Getting a new roof installed on your commercial property is a big financial investment, and it’s one you shouldn’t take lightly. While your roof is an important part of your building, you don’t want to replace it on a whim. You need to make sure you’re choosing the right roofing system for your building and that you’re getting a roof made with quality materials.
Your best bet is always to hire a local, reputable roofing company. They’ll have the expertise required to know what roofing system is best for your situation and will explain all of your options that fit within your budget.
If you’ve been on the fence about getting a new roof, here are the best reasons to get an estimate and get the ball rolling.
Your roof was installed wrong
A roof installed incorrectly is likely going to cause more than just minor problems. For instance, some DIYers roof over the flashing, not knowing its purpose. This mistake is a disaster waiting to happen. Other serious mistakes can range from driving nails sideways, using the wrong nails, layering shingles, using the wrong materials, not meeting building codes, and more.
An incorrectly installed roof can cost you more than just water damage and expensive repairs. It might negatively impact your insurance coverage, too.
You’re constantly performing repairs
Repairs are going to come up periodically, but they shouldn’t be perpetual. If you’re always repairing some part of your roof, that’s a good sign that you need a new one.
Small issues that require multiple repairs is also a sign that your roof is failing. For example, if you keep replacing shingles that get torn off in the wind, you probably have old or poor quality shingles. The wind can be ruthless, and this is a sign that it’s time to upgrade your roof.
You’ve been patching a larger problem
Patching minor problems over and over is never the right solution and can cost you far more in the long run. For instance, if you have a small leak and only patch it from the inside of the building, the water is still getting into your ceiling and accumulating. The only true fix is to eliminate the cause from the outside.
Your roof is made from poor quality materials
In every industry, there are a variety of materials available to use, and roofing is no exception. Many people opt for what’s most affordable; however, going with the cheapest option for your roof is a quick way to invite damage. Professional roofers know what materials will last the longest and which brands are the best. A reputable roofer won’t recommend poor quality materials, like 3-tab shingles.
You’ve got multiple slow leaks
If your roof is full of multiple leaks, no matter how small, that’s a sign that something big is going on up top. Typically, it’s normal for a roof to leak once in a while as the weather takes its toll over time. You can’t avoid all leaks forever. However, several leaks in various areas of a commercial building is a sign of a failing roof.
Starting out with a great roof and maintaining it properly will give you far more time until you start needing repairs, and if it’s done right, you shouldn’t see multiple leaks.
The previous owner installed hardware wrong
If you bought a commercial building with anything installed on the roof, like a satellite dish, it might have been installed improperly. For example, metal roofs are particularly prone to leaks around screws, and screws are commonly used to mount satellite hardware.
Your roof isn’t waterproofed
Waterproofing a roof with a special membrane is par for the course in many areas, but not everyone opts for this service. If you or the previous owner skipped waterproofing, your roof is at risk. At the very least, get a roof inspection and ask about waterproofing services.
Your roof was waterproofed over the wrong material
The waterproof membrane applied to your commercial roof might be chemically incompatible, which can cause various interactions that interfere with the membrane’s ability to deflect UV rays and heat. In some cases, the chemical reaction can disintegrate the waterproof membrane.
If you live in an area that gets plenty of rain or snow, you can’t afford to have a compromised waterproof membrane. If this is what’s going on, you need a new roofing system with the proper waterproofing.
A new roof is a solid investment
Although patching issues seems cheaper, getting a new roof for your commercial building is the only way to avoid the high cost of extensive damage. It’s truly the best way to protect your investment.
