is to walk on the roof distributing your weight over an area wider than your foot. To do this, experienced workers use plywood boards with a foam face to move across the roof surface. Never walk on the edges of shingles or on shingles with special cuts, as they are difficult to replace.