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Key Takeaways
When your business’ roof shows its age, it can be tempting to slap on a new coat of asphalt and call it a day. But before replacing your entire roof, consider the option of restoration instead. With a little TLC, your aging roof can look as good as new – and you might not have to spend nearly as much money in the process. So if your business is due for a roof replacement, read on for some tips on restoring your commercial roofing instead.
The first step in any roof restoration project is to analyze the damage. This will help you determine the best course of action and what type of repairs are necessary. If the damage is extensive, then a complete replacement may be necessary. However, suppose the damage is relatively minor. In that case, repair options such as adding a membrane or repairing problem spots may be enough to extend the life of your roof.
Your drainage system is also an important consideration. If you have pooling water on your flat roof, then there are likely flaws in your drainage system. You can repair these flaws by identifying other possible drainage problems and implementing solutions such as fixing clogged drains or installing additional drains.
Once you’ve analyzed the damage and considered your drainage system, you can choose suitable repair options for your roof. If the damage is extensive, then a complete replacement may be necessary. However, suppose the damage is relatively minor. In that case, repair options such as adding a membrane or repairing problem spots may be enough to extend the life of your roof.
Adding a membrane is a standard repair option for commercial roofs. This involves adding a TPO membrane to extend the lifespan of your roof. Another standard option is to repair problem spots such as missing flashings, punctures, holes, and cracks. You can also recoat an EPDM roof with another layer of rubber roofing to extend its lifespan.
Here’s why pursuing roof restoration over a complete overhaul makes sense.
Replacing your roof is a big job. It’s loud, messy, and takes days (or even weeks) to complete. That’s disruptive for any business but incredibly disruptive for businesses that rely on foot traffic, like retail stores or restaurants.
With roof restoration, on the other hand, the process is much less disruptive. Since you’re not tearing off the old roof, there’s no need for scaffolding or other equipment that could block customers from coming in. The contractors can complete the job in just one day; there’s no need to worry about lost business due to extended construction.
This usually happens due to water/storm damage or rot. Water damage can cause the wood supports to weaken and eventually collapse. At the same time, rot can eat away at the supports and make them unstable. In either case, it’s not safe to try and repair the roof because there’s a risk that it could collapse on people or property. Replacing the roof is the only way to ensure that everyone stays safe.
With proper maintenance, a restored roof can last 20 years or more. The goal should be to extend the roof’s longevity rather than replacing at the slightest inconvenience.
At what point does a commercial property owner have to give in and do a complete roof replacement? When is it time to stop making repairs and replace the whole thing? Here are three reasons and corresponding damages that leave commercial property owners with no choice other than complete roof replacement.
Reason #1: The membrane is damaged beyond repair.
The first reason is when the membrane is damaged beyond repair. The commercial roofing system’s membrane is responsible for protecting the building from water, so if it’s damaged, water will be able to enter and cause all sorts of problems. Two main types of damage can occur physical damage and chemical damage.
Physical damage occurs when the membrane is punctured or torn. In contrast, chemical damage happens when the chemicals in the atmosphere (such as pollution or acid rain) break down the membrane material. Once the membrane is damaged, it needs replacement because repairs will only be temporary, and the problem will eventually happen again.
Reason #2: The structural integrity of the roof has been compromised.
This usually happens due to water/storm damage or rot. Water damage can cause the wood supports to weaken and eventually collapse, while rot can eat away at the supports and make them unstable. In either case, it’s not safe to try and repair the roof because there’s a risk that it could collapse on people or property. Replacing the roof is the only way to ensure that everyone stays safe.
Reason #3: Diminished aesthetic appeal
The third reason you might need to replace your roof is if the aesthetic appeal of the roof has been diminished. This could be due to physical damage (like hail damage), chemical damage (like fading), or simply because the roof is old and outdated. In any case, if you don’t like how your roof looks, replacing it is usually the best solution. Not only will you get a new, updated look, but you’ll also get all the other benefits that come with a new roof (like increased energy efficiency). If you have an aging commercial roof, don’t automatically assume that replacement is your only option. In many cases, a commercial roof restoration can maximize the lifespan of your existing roof at a fraction of the replacement cost. If you live in Lakewood, FL, or the surrounding areas, Absolute Roofing and Construction can help. We offer quality roofing installation and restoration services to keep your business running smoothly. Contact us today for a free estimate.
