Knowing Whether To Repair or Replace the Roof

Roof repairs may do the trick for some structures. But if the damage is extensive, it’s safer and wiser to invest in a roof replacement. Learn the difference between roof repair vs roof replacement and choose what’s most appropriate.

Property owners and facility managers have so many responsibilities that roofing issues may fly under the radar until they get worse. If you’re not sure what to do, hire professionals to perform annual inspections on your roof. They’re trained to spot issues and have specific criteria that help them determine whether you need a
repair or replacement.

Letting roof damage spiral out of control can turn minor roof repairs into more expensive fixes. Heavy rain, high winds, and excessive sunlight can wreak havoc on the roof deck. However, these are typical conditions that every roofing contractor has seen and can quickly address. Chances are, repairs will suffice if your roof has:

• ✔
  Minor Leaks
  Roof leaks are common, but the good news is that they can easily be fixed in different ways. It’s more cost-effective to hire professionals to perform leak detection first because it’s sometimes difficult to find the source of leakage. There’s also the possibility that there isn’t a leak at all. Most times, roofers patch or reroof the affected area without too much hassle. Once repairs are complete, be sure to follow up with routine maintenance to nip future issues in the bud.
• ✔
  Natural Wear and Tear
  Think of all the things your roof endures daily: UV rays, impact damage, high humidity, and rainfall are just some of the outdoor elements that wear on your roofing system over time. While roofing materials are designed to endure the elements, they still suffer daily degradation. But that’s no reason to invest in a new roof. After a thorough examination, if roofers confirm your structure has sustained nothing more than natural wear and tear, they’ll go over repair options with you since paying for a replacement won’t be necessary.

If your roofline is sagging, water is pouring into your facility, and utility bills have gone up due to HVAC inefficiency, repairs are out of the question. If roofing contractors conduct an interior and exterior inspection and confirm it’s safer to get a replacement, take their recommendation seriously. Here are a few reasons it may be time to start fresh with a new roof:

• ✔
  It’s Exceeded Its Service Life
  If you’re spending money on repairs month after month, think of all the money you’ve wasted just to have to pay more when it’s time for repairs again. If you’re getting the same issues fixed over and over again, consider the roof’s age. What year was the roof initially installed? On average, commercial roofs last from 20 to 30 years with ongoing maintenance and routine repairs. Instead of spending money on repairs to your old roof every few months, it’s wiser to budget for a replacement and spend money once providing protection and peace of mind for decades.
• ✔
  It Has Significant Impact Damage
  It’s definitely time for a roof replacement if a large tree crashes onto your roof after a severe storm and results in significant structural damage. This is especially important to note for commercial building owners, since it would likely be difficult for business to go on if the roof has caved in. Commercial roofing contractors will develop streamlined plans, remove fallen objects, tear off the remaining roof materials, and give you a fresh start.

Commercial roof replacement may be too much of a budget buster for unsuspecting property owners. However, there’s another option for damage that doesn’t fall on either side of the spectrum but is more in the middle. Roofs that need in-depth repair but are still not bad enough for a replacement may be eligible for restoration.
Roof restoration uses synthetic coating products to fill in cracks and blisters, bringing your commercial roof back to life with a fraction of the cost for replacement. Roof coatings are perfect for a wide range of flat roofing systems, including:

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  EPDM
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  TPO
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  PVC

Before spending too much on building improvements, talk to your roofing company about the possibility of roof restoration, which extends the roof’s lifespan and enhances curb appeal.

Don’t worry about deciding whether you need roof repairs or a replacement. New Image Roofing can answer all your questions and concerns. We’re experienced and work with countless materials that are great for repair or restoration. Speak with our specialists today and schedule a free inspection to get started.