Sometimes, a quick fix to your commercial roof will suffice. However, a new roof is recommended when there is extensive damage. Learn when it’s time to repair vs when it’s time to replace your company’s roof.
What Are the Signs of Roof Degradation?
The stability of your roof’s structure depends on where it is in its lifespan and how much wear and tear it has endured over the years. If your roof is less than 15 years old but you’ve identified areas where there’s a leak or there are places where water is beginning to pool on the surface, then repairs are recommended.
More problematic issues include: water stains forming in the walls or ceilings, signs of mold, or a foul odor caused by water damage that has gone untreated for months. These are indicators that you may need several repairs to your roof, but a roof replacement will be a much smarter and more cost-effective investment in the long run.
When you’re unsure whether you should hold on to the roof you have or invest in a new roof, mulling over the possibilities can be overwhelming. So, how do you decide whether you should get a replacement or simply repair your existing roof?
What Is the Process of Re-roofing? What Does Roof Replacement Involve?
If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan but it’s still in good shape, re-roofing might be the best option for you. Re-roofing for a commercial property, which likely has a flat or a low-sloping roof, can be covered in built-up roofing (BUR), an asphalt-based substance. With BUR, the layers of different materials help make the surface more durable and waterproof. Other options for re-roofing include modified bitumen (MB or Mod Bit) and single-ply sheeting.
Re-roofing involves roofing substances being laid down in large sheets. The process can also be completed in phases that cover large spaces. However, that requires more labor and is more expensive.
On the other hand, a roof replacement is needed when re-roofing and repairs are out of the question. When a roof needs to be replaced, it’s no longer safe to keep as-is. All other materials must be torn off and replaced with an entirely new structure.
How Do I Know What’s Best for My Property?
If your building is in need of a short-term fix, then repairs are ideal. For example, if you’re selling your property and the roof is damaged, the roof must first be repaired in order to meet requirements to sell your building—so, there’s no need to purchase a new roof installation if you are moving somewhere else. Lastly, for repairs that are more pressing and can no longer go untreated, it’s recommended to pay for a quick fix, so you can save money and plan for a new roofing structure.
