Roofing contractor installing silicone roof coating.

The roof is one of your commercial property’s most important features, but it’s also one of the most expensive to replace! If you have a commercial building, then you likely understand this problem all too well. In fact, many commercial building owners have found themselves in a situation where they might need full roof replacements but don’t have the money for it.

Fortunately, in many situations, there are options to extend the lifespan of your existing roof with commercial roof restoration. That’s right – if your current roof is structurally sound, then there may be a way to save you both time and money!

What’s the Difference?

First things first. There are differences between roof repairs, roof restoration and a completely new roof.

A repair is a simple fix to a small portion of the roof. Restoration incorporates engineered coatings to restore roofing systems. And, replacing a roof is removing all of the old or failing roofing materials and installing a new roof.

Will Commercial Roof Restoration Work?

Here are some things to do or consider when determining whether or not commercial roof restoration is a viable option:

    • Check the current condition of your entire roof. If there are cracks or chips in the surface (or roof leaks) there could be damage underneath the membrane that needs to be repaired, as well. Ponding water, and water damage in general, should be noted.
    • Figure out how old your roof is. Older roofs tend to need more thorough repairs than newer ones because they’re closer to the end of their useful life.
    • Check to see if the fasteners and drains on your current roof are in good working order. Also check for leaves and other debris that may be collecting in areas.

Roof Types

Depending on the current roof surface, there are certain factors that may indicate roof restoration is needed:

      • If your current roof is a single-ply membrane (such as EPDM) and you’re looking for an alternative to replacing the membrane entirely (due to visible damage, higher energy bills or leaks), then commercial roof restoration may be an option for your business.
      • Built-up roofs are modified bitumen roofing systems that consist of two layers: an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer provides the waterproofing, while the outer coating protects against weather damage. Once you see watermarks, dripping water or a sagging roof, it’s time to look into options for repair or replacement.
      • Thermoplastic polyolefin, or TPO, is a rubber membrane. If you live in a very hot climate or see ponding water, you should look into restoration.
      • Metal roofs are very durable, but they do need regular roof inspections. Watch out for warping or bending or rust spots.

Benefits of Restoration

Commercial roof restoration is far less expensive than total roof replacement. Plus, it can still positively impact the energy efficiency of your building’s HVAC system. In fact, there are several reasons to consider commercial roof restoration before other avenues.

    • Lower cost compared to full replacement. There are also tax benefits.
    • The service life of your roof is extended.
    • Can effectively address small leaks or penetrations in the current system.
    • Reduces energy bills.
    • Smaller environmental impact – not as much waste going into landfills, since the original system remains.

Hire a Professional to Implement Your Restoration Coating System

When determining if commercial roof restoration is the best option for you, make sure that your new coating system solves the issues you’re having with your current roof. (Keep in mind that a commercial roof coating is a fluid added to your roof that protects the roof from UV rays and provides fire resistance – it is not a new roofing system.)

As always though, the most important thing to do when considering a commercial roof restoration project is to find a professional and certified contractor. Make sure to use a company that has the experience and knowledge to do the job correctly.

When initiating conversation with a prospective commercial roofing contractor, it’s important to see which types of systems and commercial roof repair options they have experience with.

Understand Your Warranty

Your restoration system should come with a warranty that guarantees the product’s performance over time. How long that warranty lasts will depend on the coating system and manufacturer, but it’s worth checking into before you sign anything.

Most warranties are based on materials, labor, or both. Some manufacturers offer 10-year warranties on the roofing system itself, while others include only a one-year warranty for labor and materials used during installation.

Routine roof maintenance by a professional may be part of the warranty, and sometimes, taking care of roof disruptions yourself can void out your warranty.

TEMA Roofing Services Can Answer Your Questions

If you need help deciding whether or not commercial roof restoration is right for you, contact a roofing company you can trust – the professionals TEMA Roofing Services. We have experience with every type of commercial roofing solution! Whether you’re looking for preventative maintenance, repair, commercial roof restoration or a complete tear-off, we’re ready to get to work!