Installing a new roof is one of the most expensive investments for a business owner. Just one square foot of new roof can cost up to several hundred dollars, so it is critical you don’t just pick a roofing contractor at random — it must be one that is experienced and reputable. To vet a potential contractor properly, there are several essential questions you need to ask every contractor before choosing one to perform this critical service. Read our useful guide to learn what the most important questions to ask your contractor are and, based on the information you gather, how to make a final decision.
What Signs Indicate the Need for a New Roof?
It’s important to accurately gauge if your building needs a new roof. Commercial roofs are designed to endure. However, if you notice water stains along the ceilings and walls, mold, or missing shingles, these cues must be addressed. Indications of roof issues also include worn roof covers, flaws in the roofing seams, bubbles along the roof cover, and gaps in roof flashing. The commercial roof’s age and resulting gradual wear must also be taken into account.
How Long Does A Commercial Roof Last?
The lifetime of a commercial roofing system depends on many factors, from roof type to weather conditions. For example, a spray polyurethane foam roof can last up to 30-50 years, whereas a metal roof can last up to 30-45 years.
How Often Should A Commercial Roof Be Inspected?
We typically recommend quarterly visits but twice a year or even annually may be appropriate for your roof. A quality maintenance program will include a full report with photos and recommendations after each visit so you know what’s going on with your roofing system. The number of visits required may change over time, depending on the age and condition of your roof.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Commercial Roof?
Many factors contribute to the cost of a commercial roofing system, such as roof size, ease of roof access, condition of the existing roof, ease of roof penetration, type of warranty provided, choice of insulation and membrane, etc.
How Do I Know If My Business Needs A New Roof?
Commercial roof systems are designed for periods of 10 to 30 years. Building owners should know when their warranty expires so they can plan ahead of time to replace their roofs. If the warranty information is unknown, a roofing professional can inspect and advise a building owner regarding replacement or repair options.
How Can I Tell When My Roof Is In Need Of Repair Or Replacement?
Leaks are the most obvious sign that a roof is in need of repair or possibly a replacement. However, there are other clues and cues that can indicate that repairs are in order. If the roof changes in appearance in some way from one inspection to the next, a call to a roofer is in order to diagnose the cause. Regular roofing inspections are the key to staying out in front of repairs. In the same way that people visit the doctor for regular checkups in order to spot potential problems early, commercial roofing inspections and regularly scheduled roofing maintenance will help the roof maintain its integrity for as long as possible.
Can A Commercial Roof Be Repaired, Or Does It Need To Be Replaced Entirely?
If you only have one roof on your building that is in good shape, chances are you can save money by installing a new roof without removing the existing roof. Unfortunately, there are instances where a roof tear-off is required:
- Your facility already has two roofs: According to law, commercial buildings may not have more than two roofing layers. This is to prevent excess weight and stress on the structure of the building.
- Your facility has an unsafe roof: If your roof is damaged, saturated, or unstable, your contractor will need to strip the existing roof to install a new working roof.
Are you ready to start on your next big commercial roofing project? Contact our team at Elo Roofing today for a free estimate and see how we can help.
