Keeping your operations in tip-top shape is an integral part of running a successful business. One area that is often overlooked by building owners is the commercial roof, which can be surprisingly challenging to maintain when it comes to extending its life. Why? Well, as the saying goes, out of sight, out of mind!
But, when small problems start to rear their ugly head, that’s where commercial roof restoration comes in. Restoration of an existing roof is a cost-effective solution that helps you get the most out of your roofing solution.
Understanding Roof Restoration
Roof restoration involves the process of cleaning, repairing, and recoating your existing commercial roofing system. The new coating is a weathertight membrane that is great for a commercial roof with no major damage but is near the middle or end of its usable life. Acrylic, polyurethane, silicone, asphalt, and elastomeric coatings are common for restoration use.
This approach rejuvenates the roof’s appearance and functionality, addressing common issues like leaks, ponding water, weathering, and material degradation. Commercial roof restoration is particularly beneficial for flat roofs or low-slope commercial roofs made of materials like EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, and metal roofing.
Looking at Repairs and Replacements
It’s important to keep in mind that restoration isn’t applicable for every flat roof. Commercial roof repair is needed if you have multiple areas of moisture, blistering, or damaged flashing.
If your commercial roof is brittle from UV rays, retrofitted, delaminated, or if there is excessive blistering, it may be to the point where you need an entire commercial roof replacement. Extensive roof damage requires a completely new roof, because restoration and repairs only mask a bigger issue.
Some Benefits of Roof Restoration
Exposure to the elements and even simple UV rays take a toll on commercial roofs, leading to leaks, wear and tear, and energy inefficiency.
This is where commercial roof restoration comes in: it’s a transformative solution that not only revives the appearance of your roof, but also adds years to the life of your roof while offering advantages.
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Cost-Effective Solution
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Commercial roof restoration is a cost-effective alternative to a complete roof replacement. Replacing an entire commercial roof can be a significant expense, involving labor costs, materials, and the potential disruption of your business operations. Restoration, on the other hand, typically costs significantly less and can add 5 to 10 years to your existing roof.
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Environmental Sustainability
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Restoration is an eco-friendly option, extending the life of your current roof while reducing the need for roofing materials to be manufactured and disposed of in landfills. It also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with large-scale roofing projects.
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Enhanced Energy Efficiency
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As part of the restoration process, a reflective coating is often applied to the roof. This coating helps to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of your building. Lower cooling costs can result in significant long-term savings.
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Leak Prevention
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One of the primary benefits of roof restoration is the opportunity to address and prevent leaks. The restoration process includes identifying and repairing any existing leaks or weak spots in the roof’s membrane. This proactive approach can save you from the headache and expense associated with interior water damage.
How the Roof Restoration Process Plays Out
When you decide to go the route of commercial roof restoration, it’s important to prepare your commercial building by knowing the steps included in the process. Your commercial roofing contractor will tell you what you can expect so you can plan for noise and downtime in regard to operations, if necessary.
- Initial Roof Inspection: Your existing roof will be completely looked over. Roof leaks, damaged membranes, or deteriorated flashings will be identified and documented.
- Cleaning: Once the type of work to be done is determined, the roof surface will be cleaned. Dirt, debris, and any existing coatings will be removed.
- Repairs: Punctures, blisters, seams, corrosion, and any other damage is repaired.
- Priming: Primer is applied so the new roof coating can adhere.
- Coating Application: The new roof coating is applied.
- Final Roof Inspection: After everything is cured, a final inspection will look to make sure the restoration project is correct – and complete.
Making Sure Your Commercial Roof is Covered
Your new roof coating may have its own warranty, and will be treated similar to any other commercial roof. Regular inspections and roof maintenance are still needed to keep both the coating and your roof in optimal condition.
Types of warranties may include the following: workmanship warranty, which covers roof installation; labor warranties that protect repairs done to the roof; manufacturer’s warranty that includes materials a roofing company installs on your roof.
As a building owner or facility manager, it’s important to know and understand all of the warranties associated with your commercial property. That way, if there’s damage to the roof, you’ll know what’s covered – and what it will cost you.
In order to keep that information at the ready, along with all the details of previous repairs, many building owners choose to utilize a roof asset management program. This type of program is typically offered through an experienced commercial roofing contractor, and it gives business owners access to a digital portal that houses (literally) every piece of information pertaining to the roof(s).
Turn to TEMA for Commercial Roof Restoration
Roof restoration is a great choice for any commercial building that needs a little extra protection.
Are you wondering if you need repairs to your roof or if it is still in good enough condition for commercial roof restoration? That’s no problem; we’re here to help you find out! TEMA Roofing Services has more than 50 years of experience, handling any roofing situation on any type of roof. Give us a call and we can talk about how to improve your commercial roof’s lifespan.
