You may be asking yourself, “should I repair or replace my roof?” You want what’s most cost-effective, but it needs to be the safest and wisest choice, too. Read on to find out whether you need roof repair or replacement.
Take Roofing Troubles Seriously
Facility managers and building owners have plenty of responsibilities, with one of the most vital ones being maintaining their property’s safety and integrity. A high-functioning roof system is just as important as the building’s foundation. If either of these two is in poor condition, it may lead to dangerous consequences and financial trouble. For these reasons, maintaining roof health should be a top priority.
There are several signs of roof damage, and depending on the severity, you have to decide between roof repair or replacement. Water damage and cracks in the surface wreak havoc on a commercial flat roof. A roofing contractor can confirm what your system needs to keep your building in safe working condition.
Get an Inspection To Determine What’s Best for Your Structure
Unless commercial roofing is your field of expertise, it’s not ideal to analyze your structure yourself to decide whether you need roof repair or replacement. Attempting to access your roof is dangerous. It takes a certain level of knowledge and experience to remain safe and cautious.
Secondly, unless you’re a seasoned professional, certain issues may not stand out to you as they would to an experienced contractor. Some problems aren’t apparent to the untrained eye, so it’s best to hire a roofing company to perform a thorough inspection. That way, you won’t have to worry about unnoticed red flags or minor problems flying under the radar. During a proper roof inspection, professionals check for things such as:
- Inadequate ventilation
- Mold growth and moss
- Rippedor lifting materials
- Improper drainage
- Missing materials or flashing
Some issues are more severe than others, so they will let you know what the warning signs determine whether you need roof repair or replacement:
Roof Repair
Eventually, every roofing system needs repairs. Since roof work is inevitable, contractors look for common issues during a routine inspection, such as isolated damage in one or two spots. As long as your roof’s membrane is dry and healthy, and your system is still within its first several years of initial installation, your roof is likely still in proper condition and will be as good as new after a few quick and easy repairs.
Contractors patch small areas using extra roofing material, which requires little to no downtime. Additionally, if you’ve signed an annual preventative roof maintenance contract, you could pay little to no money out of pocket for repairs since they’re included in your terms and agreements.
Roof Replacement
Roof repairs are fast and straightforward, eliminating issues at the source for the foreseeable future. However, repairs aren’t enough for an extremely damaged structure. If a commercial roof replacement is the only practical solution after examining your roof, repairs are so extensive that it’s wiser and safe to replace the roof altogether.
If your roof was coated in the past, you cannot recoat it to fix extensive damage. Several holes, cracks, and water damage lead to leaks and mold; these are red flags that your roofing underlayment is too saturated to function correctly. Lastly, commercial roofs last for about 20 years. If your roof has passed this mark or it’s drawing near to it, save yourself the time and hassle by investing in a new roof.
Consider Roof Restoration
Choosing between roof repair or replacement isn’t your only option, either. You also have a third option to consider: roof restoration. Roof restoration extends your roof’s lifespan by 20 years. Roof restorations typically involve enhancing insulation by using roof coatings, making your roof more leak resistant. Plus, roof coatings absorb less sunlight than traditional roofing systems. They reflect it back into the atmosphere, protecting your structure from harmful UV rays. As a result, your roof’s surface temperature is much cooler, and your indoor temperatures also stay cooler and more stable. You also won’t have to rely on using air conditioning as much because of that, and you’d save money on utility bills.
Instead of roof repair or replacement, your contractor may recommend roof restoration. If your roofing membrane is dry and free of extensive imperfections, it eligible for this alternative. As a result, you benefit from more money in your pocket, less loss of productivity, and greater peace of mind that your roof is functioning as it should.
New Image Knows What Your Roof Needs
New Image Roofing is your trusted contractor for storm damage, restoration, repairs, and replacement. Florida’s high winds, consistent sunlight, and occasional hailstorms spell trouble for your roof system. We understand how intimidating and complex repair, restoration, or the commercial roof replacement process can be.
We’re here to answer any of your questions and help you weigh your options between roof restoration vs replacement. You may also contact us when you’re torn between roof replacement or repairs. We’ll even guide you step by step through filing an insurance claim. The bottom line? Regardless of your commercial or residential roofing problems, we’re ready to help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any roofing project your building needs.
