Roofs play a crucial part in protecting buildings, and commercial builds are no exception. Commercial roofs are a big investment, and as a business owner, you want to make sure that you get the biggest bang for your buck. One way to help get the most out of your investment is to know the difference between repairing and restoring a roof. Both of these options come with their own set of pros and cons which we will be discussing. Today we will be talking all about commercial roof repairs and restoration so that you can make the best decisions for your company’s roof.
At Liberty Roofworks we believe that all home and business owners should have easy access to both accurate and useful roofing information to better educate themselves on the world of roofing. In a world full of scams and misinformation, it is very easy to be pressured or persuaded into making the wrong decisions. That is why we created our Learning Hub, our blog where we post new roofing-related content every week on a variety of different sub-topics. When home and business owners are able to educate themselves with accurate information they are then more equipped to make the best decisions for their building and their needs.
Repairing commercial roofs
Just like residential roofs, commercial roofs will eventually need repairs at some point. Repairs are smaller fixes that are needed for specific areas of a roof. Think of them like a cast or stitches but for your roof, the damage has been done but it can be fixed. Roofs can take on damage in a number of ways. It is common for weather events to damage roofs at some point whether it be ice, harsh winds, or even debris that ends up on roofs. Sometimes roofs just become damaged from general wear and tear. Regardless of how the damage came about, it is important to address it as soon as possible. Failure to repair a damaged roof can result in even worse damage and much more money needed to fix it.
How to know if your roof is damaged
Just like with residential roofs, the easiest way to determine if any damage is present is by having an inspection done by a reputable roofer. It is recommended that all residential and commercial buildings have at least two yearly roof inspections done. The sooner damage is caught, the better the outcome will be. If you are at any point concerned about the status of your roof, like after a big storm, for example, it never hurts to have a roofer out to inspect it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
With commercial roofs specifically, the problem areas tend to be the seams or the membrane in general. The seams are responsible for connecting the membrane sheets to each other and keeps any water or debris from getting under the roof. When the seams begin to come apart it leaves the roof open to the elements and can lead to more serious damage if not addressed. The membrane itself can also take on damage over time with the same effects. Any reputable roofer with experience in commercial roofing can spot these red flags and provide repair options for you.
Restoring Commercial Roofs
Restoring a roof is an option that not many business owners know exists. Restoring a roof is a good option for those with roofs that are already pretty damaged and are considering a full replacement. Restoring a roof is a much cheaper option than a replacement, and it can even increase your warranty back to normal or be much better than its current state. Restorations allow you to get more time out of your roof as it increases its lifespan.
For some people, a restoration is a great option and for others, that may not be the case. All roofs are different and require different methods of care and treatment. It is important to mention that not all roofs are able to be restored. Sometimes the damage is too much and a replacement is the only option. To know if a restoration is an option for you we suggest having a reputable roofer perform an inspection and they will go over your options with you.
Wrapping it up
Commercial roofs require routine inspections and a certain amount of maintenance just like every roof does. No matter how well-maintained your roof is, some type of damage is likely to occur at some point. How quickly you act on addressing the damage is what matters and could be the difference between a repair and an expensive replacement.
Not all roofs are the same and what works for some may not work for others. Always consult with a reputable professional roofing company prior to making any drastic decisions for your roof. We hope that you have a better understanding of what the difference is between repairing and restoring a roof.
We are here to help!
At Liberty Roofworks we understand just how important a roof is to a business and what a serious investment it is. With over 20 years of professional roofing experience under our belts, this family-owned and operated business is equipped to handle any roofing needs, big or small. We offer both commercial and residential roofing services of all types and are always looking for new projects to take on.
Professionalism is key and we only hire the best of the best. All of our roofers are professionally trained, licensed, and insured. With us, your roof is always in good hands. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority which is why we work hard to keep our clients informed and up to date on the construction process throughout. We are also more than happy to answer any questions you may have at any point in the roofing process.
Are you in need of commercial roofing services? Whether you need a repair, replacement, or restoration, we got you covered! Contact us today to schedule an inspection and we will gladly send out one of our roofers to look at your roof as well as go over their findings with you. With us, roofing is easy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Repairing Vs. Restoring Commercial Roofs
We just threw a lot of information about repairs and restorations at you and it’s normal to have some questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we get regarding commercial roof repairs and our answers. If your question is still not answered, please contact us and we will gladly answer it for you directly.
We also have a number of commercial roofing-related articles on our Learning Hub. Check them out to learn more about commercial roofs and how they are installed and maintained.
Q: What maintenance is required for commercial roofs?
A: It is important to have routine roof inspections done ideally twice a year, but more may be needed depending on the weather each year. Aside from that, make sure that your roof is kept clean and free of debris such as dirt, leaves, and branches.
Q: How long do commercial roofs last?
A: A commercial roof on average can last anywhere between 15 and 30 years. This of course depends on how well-maintained your roof is and assumes that no major damage is present.
Q: When should I have my roof replaced or restored?
A: While you can technically have this done at any time, the Fall is the most ideal. During the fall you are less likely to experience extreme weather events which would otherwise delay the roofing process and potentially cause issues.
Q: When can a commercial roof not be restored?
A: One of the most common reasons a commercial roof is not eligible for restoration is because of the insulation. When roof damage goes unnoticed or is neglected for too long, the insulation becomes exposed to the elements such as rain. When the insulation gets too wet, a full replacement is required in order to fix it.
Q: Are roof restorations more eco-friendly than a replacement?
A: Yes, they are! When a roof gets replaced the layers that are torn off get sent to a junkyard and will likely sit around for a long time. With restorations, there is far less to be disposed of and materials are preserved as they are given a longer lifespan.
Q: How long will it take to repair a commercial roof?
A: The amount of time it will take to repair a commercial roof depends on a few things such as the weather and how much damage there is. In most cases a roof can be repaired in a day or two, however, sometimes it can take a few days depending on how severe the damage is.
Q: Should I restore my roof if given the option?
A: It’s never a bad idea to go with the restoration option as opposed to a replacement. Restoring a roof will fix your warranty, increase the lifespan of your roof, and save you some money. However, if you want to just get the roof replacement process over with, then skipping the restoration may be best. It really comes down to what works best for you and your current situation.