Commercial Roofing - Repair or Replace? How to Decide.
Today’s commercial roofing materials are highly durable and long lasting, but eventually most business owners will be faced with the choice of whether they should repair or replace their roof. Here are some tips from United Materials to help you decide when it’s best to repair your roof and when you should consider installing a new one.
Factors to Consider
Roof Damage
In many cases, roof damage can be repaired if the roof is in good condition. However, extensive or severe damage can be a reason to replace the roof. The professional staff at United Materials can provide you with an assessment of any damage to your roof and outline possible courses of action to repair the damage.
Damage can result from a number of factors, including storm damage, extreme weather and from the normal wear and tear a roof experiences over the course of its service life. Common causes of damage include:
Damage to the roofing membrane: This often appears as cracks, blisters and weak spots that can allow water to seep in and damage the materials below the membrane.
Damaged flashing: The metal flashing on the roof protects against water and weather damage. Over time, temperature fluctuations, exposure to the elements and severe weather can damage the flashing and lead to potential leaks.
Cracks: Cracks can appear in most areas of a roof. Once started, they can spread and get larger with time.
Poor drainage: A properly designed and functioning drainage system is your best defense against water damage. Improper drainage can allow water to collect on the roof, which can lead to leaks and roof damage.
Damage to openings in the roof: A commercial roof has numerous openings for pipes, vents and roof-mounted equipment. Damage to the materials that seal these openings can lead to leaks and water damage.
The Roof’s Age
A well designed, well maintained commercial roof will provide years of trouble free service. However, even the best roof will eventually start to show its age, with most commercial roofs having a service life of between 25 to 35 years. Once a roof hits its 25th anniversary, repairs may not be a worthwhile investment. In these cases, it may be time to consider replacing the roof.
The Extent of Needed Repairs
Finally, determine the scope of any necessary repairs. If the roof is not too old and the repairs are not too extensive, it may be most cost effective to repair the roof and extend its service life. However, extensive and expensive repairs, or major repairs in sensitive areas of the roof, especially on a roof that has undergone numerous repairs in the past or is nearing the end of its service life, may call for a new roof.
Professional Help from United Materials
A commercial roof is an important investment in your business. United Materials will work with you to get the best return on your investment, whether it’s repairing your roof or replacing it with a new one.
We can provide you with the information you need to help you make these decisions. Our professional staff have years of experience repairing and replace commercial roofs. They can give you with an expert assessment of the condition of your roof and provide guidance on the best course of action to take.
United Materials has nearly 100 years of commercial roofing experience in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain west. Contact us today for a roof inspection and assessment. We’ll make sure you have a roof that meets your needs.