As a property owner outside the construction trades, knowing whether restoring vs. replacing a commercial roof is the best way to protect your investment proves challenging. The cost of commercial roof restoration typically doesn’t cost nearly as much as a complete replacement. By that same token, ongoing repairs for an outdated to significantly impacted commercial roof can turn into a money pit. These are things to consider when making a final decision between restoring or replacing a commercial roof.
What is a Commercial Roof Replacement?
Hiring a contractor to perform a commercial roof replacement means the existing one will be completely removed. The outer layer and the underlying materials and insulation will be stripped away. If your commercial roof has been leaking or structural elements have weakened, it may be necessary to remove critical infrastructure. Roofing specialists then rebuild to ensure your commercial roofing system meets current building and fire safety codes.
What is Commercial Roof Restoration?
Commercial roof restoration generally involves redoing the outer surfaces that protect your building and inventory from intense heat, high winds, and water penetrations. The critical difference between restoration and replacement is the former doesn’t call for pulling up all the materials and underlays.
Instead, commercial roofing technicians clean the surface and make necessary repairs. Metal roofs may need to be recoated with waterproofing products. It’s also important to keep in mind that flat roofing systems, including EPDM, PVC, TPO, and built-up roofs, referred to as “BURs,” are excellent restoration candidates. In many cases, property owners can extend the life of an existing roof by upwards of 15 years.
When Should I Choose a Commercial Roof Replacement?
When a roofing system no longer provides high-level protection from the elements or becomes a heating and cooling liability, it’s usually in a business owner’s best interest to have a thorough commercial roof inspection conducted. These are issues that generally call for commercial roof replacement:
- Fire Damage
- Beams and Rafters Suffering Dry Rot
- Sagging Sections
- Water Damage to Infrastructure
The primary reason these and other problems lend themselves to replacement stems from the fact they involve diminished structural integrity. However, lesser roof damage may only call for restoration.
When Should I Choose a Commercial Roof Restoration?
Following a detailed commercial roof inspection, a reputable contractor presents a report highlighting areas of concern. Some require immediate attention, while others can be pre-emptively addressed to avoid future leaks or drafts. These are reasons to consider opting for a commercial roof restoration:
- Rubber roof suffers only minor rips.
- Metal roofing system was dented by hail strikes.
- Cracked or broken shingles require replacement.
It’s also not uncommon for flat roof seams to come unravelled. Fortunately, these and other problems can usually be cured by enlisting the support of a commercial roofing company.
Get Your Commercial Roof in Tip-Top Shape with Davidoff Roofing
At Davidoff Roofing, we conduct comprehensive commercial roof inspections that provide property owners with information to make truly informed decisions. If you have an ageing roof or one that suffered damage, we perform reliable roof replacement and restoration services in Southwestern Ontario. Contact us today for more information, and let’s get the process started.