Roofers have a tough job. They work at heights, carrying heavy shingles and nailing them to the roof's surface. In addition to working hard, roofers are also very knowledgeable. They can recommend the best roofing material to fit your budget and preferences, and they can make repairs, as needed, to ensure your roof continues to keep your home safe. There's a lot to learn about roofing. We are not professionals, but we consider ourselves to be well-informed, and we share the information we know on this website. As you read, you will learn more about roofing as a profession, and you may also pick up some roofing tips you can use on your own home.
Does the roof of your business need to be replaced or will a repair be sufficient to fix the problem? It's a question that many business owners have had to grapple with because the solution may be very expensive depending on the answer. Here are four factors to consider when determining which course of action to take.
Age
One of the biggest factors in determining if you need a new roof or if you can repair the existing roof is how long it's been up there. The age of the roof is easily the most important determining factor because if the roof is at the end of its lifespan, repairing it may just cause you to sink more money into a roof that will need to be replaced very soon. That's money wasted.
Roof Type
Another important factor is the type of roofing material you're working with. A material like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer or EPDM, a synthetic rubber, is easily repaired using patches. The same is true with thermoplastic polyolefin, also known as TPO. It can be easily repaired with patching material and heat welding. But other commercial roofing materials like PVC won't accept adhesive patches and are therefore more difficult to repair. An experienced roofer can help you determine how easily your roof can be repaired.
The Extent of Damage vs. Urgency
Determining the extent of the damage to the roof is obviously important but the damage also needs to be weighed with how urgent the need to repair is. Small damage can lead to big problems and maybe roof replacement later. But if you don't have the budget to fix it now, some types of minor damage can be left for a few days or weeks and then repaired when the money is available. With more major damage, the urgency may be greater. Of course, the extent of the damage should be determined by a qualified and experienced commercial roofing expert before determining whether to move forward with repairs or replacement.
Climate
Another important determining factor is the climate in the area where your business is located. If you live in a hot and dry climate, repairs to problems with water penetration can be enough to keep the moisture out and the roof viable. In wet climates with frequent rainfall and humidity, water penetration can cause much more damage and minor repairs may not be enough to keep the moisture out. Your roofer can help you determine whether repair or replacement is the right choice considering your climate.
For more information on commercial roof repair, contact a professional near you.