A New Roof Is Not Always the Right Answer
Though there are issues that make it pivotal to get a new roof, you should be careful of any company that immediately recommends a full replacement for minor imperfections. A detailed inspection is an important part of determining whether to replace or repair a roof.
Roofs are designed to protect a building by standing up to environmental elements such as severe weather, intense heat, heavy rains, and more, but because it works hard, a roof requires minor repairs from time to time. It is worth noting that needing a minor repair is NOT a sign that a commercial building automatically needs a new roof.
It might help to think of it this way. You are headed to work one morning when you get a flat tire. The repair shop says it is a small leak they can fix for under thirty dollars OR you can buy a new tire for three hundred dollars or more. Both methods essentially fix your problem—a non-functioning tire. But if the leak can be easily repaired, why buy a whole new and expensive tire that could get punctured on your way home that same evening? Roofing works similarly. Don’t let an unscrupulous roofing company charge you for a complete roof replacement when they can instead make a few minor repairs and effectively save your roof.
How to Save Your Roof
While there are times a new roof might be needed, most of the time a professional roofing company can save your roof. There are four phases in evaluating and saving a roof:
1. Inspection
This involves a thorough examination of the existing roof to identify any problem areas that need to be addressed such as leaks, cracks, bubbling, or moisture buildup.
2. Qualification
Some problems can make saving a roof more complex, therefore the existing roof must have issues that do not disqualify it from receiving a renovation. An inspection will clarify whether a roof qualifies for a fluid-applied renovation.
3. Application
Once a roof has been inspected and qualifies for renovation, the next step is to talk about any modifications needed in the system or application. Some considerations for this can be cost, warranty, location of the building, climate, and manufacturer reputation.
4. Maintenance
The last step is ongoing: it is vital to schedule regular maintenance to prevent any small problems from becoming expensive issues such as requiring a whole new roof. This type of maintenance can include sealing up minor defects, cleaning out drains and scuppers, and addressing water ponding. SmartCARE is a roof maintenance program that ensures the validity of manufacturer’s warranties by meeting regular maintenance requirements.
Core Samples
One of the best ways to learn about a roofing system’s physical makeup, tensile strength, and moisture content is to take a core sample. Once analyzed by an independent laboratory, this information provides roofing experts with a better idea of the best roof renovation options for the owner.
Infrared Scans
Infrared Thermography can be particularly helpful in finding moisture in a roofing system that then dictates if a roof renovation or overlay is more appropriate.
Tramex
Moisture in a roofing system isn’t ideal, and it can sometimes be difficult to detect, especially on flat or low sloping roofs. In cases like these, Tramex Moisture Scanners can help find the source of a leak and figure out if it is pumping any moisture into the roofing system.
What to Look for in a Roofing Company You Can Trust
It is important for a commercial building owner to find a roofing company they can trust. Some things to consider when choosing a professional roofer are:
- Experience Look for a provider that has decades of combined experience in performing roof renovations that help keep clients on budget.
- Reputation Choose a company that has a stellar reputation within the community and in the industry. Look up reviews of past and current clients and also check to see if the provider is philanthropically connected to the neighborhoods in which they service.
- Access to Modern Technology. Select a roofing company that uses modern technology for moisture detection and other important repair work.
- Scope of Services. In addition to roofing services, ensure the chosen provider offers skylight renovations pressure washing, wall repairs, concrete renovations, and waterproofing below grade. This shows the company has a well-rounded portfolio, and is likely to be familiar with any complications that arise.
If your commercial building is showing signs of roofing issues and leaks, contact a reputable roofing company that will do all they can to help you save your roof.
