If you want to save money on your commercial roof, I can tell you how in two words – Preventative Maintenance. Instead of letting it fall apart, then replacing it, why not fix the damage as it occurs? It will last longer, and cost less.
Did you know that most commercial roofs get replaced every 15 - 20 years, even though most of them could likely last for 30 years if they had proper maintenance?
It's a huge and unnecessary expense, and it's super easy to avoid, just by fixing small problems as they develop. Instead of paying for a full replacement every 15 years, a few inexpensive repairs could maybe double the lifespan of your existing roof.
To get to the bottom of this problem, and make sure I was giving out the right advice, I spoke with an expert from Apex Restoration & Roofing - they're a local team that specializes in catching the earliest signs of damage, and correcting them.
You probably already know that commercial roofs can come in a wide variety of materials and styles, with metal sheeting in particular lasting up to 70 years... but for most materials it's estimated that you'll get 15 years without repairs, around 20 years by just fixing the major problems, or up to 30 years by fixing the small problems, right away.
You can do the math yourself, but let me save you the trouble. That's a massive amount of savings. While inspections and repairs can cost a little, it's a lot more affordable than a full roof replacement.
It doesn't matter what type of roofing you have, the experts from Apex explained that all types of roofs, including TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, and metal sheeting, can benefit from regular inspections and repairs.
From talking to the experts, I've learned that it really depends... for example, is there a lot of severe weather in your area?
If not, then they suggest most business owners should schedule at least two roofing inspections per year to check for the earliest signs of wear and tear, and correct them before the damage can spread. In areas with harsh weather though, extra inspections may be recommended after extreme storms, winds, or hail, to ensure your roof is still fully sealed and undamaged.
This seems like a great idea to me, because if there's any time when I'm concerned about damage to my roof, it's right after a major storm.
Each inspection will cover the entire roofing system, including seams, eavestrough, ventilation and drainage systems, as well as checking nearby hazards such as overhanging tree branches. You'll get a full assessment of your roof's current condition, options for immediate maintenance, and an estimate on how much longer the roof might last.
The best part, though, is that with the repairs done, your roof will last longer. It's far too easy for a small bit of damage to let in a bit of water, or catch the wind and cause a rip.
Getting that fixed up right away means fewer repairs overall, a longer-lasting roof, and less money spent. It's a win-win-win.
If you don't already have an inspection and repair plan in place, I recommend you set one up right away with your local roofing experts.
As the team from Apex explained, "While it might be tempting to delay, waiting can lead to more severe issues and higher costs. If your roof shows signs of significant wear or damage, it’s best to address it sooner rather than later. Delaying can result in water damage, structural issues, and increased repair costs."
It's never too early to plan an inspection, but it can certainly be too late, if you wait too long.
Trust me, it's much better to keep your roof in tip-top shape, rather than replacing it every 15 years.
