Should you repair or replace your commercial roof?

Roofs in Northern Virginia don’t have an easy job—they have to keep buildings protected from all kinds of weather. This means a lot of sunshine, heat, and humidity in the summer and keeping out all kinds of rain, hail, snow and wind in the winter.

No roof can stand up to everything, so it’s not uncommon for all kinds of roofs to end up with damage after weather like storms, especially if your commercial roof is getting old. In fact, even well-installed and maintained rooftops with high-quality materials must be replaced every 20-50 years.

When you do notice damage to your commercial roof, you might wonder how big of a problem you’re facing and whether roof repair or replacement is the answer. In many cases, it’s possible to have a roof restoration vs. replacement vs. repair debate. In others, the damage is severe enough that a new roof is necessary to protect your building and the assets inside.

Continue reading this guide about roof repairs or replacements and let Elevated Contracting show you when to repair or replace a roof.

Common Kinds of Commercial Roof Damage That Require Roof Repair or Replacement

Before you can determine whether a roof repair or replacement is the way to go, you’ll want to know what kinds of damage to look for. It never hurts to do regular roof inspections or to have a roofing expert do routine maintenance.

Some common types of damage include:

Leaky roofs: Look out for signs of water damage, water leaking into the building, and mold on the ceiling.
Shingle or tile damage: This kind of damage includes breaks, blistering, and missing tiles or shingles.
Pooling water: For flat commercial roofs, water may pool after a storm or if the roof was installed incorrectly.

It’s crucial to check your roof for signs of damage after a big storm, as there’s a chance the weather could cause significant issues. A local, trusted contractor can provide valuable insights to help you decide when to repair or replace your roof.

Deciding between roof repairs and replacement often comes down to understanding the cause of an issue. Learn more about what signs indicate you need commercial roof repairs.

See Common Signs

How To Determine When To Repair or Replace a Roof

When you notice damage to your commercial roof, you’ll want to review a few questions to help determine if the roof can be repaired or requires a replacement.

Overall, the best way to assess the extent of the damage and potential impact is to call a contractor for an inspection. They specialize in roof repair and replacement, giving them a better idea of the potential risks.

Still, you can consider the following five questions to help you decide the best route for your roof.

1. How Much Damage Is There?

Because of the differences in cost and scope in the two services, most building owners wonder if a roof can be repaired instead of replaced. The first step in making that decision is to look at the extent of the damage. Generally, smaller things like a few broken tiles or a small leak can be repaired with little trouble. However, as the problems become more complex, roof repair or replacement decisions often come down to which provides more long-term value. For significant damage like wet insulation, rotten decking, or sagging, a replacement is the only appropriate solution. If the roof is damaged in many areas, it’s more cost effective to replace the entire system rather than paying for continuous, ineffective repairs.

2. Where Is the Damage?

Suppose the roof damage is more localized or above an area people don’t usually occupy. In that case, you may not need to worry as much. However, if the roof is leaking or damaged somewhere above where people usually are, you’ll want to get it completely fixed. Also, you have to consider whether the damage is likely to spread or lead to any safety concerns.

3. How Will Business Be Impacted?

Repairs on commercial buildings often mean interruptions of normal company operations, so you’ll want to see what the most effective and efficient way to have the roof fixed is. Roof repairs are generally faster, but if you end up needing constant repairs on an old or damaged roof, it won’t be worth it in the long run. In this case, a roof replacement is probably the better bet.

4. What Is the Overall Cost?

The associated cost of roof repairs or replacements is a big factor in most cases. The overall cost of roof repairs or replacements are determined by a number of factors, including square footage, materials, and if the existing system needs to be removed. For many commercial buildings, you may be able to file an insurance claim to cover the cost of things like repairing storm damage. While it might be cheaper to go with roof repair, you have to consider costs over time. If a roof replacement provides better protection and stops ongoing issues, it may be worth a higher upfront cost.

5. Are There Potential Safety Risks?

While this point might be last on the list, it’s one of the most important considerations. If the roof is damaged, you’ll want to know it’s in good enough condition to keep people in the building safe. Generally, most roofs won’t be too far gone after minor storms or some wear and tear. However, the roof could be a safety risk after extreme weather or near the end of its lifespan. If it’s not safe to make a couple of repairs, you’ll need to get the roof replaced. While this might take more time and money, it’s a necessary upgrade in these cases.

Can Your Roof Be Repaired Instead of Replaced? Contact Elevated Contracting To Find Out

If you need help with a commercial roof issue in Northern Virginia, Elevated Contracting is on call and ready to assist. We understand the impact of NOVA’s weather on area roofs, and we want to keep yours in good condition. We can help you determine whether the damage warrants roof repairs or replacement and even consult with you in the decision-making process for roof restoration vs. replacement.

Not sure if your commercial roof needs to be repaired or replaced?
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