What’s the best type of roof for your business? It depends, do you need a cheap roof you can install right away, a super-durable roof that will last for a lifetime, or are you looking for the lowest long-term cost? Let’s dive into it.
We've all heard the story of the 3 little pigs and the big bad wolf, so let me ask you this...
When you're planning a new build, do you use whatever's the cheapest and easiest material, or do you want the most durable, longest lasting solution?
No matter what your answer is, there's a material and a roofing style that matches it - there are no wrong answers, it's your roof. To help you find the right materials and style to match your business, and your budget, I spoke with some experts from Apex Restoration & Roofing in Colorado.
Here's the short version, in case you're not interested in reading the whole article - if you need a fast, cheap, and effective solution, PVC is great. However, it won't last the test of time, and will cost more to replace and repair than a more durable metal roof, over a long enough period of time.
My suggestion though, is to not pick a style or material from this information alone. Instead, contact a local expert and have them take a look. There could be a better option based on your location, building, and local climate - and they'll have all the answers.
You likely already know, there are many popular styles of commercial roofing available today, but I'm only focusing on two of the most common. They offer the best, in my opinion, from either side of the spectrum.
While one is a more affordable option, in the short-term at least, it's easy, long-lasting, and looks great. The other is much, much more durable than most roofs, as well as being eco-friendly, and they can both be made to last even longer with basic maintenance.
If you want all the specifics of how they compare, you can find the charts and facts I'm referring to on the Apex Restoration & Roofing website. They also have handy guides for most other popular materials, and even explain how to make insurance claims.
When it comes to the cost, as we've discussed, the exact amounts will really depend on your business, how large your roof is, and several other factors. I can tell you this much for certain though - it will cost a lot less to install a PVC roof than a metal roof, but you'll have to do it again, probably twice, before you'll ever replace the metal.
That's because while a PVC roof can last for 20, or maybe 30 years with regular maintenance, it's hard to beat metal sheeting when it comes to durability. With a bit of care, and twice yearly inspections, these metal roofs can easily last for 70 years. That's basically a lifetime.
If you haven't already decided on a roofing type, let me suggest a way to make it easy - just ask an expert.
Seriously, who would know better? They can walk you through all the important factors, some of which could even be unique to your business. For example, where is your building located, and what is the climate like?
The ideal solution for someone in an area with frequent flash floods, for example, will be a lot different from someone in an area that gets frequent hail storms. Getting the right type of roof for your environment is absolutely essential, if you want it to last longer and cost less.
If you want to read it for yourself, you can find all the details about what works best for what climate on the Apex website, because they have detailed guides about all things roofing. Whether you're looking to do some minor maintenance yourself, make an insurance claim, or plan a new roof - they probably explain how to do it, without breaking the budget.
No matter what type of roofing you've got, or where you're located, there's one thing that always holds true. It's easier, and more cost effective, to fix the smallest problems as they develop, instead of waiting for your whole roof to need replacing.
The experts recommend that every commercial roof, even the new ones, should be inspected at least twice a year by a professional. If there are any tiny leaks, seam gaps, or wind damage, they'll find it and fix it, before it can grow into a serious issue.
After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure... and it costs a whole lot less, too.
A blurb I stole from the Apex website explains that you should, "Think about the local climate, the type of building, and the long-term costs. PVC is a cheaper option at first and does well in wet conditions, while metal roofing lasts a long time, is energy efficient, and is durable. At Apex, we can help you choose the best roofing system for your commercial property."
There is no one-size-fits-all solution that's always best, but if you talk to an expert, such as Apex Restoration & Roofing, you can always get the solution that fits best for you.
