At some point in time, you’ll have to deal with the roof over your commercial property or business — and the last thing you want is to spend half your day figuring out what to do rather than assisting your customers and employees.
While the need for a new roof may come as a surprise, there are plenty of warning signs to look out for to avoid any major catastrophes. In this article, we’ll cover everything business property owners should know about commercial roof replacement, including:
- The signs your roof is coming to its end
- Your material options
- How long it takes to replace a roof
- General things to know about commercial flat roofs
Keep reading to learn more about commercial roof repair & replacement!
When to Repair Vs. When to Replace Your Commercial Roof
When there’s an issue with your commercial roof, the first thing you’ll need to determine is whether a simple repair will suffice or if you’ll have to prepare yourself for a complete replacement. The difference between a repair and replacement is potentially thousands of dollars, however, money shouldn’t be the determining factor in whether or not you get the necessary roof replacement your commercial property needs.
The other differences include:
- Small cracks or holes in the roof versus large gaps and material that has deteriorated.
- A young roof versus an old roof — for example, most commercial roofing materials last up to 25 years or more. If your business’s roof is over 22 years old, simple repairs will just end up costing you more money in the long run.
- Blistering versus large drafts that cause the roof’s insulation performance to become poor and less energy efficient
If you’re unsure of your commercial roof’s condition, your best bet is to have a roofing contractor come out and make a proper assessment. From there, they can advise you on what the next best steps should be regarding repairs or a replacement.
Signs Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced
The signs that it’s time for a new roof over your business aren’t always obvious — especially if you never spend any time up there. However, if you notice the following, it’s a sure-fire sign that your roofing contractor will advise you to start planning for a new commercial roof:
The Flashing Is Worn Down
Flashing is the metal strips that line your roof’s perimeter. They’re responsible for preventing water leaks, but things like a lack of maintenance, poor installation, and years of wear and tear from the elements can lead to damage and deterioration — which leads to costly repairs.
When your flashing starts wearing down, you’ll begin to notice the following:
- Cracked or missing shingles
- Corroded metal surfaces around vents or chimneys
- Loose or missing pieces of flashing
Eventually, this will lead to leaks and water damage.
Pools of Water
Pooling water is more common in flat roofing systems, however, if you start to notice that pools of water are gathering and remaining post-rainfall, it’s likely time for a new roof. This is because flat roofs and roofs with high peaks are specifically designed to drain or evaporate water within 48 hours to protect the roof’s surface.
When water begins pooling for longer periods of time, it puts more pressure and weight on your roof. This will eventually cause blistering and buckling, as well as deterioration of your roof’s membrane — and then structural damage and possibly a collapsed roof.
Visible Leaks or Cracks
Water stains are one of the more obvious signs that your commercial roof is nearing its end. Whether it’s a structural leak or a leak caused by a deteriorating membrane, any water spots or drips are a cause for concern.
Stains aren’t your only problem when it comes to cracks and leaks. They allow moisture to accumulate, which leads to musty smells and mold growth, which are considered a health hazard.
Roof Deck Damage
If you ever get the chance to make it up to your roof and notice bubbling, blistering, or cracks, then it’s time to call in the professionals. Roof deck damage is a warning sign that there’s moisture trapped within your commercial roof, which can end up causing structural damage to your entire building.
What Are Your Commercial Roof Material Options?
When it comes to choosing a new roof for your commercial business, the materials will make all the difference in its durability, longevity, and efficiency. The most common types of commercial roofing material include:
- Metal Roofing
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane
- Green Roofing
- Spray-On Silicon
- EPDM Roof Membrane
- Thermoplastic PVC
- TPO Roof Membrane
- Shingle Roofing
Of course, your material options will depend on certain factors, such as whether you have a flat roof or a roof with valleys and peaks.
How Long Does it Take to Replace a Commercial Roof?
Commercial roofing systems take a considerable amount of time to install. On average, it takes up to four weeks to install a commercial roof. However, in some cases, it can take as little as five days.
It all depends on the following factors:
- Type of material
- Square footage
- Height of the commercial roof
- Accessibility
- Complexities
- The weather
Keep in mind that businesses tend to have a larger area compared to the average-sized home. The larger the area, the longer it’ll take, and the more materials will be required. Weather is also a considerable factor since the conditions have to be perfect — as in dry — for the installation to be completed properly.
Your local commercial roofing contractor will walk you through all of the above factors and how they’ll affect your roof replacement timeline as well as its costs.
Who to Call For Your Commercial Roof Replacement
The most important thing to know when it comes to commercial roof replacements is who to call to assess the situation and get the job done. Not all commercial roofers are the same, so it’s essential to choose the company that can best suit your needs using high-quality materials and comes with an excellent reputation.
For all of your high-end commercial roofing needs, your best bet is to call the team at Monarch Roofing. We offer a range of commercial roofing services and products, and we’ll provide you with an accurate and reliable quote after assessing your roof!