Minor roof damage can be fixed with repairs. However, if the surface and underlayment have severe wear and tear, it’s time for a full roof replacement. What condition is your structure in? Learn when to repair or replace a roof.
What’s the Right Way to Address Roofing Worries?
Your commercial roof is an essential aspect of your building which must remain in high-functioning condition. If you notice signs of damage to your structure, you’re faced with the decision of roof repair or roof replacement. Either way, it’s best to contact professional contractors immediately after discovering issues so they can develop a plan of action as soon as possible.
Allowing roofing worries to linger makes matters worse. On the same token, it’s wise to take time to weigh your options and make a confident decision. When roofing problems arise, contractors advise property owners on the following options:
Roof Repair
Commercial roofing structures are built to last. They’re made with industrial synthetics and natural materials that are usually energy-efficient, UV resistant, and waterproof. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t experience natural degradation—the process of daily wear and tear due to the impact of inclement weather, aging, and fallen objects. While you can’t control the outdoor elements, it’s wise to get annual roof inspections. By doing so, roofers find issues early on and nip them in the bud.
Things like lifting or missing materials, cracks, and slight imperfections in the surface require simple roof repair. Professionals use specialized tools and roofing products to patch the affected areas, which serves as a long-term resolution. If your roof is still within its first five to ten years of service life and was professionally installed, minor roof repairs are inevitable, and will likely suffice for your structure.
Roof Replacement
Although commercial roofing systems are some of the most durable structures, they need routine care and maintenance to perform to the best of their ability. Otherwise, roofing problems may fester over the years, leaving you with no choice but to start fresh. Roofing materials can weaken and deteriorate from excessive rain. Water damage can manifest differently depending on the type of roof and how long the issues have gone unaddressed. Roof leaks, stains on the walls or ceilings, and mold are signs you need a full roof replacement.
Roof repairs won’t suffice when the underlayment is saturated with water and has irreversible storm damage. In this case, it’s best to invest in a roof replacement for your occupants’ safety and to uphold your professionalism.
Understand the Importance of Knowing Your Roof’s Age
Commercial roofs typically last between 15 to 40 years. Annual maintenance and addressing issues as soon as they arise contribute to long service life. Keep in mind that knowing the structure’s age is key to knowing when to replace a roof. If you’re unaware of how to find out when your roof was last replaced or when the original system was installed, there are a few things you can do to figure it out:
- Ask the previous owners if they know or can locate the receipt from the roof replacement
- Locate the building permit which tells the roof installation date
- Get an estimate of the roof’s age from a licensed home inspector
Whether you need us to restore, repair, or replace a roof, we lead you to the best decision and transform your structure. Browse Our Services
Is Your Commercial Roof Eligible for Restoration?
When your roof is damaged, in addition to roof repair or roof replacement, your structure may qualify for restoration. Roof coatings create a seamless, waterproof layer of protection over your current system. Roofers apply the restoration coating directly to the roof’s surface, and it fills all the cracks, openings, and imperfections. This can solve your roofing worries for the foreseeable future since restoration helps your system last an additional 20 years.
If you’re interested in commercial roof restoration, your existing structure must pass inspection first. If at least 75% of the substrate is dry and there’s no severe damage, you can get a roof restoration, which is only a fraction of what it costs to replace a roof.
Contact Simpson Unlimited for the Perfect Commercial Roofing Solution
Simpson Unlimited is your expert commercial contractor. Our building envelope solutions cover everything your facility needs, including roofing services, concrete repair and waterproofing, and masonry restoration. There’s nothing our crew can’t do. If you need advice from our experienced team, call us today for a free consultation.
We look forward to working with you and enhancing your commercial building.