Roofs are a big investment. Keeping your property maintained is important not only for you, but also for the people and property that call your complex their home.
If you think it might be time to replace or repair your roof, make sure you examine these considerations to help you save time and money on your project.
Do You Need to Fully Replace Your Commercial Roof?
While it’s true all roofs have a lifespan, if you’ve regularly maintained your property, you may be able to squeeze a few extra years out of your roof.
The flipside is also true: if you haven’t been paying as close attention to your property as you should, your roof may not last as long as it is supposed to. This may be the case even if your roof is under warranty.
The lifespan of your roof can be shortened by poor installation practices. If your contractors of your initial installation cut corners, or if they did not follow specifications as indicated by the manufacturer, your roof may need to be repaired or replaced sooner than you anticipated. Having your roof inspected by an expert is the only way to know for sure.
What Damage to Look for on Your Commercial Roof
Despite your best efforts, your roof may still deteriorate ahead of schedule. You and your inspector may look for bald spots or curling shingles, damage from storms and strong winds, and discoloration. These degradations happen most often when lower-quality asphalt shingles are used. These types of shingles are not waterproof. They are specifically designed to move water off the roof, not hold water.
Once shingles are damaged from water, degradation will speed up as the sun’s UV rays wreck havoc on the exposed areas. Organisms growing on your roof such as algae, lichen, or moss, can also deteriorate your shingles.
Repair vs. Replace Your Multifamily Complex
If you’ve spent thousands of dollars on repairs on your complex’s walls, ceilings, and cabinets from leaks, it might be time to consider a roof replacement. Compare the repair costs on a yearly basis to the cost of investing in a roof that doesn’t leak.
Another area to inspect is your heating bills. If your electric usage is increasing despite normal usage of your HVAC system, your roofing could be causing the problem.
If finances prevent you from replacing your entire roof at once, consider re-roofing your property in phases. You can prioritize the problem areas and prevent further damage while maintaining the portions of the roof that are still in good condition.
Add Curb Appeal to Your Complex By Re-roofing
Even if your roof is still in good condition, you may want to seek out repairs to refresh the look of your complex. A new roof will increase its curb appeal and entice new tenants to your property.
When your roof is fading or does not match the overall look of the complex, a roof upgrade can change the appearance dramatically. Consider replacing or upgrading the roofs when you are already considering other renovations such as paint, repaving the parking lot, or landscaping.
No matter your choice, make sure to keep your roofs in good condition for as long as possible by making sure they are installed by a quality contractor and regularly inspected to avoid surprises. Keeping detailed notes about your repairs will help your contractor give you the best options for your property when it’s time to consider a re-roofing job.