Commercial Roof Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Commercial roofs are made to last, and depending on the circumstances, you could have the same roof for decades. But they don’t last forever. Eventually, you’ll need repairs and replacements. But how do you know when a commercial roof replacement is necessary or when standard repairs will suffice?

Read on for more about the factors that contribute to a commercial roof repair or a replacement and learn which is the right choice for you.

Why a Roof Repair vs. a Replacement Matters

It’s easy to neglect the significance of performing roof repairs vs. replacements when you’re unfamiliar with roofing, but there’s a significant reason the difference matters: the cost.

When considering a roof repair vs. a replacement, replacing a commercial roof is typically more expensive than simply performing repairs. However, it’s not always that simple.

If your commercial building only requires simple repairs from time to time, those repairs would undoubtedly be the favorable option. On the flip side, it also makes sense to replace your roof once it nears its projected lifespan. But what about the gray area? What if your roof is only a few years old and is severely damaged in a storm or if you’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars repairing a roof that was only worth half the cost?

The correct answer isn’t always the most apparent, and there are many variables to consider when making the decision.

Determining Factors for a Roof Repair vs. a Replacement

Consider these details when deciding between a roof repair vs. a replacement:

Condition

One of the most crucial determining factors when choosing between a roof repair vs. a replacement is its current condition. The extent of the damage plays a large part in the decision. For example, it doesn’t matter if your roof is only a year old if a tornado happens to tear most of it apart. When the damage is severe, it would be in your best interest to simply replace the roof, both from a cost and time perspective.

Things to watch for include:

Missing granules or shingles
Cracked material
Dented roofing components
Warped materials
Growing mold
Puncture spots
Other structural damage

Age

In most cases, replacing an aging roof would be more beneficial than attempting to repair it. The lifespan of a commercial roof varies depending on the materials used, ranging anywhere from 10 to 50 years with regular commercial roof maintenance.

That being said, most roofs tend to get replaced before they reach that point to avoid costly repairs, constant leaking, and more. If your roof is estimated to last for 20 years and after 16 years requires minor to moderate repairs, it might be more appropriate to replace the entire system rather than waste time and money on a roof that will need replacing soon anyway.

Price

Cost is another crucial factor when comparing a roof repair vs. a replacement. Nobody wants to pay more than needed, but making continuous roof repairs could nickel-and-dime you until the total cost equals what a new roof would have been.

The damage to your wallet shouldn’t be worse than the damage to your roof. Consider the cost of repairing and replacing your roof: if the cost of repairs is over half the price of a replacement anyway, the decision should be easy.

Location

Where your building is located can also govern a roof repair vs a replacement. If you reside where violent storms—such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and hail—are frequent, commercial roof repair can turn into a balancing act. On the one hand, performing constant maintenance can be taxing and tedious. On the other, you cannot replace an entire roof after every storm unless the damages are drastic.

The best course of action would be to utilize regular repairs as needed while acknowledging that commercial roof replacements may occur more frequently than average. Another option is upgrading your standard roofing to one that is more durable.

Commercial roof repairs are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean they have to occur often. If you’re located in a region that’s prone to storms and are tired of paying for repairs, think about switching over to commercial metal roofing. It’s more durable, lasts longer, and is aesthetically unique!

Commercial Metal Roofing

Why Commercial Roof Replacement Might Be Best

By taking in all the factors—including your roof’s age, condition, geographical location, and repair costs—you can come to the most beneficial conclusion for your roofing needs. In cases where you have a newer roof that only requires minor, affordable repairs, mending your existing roof is the logical choice.

However, a replacement might be in order if your roof is over five years old and circumstances require moderate to major repairs. Doing so will ensure you’re starting fresh with a brand-new roof. Plus, a commercial roof replacement is preferable over making costly repairs that equal or exceed the price of a new roof. The type of materials used will also determine how often to replace a roof, so swapping out a damaged roof for one with greater longevity could prove helpful.

When in doubt, a roof replacement always provides the best protection.

Image of a worker using a drill to install a new metal roof.

Let Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction Replace Your Roof

No matter how well-kept your roof is, it will eventually need repairs. You can keep this up for years, but at what cost? Repairs add up, and at a certain point, you may wish you’d have simply replaced the roof altogether to cut back on expenses. If you’re at this stage now, let Energy Efficient Roofing and Construction have a look.

As a roofing and construction specialist, we have provided commercial roof repairs and replacements for our customers since 2009. Years of experience have made us masters of our craft, and the next time you require a commercial roof replacement, we’d be happy to prove it.

Commercial Roof Repair vs. Replacement: Which Do You Need?

Why a Roof Repair vs. a Replacement Matters

Determining Factors for a Roof Repair vs. a Replacement

Condition

Age

Price

Location

Why Commercial Roof Replacement Might Be Best

Let Energy Efficient Roofing & Construction Replace Your Roof

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