Revitalising Your Galvanised Roof: Comprehensive Repair, Cleaning, and Waterproofing Process

At Choice Contractors, we believe that effective roof maintenance requires more than just a surface coat of paint. Proper cleaning, treatment, and use of the right products are essential for long-lasting results, especially on surfaces like galvanised sheets and torch-on waterproofing systems. Here’s a look at our approach to restoring a roof that had been affected by poor initial maintenance and improper treatment.

Understanding the Issue

This particular flat roof showed significant wear for a couple of reasons:

• Torch-On Degradation: The roof had a torch-on waterproofing membrane, a common material for flat roofs, but it had degraded due to lack of maintenance. Torch-on roofs require periodic silver coating (ideally every 1-2 years) to protect the waterproof layer. Without this, the material deteriorates quickly under UV rays, leaving it vulnerable to leaks.

• Peeling Paint on Galvanised Sheets: The metal sections of the roof had paint applied directly over galvanised sheets without any treatment. This is problematic because galvanised surfaces need special preparation before painting. If they’re not properly treated, the galvanising layer can repel paint, causing it to peel and exposing the metal beneath to the elements.

Step-by-Step Plan for Roof Restoration

Our plan for restoring this roof includes a multi-step process that ensures durability, energy efficiency, and a refreshed appearance. Here’s how we’ll tackle it:

1. Thorough Cleaning and Surface Preparation

• High-Pressure Cleaning: We’ll start by high-pressure cleaning the entire roof surface to remove any loose paint, debris, and contaminants. This initial cleaning is essential for ensuring that all new treatments and coatings adhere properly.

• Special Cleaning for Galvanised Sections: The exposed galvanised sections, where the paint has peeled, require additional treatment. We’ll use a specialised galvanised cleaner to thoroughly wash these areas, removing any residual oils or contaminants that could affect adhesion.

2. Priming the Galvanised Sheets

• After cleaning, we’ll apply a high-quality galvanised primer to these sections. This primer is essential for adhesion, as it forms a bond between the galvanised metal and the final paint coat. Skipping this step was a key reason the previous paint failed, so proper priming will ensure this issue doesn’t reoccur.

3. Applying Reflective Roof Coating

• Plascon Nuroof Cool: For the topcoat, we’ve chosen Plascon Nuroof Cool in Atmosphere Grey. This colour closely matches the original roof colour, giving it a fresh look that blends seamlessly with the property’s appearance.

• Energy-Efficient Technology: The Plascon Nuroof Cool coating is more than just paint. It’s formulated with a reflective chemical that deflects UV rays, keeping the roof cooler and helping to reduce heat absorption. This can make a noticeable difference in indoor temperature, keeping the home cooler during hot days and potentially reducing energy costs for air conditioning.

4. Torch-On Roof Waterproofing with Weatherprufe Elastocryl Pure Acrylic

• To address the degraded torch-on areas, we’ll apply Weatherprufe Elastocryl Pure Acrylic over the surface. Elastocryl is a highly durable, waterproofing product designed specifically for long-term performance on flat roofs.

• Maintenance-Free Solution: Elastocryl requires very little maintenance once applied, making it a cost-effective, long-lasting choice for this type of roof. Unlike the traditional torch-on membrane, which needs regular silver coating, Elastocryl will provide robust waterproofing protection without requiring frequent upkeep for years.

Benefits of This Comprehensive Approach

By following these steps, we’re not only restoring the roof’s integrity but also providing additional benefits:

• Improved Lifespan: Proper cleaning, priming, and coating will significantly extend the life of this roof, protecting it from both water damage and UV degradation.
• Energy Savings: The reflective properties of Plascon Nuroof Cool can reduce heat absorption, helping to keep the indoor temperature lower and potentially lowering energy bills.
• Maintenance-Free Waterproofing: With Weatherprufe Elastocryl, this roof will have reliable, low-maintenance waterproofing that won’t require frequent reapplications or additional coatings.

Why Roof Maintenance Matters

This project highlights how crucial regular maintenance and correct application techniques are for roofing. Applying paint directly to untreated galvanised metal or neglecting regular torch-on maintenance can lead to costly damage and premature deterioration. By investing in the right materials and following a thorough process, homeowners can enjoy a roof that not only looks great but also stands up to the elements for years to come.

If your roof needs similar care, or if you’d like to learn more about our waterproofing and roof restoration services, get in touch with Choice Contractors. We’re here to help you protect and preserve your property with proven techniques and quality products.