Your commercial roof can be repaired and restored instead of replaced, but the service you choose depends on the problem you’re experiencing. Repairing a roof essentially entails fixing or patching a smaller issue while it’s still performing at a high quality level. However, if the issue is a much larger problem, you’re essentially asking a roofing contractor to put a bandaid on your home’s roof. And bandaids wear off over time (as well as void your warranty in some cases). Let’s say you have a small hole in your roof. A commercial roof repair might be the right fix for the job. But what if the hole or loose shingle in your roof has been there for several years? This means that any sort of debris, water, and mold could have found its way into the structure of the roof. Cost can add up quickly by not being aware or knowing the differences between repairs, restoration or replacement.
There’s A Huge Difference
Be sure not to confuse roof repairs and roof restoration. The difference between these terms is that repairing a roof means patching a specific part of a roof. Roof restoration is a service for giving your roof a facelift which is different from a roof replacement which is even more comprehensive and intensive installing a new roof. Know the problem(s) before you decide on replacement, repairs or restoration. A roof replacement is a costly and lengthy process that can impact your business’s daily operations. Get in touch with a roofing company as soon as you begin noticing leaks coming from your roof to prevent the problem from worsening. When you catch the issues quickly, you can select from several options for repairing or restoring your roof instead of committing to an entire replacement at your commercial property.
When Should I Restore My Roofing System?
There are definitely times when preventative maintenance won’t cut it, and a total roof restoration instead of a roof repair is the appropriate plan of action at your commercial building.
1. Fire Damage
When there is a fire that damages your property, smoke and soot (not to mention the flames) can damage your ceiling and the structure of your roof. Roof restoration is a great service to use if fire occurs at your property. Your insurance adjuster and commercial roofing contractor will work together on a roofing project of this size.
2. Water Damage
During snow or heavy rain seasons, ponding water can affect the shingle roof, tile roof, membrane, felt underlay, and possibly the decking of your roof. While the waterproofing of your roof is meant to slide the water into the gutter, water can still sink into the roof no matter how good the workmanship. And as we know, roof leaks and water wreaks havoc on roof maintenance on flat roofs, metal roofs, and plenty of other roof coatings.
3. High-wind Damage
High winds can also damage your roof. Gusts of wind can pick up and remove pieces of your shingles. Wind can knock over trees and throw other debris onto your roof that can lead to severe damages to HVAC, skylights and to many single ply roofing like TPO, EPDM and PVC.
4. Hail Damage
Some states and cities receive more hail and larger hailstones. These hail solids can hit the roof of your home and cause extensive damage. Thorough roof inspection, either by yourself or a roofer with years of experience is recommended after an event like this.
Conversely, in all of these situations there are many existing roof questions to answer as well as plenty of other questions to ask as a building owner. Roofing solutions can be complex and emergency repairs are a part of doing business, but having a good understanding of your roofing industry professionals capabilities and roofing materials goes a long way. Re-roofing is sometimes the answer, but before you enlist any commercial roofing services, ponder these issues first.
1. Use Of Your Building
It is important to consider how much money you will save in comparison to the cost of the fix, as well as the compromised integrity of your building by leaving a damaged roof to wreak more havoc on the structure of your building. There is no warranty that exists that will cover the cost of personal, interior or product damages due to neglect of proper maintenance on your roof. Consider the value of what is inside your building, and how important it is that the structure that is protecting it, is doing its job.
2. Structure
Older buildings are more susceptible to costly damages even if the leak seems minor. Compare this to an old vehicle versus a new one. Forgetting to change the oil once or twice in a new car isn’t recommended, but the car won’t suddenly stop working. Doing the same to an older, beat up vehicle, can cause irreparable damage. Not managing your roof with repairs can lead to a complete commercial roof replacement.
3. Location
Consider the potential issues and how they can be prevented based on the climate, surrounding trees, and other variables. Falling branches from tall trees or debris from other nearby buildings may cause additional damage. Certain roof types may be better for you, depending on your location.
4. Business Plans
If your company is only going to be using the structure for a few more years, your decision comes down to basic cost-benefit analysis. You have to keep the roof functioning well enough to keep your business open, but you may not want to invest more in the roof if your business plans on moving in a year or two. Instead, you may want to stick to basic repairs and roof maintenance tasks.
5. Available Cash
Again, this is another step where a cost-benefit analysis would be useful. This will help you see if the costs of getting a commercial roof restoration are worth the benefits you receive. If you can hold off on making the repairs or commercial roof replacement until your budget allows, you can base your purchase decisions on whether your business operations will be affected or not.
TEMA’s Roof Asset Management Program
Roof Asset Management at TEMA can put you in control of all of these decisions. The client portal will be updated with current conditions, data and photos of all work performed on your property. Unexpected events are out of our control, but having a proactive roof maintenance program and following the tips in this blog will ensure that you stay on top of the factors that you can control. Contact TEMA Roofing today and see how we can help you!
