Welcoming Josh Back
Welcome back, Josh! It’s been a little while since we’ve seen you on the show. You had a bit of a break, huh? Yeah, not exactly a vacation, but it’s been a minute. We had to call in The Replacements while I was out. They were doing a great job. I almost lost my position!
You know what’s worse than losing your job? Losing a job that you don’t get paid for. Yeah, that’s right, we’re not exactly getting paid for this show, are we? Nope, still waiting on that sponsorship deal! We’ve got goals, though.
A Run-in with a Flying Specimen
So, what happened during your break? Did you have any interesting encounters? Oh yeah, I had something unusual happen. My wife calls me last Thursday and says, “There’s a funny-looking bird in the driveway.”
Of course, I look at the picture and tell her, “It’s just a pigeon.” But she insists it looks bigger than usual and has a blue band on its leg. I told her to leave it alone—it’s still just a pigeon. It’ll fly away eventually.
Well, the next day I’m working behind the house and go inside to find a dead pigeon. And not just any pigeon, this one had two bands on its leg—a blue one and a green one. I did some research and found out this bird was actually a racing homing pigeon! It was probably racing somewhere and got lost. Turns out it came all the way from the Menomonee Falls area. I got an email from the American Racing Pigeon Union in Oklahoma City, confirming it.
Pretty cool, right? Though it’s been sitting in the back of my UTV since Friday, so I’m not sure how mountable it is anymore!
Roof Repair vs Roof Restoration
Now, let’s get into today’s main topic: Roof Repair vs Roof Restoration. This is something we’ve never discussed in detail before. We talk a lot about insulation, ventilation, and roof replacement, but what about repairs and restoration?
The truth is, roof repairs are something most homeowners will have to deal with over time. Unfortunately, many don’t know that until it’s too late—when a leak happens, and they’re waking up to the sound of dripping water.
Nowadays, shingles are made better, and they last longer, but it’s still the details—the flashing, the pipe boots, and other critical components—that tend to fail first.
Even if the shingles themselves look fine, you might still have leaks because of poor installation or worn-out details that were never addressed in the first place. The roof itself might be perfectly fine, but the flashing around chimneys, pipes, or vents could be the problem.
Roof Repair: Fixing the Problem
So what does roof repair actually mean? At its core, repair is about fixing or mending a problem, but typically, by the time you realize you need repairs, it’s already caused some water damage inside the house. Common signs include water stains on the ceiling or shingles that have blown off. But repairs don’t fix the underlying issues. They just patch up the surface.
A good roof repair is usually a band-aid solution. It might buy you some time, but if you don’t address the underlying problems, you’ll be facing another leak again soon.
Roof Restoration: A Proactive Approach
On the other hand, roof restoration is a more proactive approach. It’s about bringing your roof back to its original condition—or even improving it.
When we talk about restoration, we focus on addressing the details—the flashing, the pipe boots, and all the parts that wear out first. The shingles themselves might still have plenty of life left, but the other components need attention.
We’re seeing more homeowners opt for roof restoration because it can often add 15 to 30 years of life to your roof without the need for a full replacement.
Why Roof Restoration?
Restoring your roof is not just about fixing leaks. It’s about extending the lifespan of your roof and avoiding the wastefulness of tearing it all off and starting fresh.
Asphalt shingles, for example, are one of the top contributors to landfills. If we can avoid unnecessary replacements by restoring the roof, we help reduce that waste while saving the homeowner money.
A good roof restoration often starts with a thorough inspection. We go up there, take a look, and shoot a video so the homeowner can see potential issues that might lead to bigger problems down the road. If we address these issues now, we can keep the roof intact for a lot longer.
Why Do People Wait Until There’s a Leak?
It’s common for homeowners to not think about their roof until they notice a problem—like a leak. Even though shingles can last 20 years or more, it’s the other stuff that’s most likely to fail first. It’s essential to keep your roof in top shape by getting it inspected regularly. Most homeowners don’t think about their roof until it leaks, but having a professional inspection can prevent a lot of headaches and costly repairs. So, even if your shingles are fine, make sure you’re addressing the components that are critical for the long-term health of your roof.
Roofs Are Made to Last, But Time Takes Its Toll
Let’s get into it: roofs, like everything else, don’t last forever. The sun’s harsh rays break them down over time. It’s like leaving a trailer outside for 10 years. The tires dry rot, crack, and eventually go flat. The same principle applies to roofing materials.
Take caulking, for example. Over time, it deteriorates. You ever notice a house with a brick or stone chimney covered in blackjack caulking? That’s a temporary fix, but it won’t last long.
New technologies have emerged, like Flex Seal. Have you seen their ads? They literally show Flex Seal sealing off cracks in doors and keeping floodwaters out. It’s a quick, easy fix—but it’s short-lived. If you want a proper, long-term solution, Flex Seal isn’t the answer. We’re all for fixing things the right way, with longevity in mind.
Gutters and Roof Restorations: Why They Matter
Roof restorations often include gutters—because they play a vital role. If your gutters are improperly attached, clogged, or pushing water back onto the shingles, you’re asking for trouble. Water that gets underneath the shingles can begin to affect the wood underneath, leading to bigger problems down the road.
When we restore a roof, we address everything—from the gutters to the flashing. A proper restoration ensures the roof functions as a system, with everything working together to keep moisture and debris at bay.
Ventilation: The Unsung Hero of Roof Health
One crucial part of restoration that many homeowners overlook is ventilation. Why is it so important? Ventilation helps expel heat and moisture from the attic, preventing your roof from “cooking” from the inside out.
The key here is ensuring proper airflow—heat and moisture are a dangerous combination. If your roof’s ventilation is inadequate, it can lead to premature failure. We often find that improperly ventilated roofs are prone to problems, and that’s where restoration comes in.
In many cases, we add a ridge cap or open up more soffit ventilation to ensure airflow is balanced. It’s a systematic approach. We look at the whole picture—not just a single issue, but how every part of your roof interacts.
Taking a Proactive Approach to Leaks
When a homeowner calls us with a leak, we don’t just slap a quick fix on it. We take a thorough approach to figure out the root cause of the problem. Sure, we’ll fix the leak, but we’ll also check ventilation, inspect the chimney flashing, and ensure there are no other hidden issues.
The goal isn’t just to stop the leak in one spot—it’s to make sure your entire roof stays healthy for years to come.
The Power of Roof Restoration: More Than Just a Quick Fix
A roof restoration isn’t about just patching things up. It’s about returning the roof to its former condition—and sometimes even improving it. We’ve had customers come to us thinking they needed a full replacement. But after a thorough inspection, we’ve found that with a restoration, they can squeeze another 10 to 15 years out of their roof.
That’s real value.
When to Repair and When to Replace
Sometimes, a roof repair is all you need. But if your shingles are 20-25 years old, it might be time to think about a roof restoration or even a full replacement. Our job is to give you an honest assessment. If a repair will do the job, we’ll let you know. But if it’s time for a new roof, we’ll tell you that, too.
It’s all about integrity. We’re here to help you make the best decision, not just sell you a service.
A New Approach to Roof Restoration
Roof restoration is starting to become a more prominent part of what we do, and we believe it’s going to be a growing trend. Homeowners are realizing that roof restoration is a viable, cost-effective solution. It’s something that’s needed, but it hasn’t always been the focus of roofing companies.
That’s where we come in. With high integrity and a scientific approach, we offer the kind of restoration services that homeowners can trust.
Thanks for watching, and we hope to catch you next time on the Home Services Home Show!
