Your building’s roof is the first line of defense against harsh weather. But over time, it can experience wear and tear from the elements, foot traffic, and debris. Repairing your commercial roof as soon as possible is crucial to protecting your building and preventing leaks.
Here, we help you understand the common issues that commercial roofing materials experience and essential tips and guidance for fixing them. We’ll also look at the cost factors influencing repairs and cost-effective maintenance tips to help you keep your system in tip-top shape.
Common Commercial Roof Issues
If you’re a building owner, knowing common roof issues and how to address them can save you time and money. Here are a few of the most common roof repairs commercial businesses face:
Roof Leaks
Typically, roofing problems start with leaks. These can happen due to:
- Damaged flashing or seals
- Tears, punctures, or holes
- Poor drainage or clogged gutters
These issues might seem small at first but can quickly escalate into significant water damage (and resulting costs) if not fixed promptly. Regular commercial roof inspections with an experienced roofer are vital in identifying leaks early on.
Ponding Water
Some ponding water on flat roofs is normal. However, large areas of deep ponding water that don’t drain can put unnecessary stress and weight on your business’s roof, leading to tears and leaks. Poor drainage, an improperly installed roof, or an uneven roof can all cause ponding water.
Blistering or Shrinking
Roof membranes can be subject to damage, such as blistering or shrinking, that can impact a roof’s performance. Blistering can appear as bubbles or air pockets on a roof membrane and indicate moisture trapped beneath the roof. Shrinking can happen from UV damage and cause the material to detach and expose areas of your roof.
Click to Tweet
Factors Affecting Commercial Roof Repair Costs
The cost of commercial roof repairs can vary significantly, depending on several key factors, including:
- Age of the roof. An older roofing system may require more extensive repairs; in some cases, a roof replacement may make more sense.
- The extent of the damage. Minor leaks require less work and materials than large-scale water or weather damage.
- Size of the roofing system. Larger roofs are more likely to experience damage due to the sheer amount of square footage than smaller systems.
- Type of roofing material. Some materials may be cheaper than others to repair. For instance, modified bitumen is generally more affordable to fix than PVC.
Your commercial roofing contractor will give you a detailed estimate for the cost of repairing your roof during your consultation.
Click to Tweet
Cost-Effective Tips for Repairing and Maintaining Your Commercial Roof
Even the highest quality commercial roofing material and the best installation don’t make your business’s roof immune to damage.
As such, it’s essential to repair your roof as needed and conduct proper maintenance throughout its life to save money and prevent a premature roof replacement.
Below are our top money-saving tips for extending the life of your roof, keeping repairs to a minimum, and reducing maintenance expenses.
Don’t Wait to Repair Your Roof
Waiting to repair your commercial roof can cause problems to worsen, leading to significant interior and exterior damage that takes time and money to fix. If you believe your roof has sustained damage or is overdue for an inspection, don’t wait–contact a commercial roofer to have any issues addressed and repaired as soon as possible.
Get Regular Roof Inspections
Routine roof inspections can prevent minor problems from becoming major headaches, especially if you have a large commercial or industrial roof. You should have your roof inspected at least once a year and preferably twice a year to identify damage and get repairs as needed to protect your system.
Consider a Roof Coating
If you have an older roof that’s otherwise in good shape, a roof coating can help reduce maintenance and repairs and extend the life of your roof by up to a decade. Rubber roof coatings add a weather-proof layer of protection over your existing system and can prolong a roof replacement, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses.
Work With a Commercial Roofer
Unless you are a professional roofer, DIY roof maintenance or repairs is not a good idea. Doing so can end up causing more damage and costing you more money down the line. Instead, work with an experienced commercial roofing contractor. Our team at CDS Roofing has decades of experience to efficiently and promptly handle repairs on commercial and industrial roofs.
Click to Tweet
FAQs About Commercial Roof Repair
What is the most common repair for a commercial roof?
Roof leaks are one of the most common repairs for commercial roofing systems. Leaks typically start small but can quickly escalate into a major problem.
What is the life expectancy of a commercial roof?
The lifespan of a commercial roof varies based on the materials used, the quality of the installation, and the maintenance performed over a roof’s life. Typically, life expectancy ranges between 20-30 years for commercial roofs. Regular maintenance and roof coatings can extend the life of your roof.
What is the best roof for a commercial building?
There’s no one-size-fits-all material for commercial roofs. The best material for your building will depend on your business, location, and roof structure. Common materials include single-ply membranes such as EPDM, TPO, or PVC and asphalt-based options such as modified bitumen or built-up roofing. Green roofing is also a popular and long-lasting eco-friendly solution.
Don’t Put Off Commercial Roof Repair
Your building is an investment. Treat it like one by not putting off important repairs and maintenance. Contact CDS Roofing today to schedule commercial roof repair or maintenance with our expert team and prolong the life of your roof! Discover the essentials of commercial roof repair, from choosing roofing systems to identifying common issues and cost-saving tips. Read on for expert advice.
