Commercial Roofing Maintenance: Patching vs. Replacing Your Roof
When hail or other extreme weather damages your commercial roof, it’s difficult to determine the best course of action. Should you patch the roof or replace it? When deciding how to navigate commercial roofing maintenance, be sure to consider the pros and cons of both strategies for repairing hail damage on your business’s roof. Read on to learn more.
What Is Commercial Roof Patching?
Roof patching is a popular and cost-effective solution for repairing damaged roofs. It can be used to fix minor problems such as holes, cracks, and missing shingles, or for more extensive repairs like replacing sections of the roof or even the entire roof. In some cases, patching is a more practical option than replacing the entire roof.
The patching process itself typically involves removing the damaged area, cleaning it up, and then applying a suitable material to repair the damage. This material varies depending on the extent of the damage, but generally includes some combination of adhesive and sealant.
In certain instances, roof patching can actually extend the life of a roof by filling in any gaps or cracks in order to prevent further water infiltration and deterioration. Additionally, patching can help protect against future weather-related damage by providing a waterproof barrier between exposed areas and harsh elements like rain.
What Is a Commercial Roof Replacement?
A commercial roof replacement involves removing the existing roofing material and replacing it with new materials designed to meet requirements determined by the building owners or managers. Depending on the size of the project, this process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to complete. There are many factors that go into determining a timeline for a roof replacement project, including weather conditions, complexity of work, type of materials used, and more.
Replacing a damaged roof due to hail is one of the most common reasons for a commercial roof replacement. Hail damage can be severe and affect the shingles, flashing, and other components of a commercial roof. If left unrepaired, hail damage can lead to leaks, which can then cause further damage to the building’s structure. Replacing a hail-damaged roof is one of the most effective ways to prevent additional issues from happening.
When replacing a roof due to hail damage, choose materials designed for this purpose. This will make sure that the new roof is properly sealed against future severe weather. Additionally, the material should be rated for wind resistance so that it can withstand strong winds without becoming damaged or detached from the structure. The type of material used for a commercial roof replacement will depend on the size of the building, local code requirements, and budget considerations.
Patching vs. Replacing: Cost Considerations
The initial cost of replacement versus patching is a major factor in deciding which solution is right for you. The cost of a full roof replacement can be substantial upfront but may provide greater long-term savings due to improved energy efficiency, increased durability, and fewer future expenses associated with continued maintenance. If your current roof is made from old or fragile material and requires frequent repairs already, replacing it may be the most cost-effective option in the long run.
When Should You Patch?
Patching is a cost-effective solution for minor damage caused by weather like hail or wind storms or accidental damage from fallen debris. It involves replacing the damaged shingles with new ones, which can be done in a single afternoon and generally doesn’t require any major structural changes. In most cases, patching will extend the life of your existing roof and may even last longer than a full replacement.
When Should You Replace?
Replacement is often necessary if there’s extensive damage to your roof that is beyond repair by patching. This could include large areas of missing shingles or large holes caused by animals or fallen tree branches.
Reaching a Conclusion
When it comes to repairing a commercial roof, deciding between patching and replacement depends on the extent of the damage. If the damage is confined to a few shingles, patching is usually the best option because it’s less expensive and time consuming than full replacement. But if the damage is widespread, replacement may be necessary to make sure your roof stays structurally sound.
Cost should also be taken into account. Patching can be done quickly and generally costs less than replacement because fewer materials and labor are required. But, over time, patching may become more expensive than replacement if multiple repairs are needed for different areas of the roof.
Do you need help deciding if it’s time to replace your commercial roof? Seal Roofing can provide clarity in your decision-making process.
Other Factors to Consider
Patching Issues Related to Roof Accessibility
Accessibility is also important to think about when comparing patching vs replacement. In some cases, depending on the location of the damage or how difficult it may be to access the roof, patching may not be possible due to safety concerns. It’s important to weigh these risks against the potential savings that come with opting for a patch instead of a full replacement.
Durability and Repair Options
You should also consider the type of material your current roof is made from and how durable it is. Some materials are easier and more affordable to repair than others, so if you have a more durable material like metal or rubber you may find that repairing any hail damage instead of replacing it entirely makes more sense financially.
Finally, discuss all available options with your chosen commercial roofer before making a final decision. Your contractor can help you explore different ideas for repair as well as potential upgrades that might make sense depending on your budget and timeline constraints.
Not Sure If You Should Patch or Replace Your Roof? Seal Roofing Can Help.
Navigating commercial roofing maintenance means taking account all of the following: initial cost, long-term costs associated with energy efficiency and maintenance requirements, accessibility constraints, and repair options based on existing material type and durability.
Seal Roofing understands the importance of having a reliable roof over your business. We’re proud to offer commercial roof replacement services designed to save you time and money. With extensive knowledge in the industry, our team can help you determine whether patching or replacing your current roof is the right solution for you.
We work with you to create a comprehensive plan outlining the timeline and costs associated with your project, so you can make an informed decision. Contact the team at Seal Roofing today for everything from hail damage roof repair services to emergency roof repair in Philadelphia.