When it comes to the roof of your building, it’s essential to make sure you’re protecting the roof so your building is in turn protected. At the end of your roof’s life, you will have to decide whether you want to repair your roof or replace it with a new roof altogether. Keep reading to learn more about:
- Roof repair vs. replacing your roof
- Commercial roofing repair
- The first signs that your commercial roof needs repair
Roof Repair vs. Replacing Your Roof
Repairing your existing roof versus replacing your roof depends on several factors. A repair can save you time and money, but in most cases, choosing to replace your roof entirely is the best choice. If your current roof is only one layer and there aren’t any problems with the roof deck, you do not need to install a new roof. On the other hand, if your roof has two layers and you attempted to put a third layer on, this may become unsafe and more difficult than it’s worth. In this case, replacing the entire roof would be safer.
It’s also important to think about what your current roof is made of before you make a decision. If your roof is made of asphalt shingles, you may choose to repair it. If your roof is metal, this is much more difficult to repair, and it also costs much more.
You must also consider the pitch and story of your home. For example, a one-story home with a low pitch is much easier to repair than a two-story home with a steep pitch. If your roof is steep, it will cost you more in labor (and time) to repair your roof.
Also important to consider if the ventilation of your attic if you’re choosing to re-roof, as you should take special care in not cutting off any ventilation systems. Don’t cover up an attic fan or leave holes that could affect the heating and cooling of your home.
Many roofing experts believe that repairing an existing roof will not last as long as installing a new roof. The lifespan of a new roof is approximately 25% more than roofing singles. Because this decision is not an easy one, it may be best to rely on roofing professionals to help you decide whether to repair your current roof or install a new one.
Commercial Roofing Repair
So you’ve invested a lot of money into your commercial roof installation, and you have high hopes that it will last you for years to come. This is true, but repairs will also be inevitable.
And avoiding repairs, even the smallest, minor ones, can wreak havoc on your commercial roofing system. Storm damage, wear and tear, and other issues require immediate repair to prevent water leaks, poor insulation, and more.
Punctures in the Roof’s Surface
The most common commercial roof repairs are those that come from punctures or tears on the surface. This can be caused by anything sharp, such as a tree limb, hail storm, debris dropped on the roof, or even just foot traffic across the flat roof’s surface.
One small puncture leaves the roof susceptible to leaks. Depending on the roofing materials, you must limit walking on the roof or loading large items without proper care.
Improper Sealing Around Roof Penetrations
Roof penetrations include HVAC units, pipes, vents, and more. These have to be there, and more importantly, they need to be adequately sealed. These areas require roof flashing and sealant to keep those seams around the edges from letting water in. If these are not done right, every roof penetration leaves itself vulnerable to leaks and damage.
Failed Roof Flashing
To reiterate the importance of flashing around roof penetrations, failed flashing is one of the most common ways water seeps into roofs (both residential and commercial). Flashing doesn’t necessarily last as long as the roofing materials, so it’s critical to check it regularly and replace it when necessary.
mercial flat roofs only last 10-20 years on average, with proper installation and maintenance.
Poor Installation by an Inexperienced Contractor
Last but not least, commercial flat roofs need to be installed by a certified roofing contractor with plenty of experience. Roofs are complicated and can take days to weeks to install correctly, depending on the size of your commercial property’s rooftop area.
Also, always look for contractors who offer a substantial workmanship warranty to cover any issues due to installation. This shows they stand by their work, and if something happens on their account, you’ll be protected.
The First Signs That Your Commercial Roof Needs Repair:
Areas of Pooling Water
If you see spots where water pools or ice forms on your commercial roof, this is a sign that it’s not draining properly. It can also mean any number of other issues are on the horizon. Pooling water on your commercial roof can lead to massive leaks, rust, and rotting and put extra weight on the roof, leading to collapse.
Cracked or Damaged Membrane
If your commercial roof’s top layer is damaged, flaking, or peeling away in places, it will need to be repaired immediately. These cracks and tears can let water seep into the membrane, causing costly leaks to repair. If these membranes aren’t replaced when they’re cracked or torn, your commercial roof won’t work to its full ability and puts your building at risk of further damage.
Blistered or Bubbling on the Roof’s Surface
Blisters on your roof’s surface are a result of high humidity, heat, and extended exposure. Bubbling or blistering in the roofing surface might occur as a consequence of any of these things. Blisters allow moisture to enter your facility’s roof, which can lead to significant damage to the roof’s structure. If left unaddressed and untreated, your business’s roof will be left susceptible to holes, leaks, mold growth, and look unsightly.
High Energy Bills
The roof is one of the first places that heat (and cold) will escape from your building. A poorly insulated or leaky roof will cause heating and cooling bills to rise. This is because your HVAC system has to work twice as hard to moderate the building’s temperature. If you notice higher-than-normal energy bills, get a roofing inspection right away.
Poor Drainage
Signs of poor roof drainage look like water pooling or standing in places on the roof, ice dams, clogged gutters, or leaks on the edges of the roof. Your roof should be able to cleanly allow water and snowmelt to flow to the roof’s edges and safely down the gutters and downspouts. Without this system working together, you face detrimental damage and leaks.
At ShenCorp, we service areas such as Winchester, VA, Charlottesville, VA, Waynesboro, VA, Richmond, VA, and other parts of the mid-Atlantic region. In that time, we have become the leading choice for industrial and commercial roofing services like commercial protective roof coatings for customers throughout Virginia. Give us a call today!