Getting a new commercial roof can be a monumental decision when considering the cost and inconvenience that go into roof replacement. Unfortunately, many building owners are told they need a completely new roof when it may be entirely possible to instead save your roof. This is one of the main reasons why it is critical to choose a trusted and reputable roofing company comprised of professional experts with years of experience. In order to trust the information you are given, you need to be able to trust the source.
A New Roof Is Not Always the Right Answer
If you seek help from a roofing company who immediately comes back with a recommendation for a new roof because of a minor imperfection or insufficient photo evidence, consider it a giant red flag.
Roofs are designed to protect a building by standing up to all kind of environmental elements such as severe weather, intense heat, heavy rains, and more, but because it works hard, a roof may require a few 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 in a similar way. Do not 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 when Mother Nature can do the unthinkable and a new roof might be needed, much 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
There are some problems that can make saving a roof more difficult, therefore the existing roof must have issues that do not disqualify it from receiving a renovation. An inspection should make it clear as to 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, and an ongoing one, is to schedule regular maintenance through to prevent any small problems from becoming large and expensive issues that could end up 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.
As part of the inspection process, a reputable roofing company will rely on multiple resources in order to determine the current state of the existing roof. These technologies are typically designed to detect moisture in the roof as this is often the most common source of roofing problems:
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
Despite moisture in a roofing system not being good, 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 closer to 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 provider you choose also offers skylight renovations, pressure washing, wall repairs, concrete renovations and waterproofing below grade.
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.
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