Roof treatment: Advice, solution and cost

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Throughout the year, the roof is exposed to the vagaries of the weather and to pollution. After a certain time, moss and mushrooms begin to appear. The latter gradually damage the roofs, hence the importance ofperform cleaning work twice a year during spring and towards the end of autumn.

Today, Actimur explains to you when to treat your roof and how to treat it. This task should be performed regularly to avoid unpleasant surprises such as rainwater infiltration.

Why have your roof treated?

The roof of a house is very fragile and the accumulation of moss contributes to its degradation. Indeed, these appear gradually over the seasons and develop rapidly over the entire surface of the roof.

In addition, a condensation problem in the house is closely linked to water infiltration from the roof. The latter becomes less watertight, allowing water to infiltrate through the walls causing leaks. In fact, in winter, when the temperature is negative, the waterlogged lichen freezes and expands the tiles or slates on the surface. This creates microcracks, which can turn into holes, allowing water to seep in.

The presence of lichens, d’algae and of mousse therefore means that it is time to perform a complete roof cleaning. The consequences can be dire if no action is taken in time. The whole frame can be damaged (rotting of the wood), thus putting endangering the lives of occupants.

Roof treatment: carry out a diagnosis

Before carrying out maintenance or cleaning work on the roof, it is necessary to carry out roof condition report. Part of the task can be done without professional intervention. To do this, you just need to gain height andobserve any cracks visible to the naked eye.

To perform this type of intervention, you must be properly equipped, because you are never safe from a possible accident. Cleaning the gutter is a simple task to perform without necessarily calling a professional. It facilitates the evacuation of water and dirt piled on the roof.

Major works must be carried out by a professional. The first step is to perform a complete diagnosis of the general condition of the roof. What items need to be replaced (zinc plate, slate, etc.)? Is it necessary to repair the ridge? Should we re-insulate the roof? Actimur experts will be happy to answer all your questions and are even ready to intervene in your home urgently if necessary.

How to treat a roof?

When we have all the answers to the questions mentioned above, the work can begin, but where to start?

Stage 1 of the roof treatment: sanitation

The roof defoamer cleaning is the most delicate step. The work is done at height and is therefore more dangerous. To avoid the risk of accident, it is better to equip yourself properly:

• gloves ;
• eyeglasses ;
• helmet ;
• Safety harness.

The next step is to get rid of all impurities that have settled on the roof over time. This particularly concerns dust, plant debris and mold. This task can be done mechanically or by using a chemical.

the mechanical process involves removing black spots using a stiff brush. It is also possible to use a high pressure cleaner, taking the necessary precautions not to damage the tiles.

The use of chemicals is sometimes necessary. Just spray the product over the entire surface of the roof and the dirt comes off easily. This technique is more advantageous, since the product at the same time eliminates all the pests that have caught on the roof.

The technicians at Actimur use a non-corrosive biochemical product labeled Excell +. This is very effective and presents no danger to plants and animals. The Excell + product does not attack materials and does not damage the protective covering of tiles or slates.

Stage 2 of the roof treatment: the application of water repellent

After cleaning comes the water repellent treatment. The process consists of spraying a product of moisture treatment over the entire roof surface. This product protects the tiles from possible water infiltration and prevents the formation of lichens and fungi.

The application of water repellent should only be done on a clean roof in excellent condition. Otherwise, it will not be effective. When roofing materials are in poor condition, consider replacing them.

The advantages and advantages of a water repellent product are multiple. The water-repellent treatment makes it possible, for example, to waterproof a house with humidity problems. It can also be applied to walls and in some damp rooms in the house. In all cases, this type of treatment makes it possible toavoid the appearance of molds and fungi.

What is the cost of treating a roof?

Although many homes choose to perform roof remediation on their own, this type of intervention is not always recommended. When aiming for the long term, you might as well call on a specialized company like Actimur.

As for the cost of the service, it depends on a number of factors:

• The general condition of the roof.
• Accessibility of the site.
• Security conditions.

the cost of a complete treatment is around 20 to 80 € per square meter. A price justified on the one hand by the effectiveness of the treatment, in particular by the choice of the product used, and on the other hand by the know-how and the vigilant eye of the technicians.

You have a roof cleaning and treatment project ? Do not hesitate to contact the Actimur team.

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