Commercial property owners or managers have many items to keep track of, but the condition of the building’s roof is one of the most important. The roof is the barrier between external elements and tenants, visitors, resources, and equipment. The roof protects assets and mitigates temperature. In fact, ensuring that a commercial roof is properly maintained is an annual priority.
The life of the typical commercial roof can stretch to 25 years, but damage to the structure can compel action at any point in its useful lifespan. If you are responsible for the roof at your commercial building, how can you determine if roof repair will be sufficient – or if the roof must be completely replaced?

Often, property owners think that this decision comes down to cost, but there are many factors that come into play when determining if a roof needs repair or replacement.

Factors Affecting the Decision to Replace a Roof

Below are some basic rules to follow when making the decision to repair or replace. Remember, roof coatings provide additional options when a roof replacement is necessary. Your best first step is always to consult with a professional roofing contractor.

Extent of the Damage: If the damage to your commercial or industrial roof is confined to a specific area that can be repaired easily, the decision should be easy. If most of the roof is still sound and the insulation is adequate, a repair should also be sufficient. As long as the roof can be repaired, the property manager will save money, avoid prolonged disruptions, and may be able to extend the roof’s lifespan. If the damage is extensive, the insulation is wet or ineffective; or if previous repairs have failed, a full replacement may be required.
Location of the Damage: A commercial or industrial property is typically extensive, and the roof may cover many areas, from office space to warehouse or storage space. It is likely more critical to replace roofing over expensive equipment or tenant offices than over an area for storing garbage. Those responsible for the condition of the building may be able to repair the roof if they are less concerned with what lies underneath.Don’t Forget to Ask: Roof coatings can significantly extend the life of a roof that does not require replacement. Be sure to ask about the potential for cost-effective, high-performing roof coatings before making your decision.
Ownership Plans: If the owner of a property plans on keeping the building long-term, they may be motivated to spend more money and upgrade the roofing to the latest standards. However, an owner who is thinking of selling may wish to repair the roof to code and buy themselves an additional few years without needing a full replacement.Did You Know? In some cases, roof coatings can help to extend the life of your commercial roof for decades.

Recovering or Coating Options

When it comes to dealing with a damaged roof, you have many options. When an industrial roof requires more than a basic repair, and the insulation is still serviceable, the most feasible solution may be a recover. When the commercial property owner wants to extend the life of the roof while benefitting from improved leak and heat protection, a cost-effective coating solution makes sense. With several options to consider, property owners or managers should insist on working with an experienced and qualified commercial roofing contractor.

Unicoat Industrial Roofing will inspect your roof and explain each of your options based on the factors in play. No roof repair solution is one size fits all, and we are here to help you make the best choice. Come see why thousands of clients across multiple states have chosen Unicoat.