If you are a homeowner, you probably realize the importance of roof maintenance. Cleaning, inspections and minor roof repairs are common ways to keep your roof in good condition. But did you know that roof painting solves many of the problems plaguing roofs and extends their life? In this article, we’ll cover the most common roof problems and how painting can help solve them.
Fungi and mold
If your home is even partially shaded, parts of the roof that do not receive sunlight can grow moss and mold, which penetrate the roofing and compromise its integrity and cause leaks. These organisms contribute to the rotting of all types of roofing.
There are several ways to get rid of existing moss from a roof. In the case of a new roof, moss development will be prevented by zinc, or copper, strips laid between the layers of the roof. If fungus has already developed, take a ladder, non-slip shoes, a hose (not a pressure washer) and a scrub brush with a long handle and climb onto the roof. Direct a strong stream of water at the moss, then use the brush to pull the moss down. Repeat the action as many times as necessary, but be careful not to damage the covering.
Nevertheless, the most effective way, working as a preventive measure, is to paint the roof with specially formulated paints that solve the problem of mold and mildew on the roof once and for all.
Problems caused by birds and other animals
Birds and other animals tend to cause damage by nesting on or near roofs. Birds take advantage of existing damage to find a place to nest, causing even more damage. Whether it’s a loose sheet of metal, a cracked tile or a gap, birds and other animals such as mice will use this as an entry point, and then establish a nest in the hidden spaces of the roof. Even if they do not cause damage, the sound of their movement is a serious inconvenience – especially early in the morning. In addition, the real danger is the droppings. Bird droppings are highly acidic, which means they can easily burn the roof’s protective coatings. The culprits are usually pigeons, starlings and other flocks of birds that live near homes.
Painting the roof provides the house with an extra layer of protection and insulation, so that any gaps will be effectively covered, making it significantly more difficult for pests to get under the roofing and breed there.
Moisture and water damage
Water can easily seep through gaps and cracks in the roof and penetrate the walls and floors. The consequence will be costly repairs not only to the roof, but also to other areas of the house. Moisture damage can occur for a number of reasons, but usually results from defects such as damaged tiles or punctures in flat roofs and protective membranes. This causes the roof to fail to perform its function in adverse weather conditions.
Painting a roof provides an additional layer of protection, strengthening the roof’s ability to withstand these challenges. The paint forms a protective barrier that helps resist damage from rain, wind, hail and temperature fluctuations. It acts as a shield, reducing the risk of leaks, moisture ingress and structural damage during inclement weather.
Cracks and holes in the roof
Cracks and holes appear due to improper installation, and also due to the natural process of roof wear. Nevertheless, poorly installed roofs are more likely to develop problems sooner rather than later.
How does roof painting solve this problem? Having the right roof coatings contributes to extending the life of the roof, even on the oldest and damaged roof surfaces. It is worth mentioning that the coatings available on the market today provide a much higher level of performance compared to those produced a few years ago.
Shrinkage of the membrane under the roof
Underneath the tiles is the roof membrane, which acts as a barrier against extreme temperatures and UV radiation, and also protects against the aforementioned water leaks. The membrane can shrink when exposed to UV radiation, leading to cracks, blisters and bulges on the tiles.
There are many reasons why a roof membrane shrinks, but they mainly revolve around what it is made of, how it was designed and how it was installed.
How does painting the roof solve this problem? Roof painting acts as a shield, protecting your roof from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays. By applying a protective layer of paint, you create a barrier that protects roofing materials from UV radiation, preserving their integrity and extending their life.
Roof painting is a high-altitude job that requires physical prowess and experience, and the use of modern technology to get the job done decently, so it’s worth delegating the task to industry specialists, RS-MAL. The company’s employees are well trained in roof painting, facade painting, painting of industrial halls and steel structures. All health and safety issues are taken into account, as well as the overall aesthetics of the coatings.
