As the owner of a commercial building, you understand that it is important to maintain your property as best as possible. That includes your commercial roofing. While it is designed to last for decades, time and weather take their toll, and at some point, it will need replacement or at least repairs. There are some indicators of when you will need to contact a commercial roofing company.
When to contact a commercial roofing company.
- No drainage
- Damaged flashing, membranes
- Leaks, water stains
- Age
- Rising energy costs
Determining if you should replace or repair your commercial roof.
You need to consider a few things to determine if you need a roof repair or roof replacement.
How old is it?
To begin with, you should check your records to see how old your roof is. If it is more than 20 years old, it is nearing its maximum. If it has not been touched in a while, you will need a thorough inspection and at least some repairs.
How damaged is it?
Next, you need to determine the extent of any current damage. If the damage is only in a single area, it should be able to be repaired relatively easily. The rule of thumb is if 25% or more of the roof is damaged, the insulation is failing, or you have had previous repairs that are not holding, it will be a better idea to have the entire roof replaced.
Where is the damage?
It is not just the extent of the damage but where it is located. If it is over a critical area, you will need to consider the personnel and assets you have that are housed below the damaged area. It may be worth considering upgrading the roof to provide more excellent protection.
Will the replacement require shutting down?
There will never be a good time to relocate or shut down in order to have the repairs or replacement handled. You simply need to find the best time with the least amount of disruption.
Do you think there is asbestos in the building?
If it is an older building, asbestos could be a concern. If so, you need to have the roof inspected and the asbestos professionally and responsibly removed.
Making a decision.
Once you have determined that the roof is damaged, you need to decide the course of action:
Repair
If it is relatively new and the balance is in good condition, the most cost-effective remedy is a repair. If you consider putting the property up for sale in the near future, then this is the best way to go.
Re-cover
It is possible to recover a damaged membrane without a complete roof replacement. However, this can only be done once in the roof’s lifetime.
Coating
It may be possible to have a new coating applied to extend the current roof’s life. This will provide extra protection from leaks and reduce heat loss and reflection of UV rays.
Replacement
If it is too old, the damage is too significant, or the repairs won’t hold any longer, a complete roof replacement is the only choice.
Not sure what to do? Contact McKay Roofing!
If you are unsure whether you need repair or replacement or what kind of roof you should get, we can help. We offer free consultations to assess your needs and give you options. At McKay Roofing, we understand that your roof is one of the most important parts of your business. That is why we offer a range of commercial roofing services to meet the specific needs of your business, including roofing repair, roof replacement, roof maintenance, metal roofing, flat roofing, shingle roofing and much more. Whatever your commercial roofing needs, we have you covered.
