Did you know flat roofs are affordable to build, easy to repair, and cheaper throughout their lifespan than sloped options? Apex Restoration & Roofing (303-691-5035) explains why flat roofs are the go-to solution, and how to get the most durable roof, for the lowest cost.
If you take a look around any city, you'll see that flat roofs are a popular choice for commercial buildings, but why is that? Is it just a fashion trend, or is there a real reason behind this one thing, that almost all commercial buildings have in common?
According to the experts, Apex Restoration & Roofing in Denver, these flat roofs are popular for all the reasons you might expect a business owners to like them! They're cheap to install, require much less building material, and with regular maintenance, they can last for 30 years, or maybe longer. I'll explain a bit more, or you can just ask an expert, at https://apexroofingusa.com/commercial-roofing/
With just the benefits I already listed, in terms of cost, building times, and ease of access for repair, it's easy to see why they're a favorite. However, they also come with several potential issues which must be regularly managed, if you want to get the most out of them.
This isn't something specific to commercial roofs though - any roof, on any building, is going to last a whole lot longer for a lesser cost, if you get the regular inspections, repairs, and replacements as necessary.
Looking back now, at all the money I've spent on roof replacements throughout my life - I can only say that I wish I realized earlier what the cost difference is between always getting early replacements, compared to getting regular inspections and repairs to make the whole roof last longer.
I used Apex Restoration & Roofing to get information for this topic, because they specialize in installation, inspection, and repair, with a focus on maximizing the lifespan of both residential and commercial roofs through regular maintenance and timely repairs. It's what they do best, so who would know better than them?
They explained how long popular commercial roofing types will typically last, what can be done to extend their lifespan, and the most efficient options for replacement, when the time comes.
If I can boil it all down to one, single piece of advice?
Get your roof inspected, by a professional, regularly. Then get the repairs they recommend, and you'll find your roof is lasting 10, 15, maybe even 20 years longer than it could without that maintenance. Sure, it costs a little, but it's a lot less than a new roof.
Flat roofs have been a popular choice for commercial buildings for as long as I can remember - and when I was younger, I could never understand why.
Now as a business owner it's quite obvious - it's due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. I've never met a business owner who wouldn't jump at the chance to save money and prevent down-time for their business, and this does both.
However, and this is something many small business owners forget - your roof still requires regular maintenance and timely repairs to prevent leaks, water damage, and other problems that I can assure you, will only get worse if left unchecked.
If you can't remember your last roof inspection, I recommend finding a local specialist and booking one ASAP, because you could be only a few more snowflakes away from a total collapse, or if you're lucky, just in the early stages where it's still easy to fix.
You'll never know until it's too late though, if you don't get an expert in to take a look.
Apex Restoration & Roofing is experienced with all types of commercial roofing, and the required repairs, including TPO, PVC, and modified bitumen. If you're in Colorado, I highly recommend them, and their twice-annual inspection service.
Regular inspections to check for the early warning signs of damage are the best protection against expensive leaks and other issues. To get the best effect, Apex Restoration & Roofing specialists suggest that inspections should be scheduled at least twice a year to check for damage or wear and tear, with additional inspections after any extreme weather events, such as hail or damaging winds.
These inspections are quick, comprehensive, and relatively cheap, especially compared to the cost of repairs if you let the damage go unchecked. They can also do more than save you money, they can save the good name of your business.
I'm sure it doesn't look good if the store has to be shut down for extensive repairs, or worse, if a leak or collapse happens in front of a customer.
Due to their size, flat commercial roofing systems are more dependant on inspections and repairs than standard, residential roofing, but it's not all bad. These regular assessments can help to manage problems not relevant to smaller buildings, such as excessive snow loads, seam cracks, or ice build-up, and with proper management your roof can last quite a long time.
The experts suggest that with proper maintenance, commercial roofing systems should last between 20 - 30 years, depending on the materials and local climate. Of course, this could be significantly longer, or shorter, depending on your materials, location, and inspection frequency.
A blurb I shamelessly stole from the Apex website explains, “Regular roof maintenance minimizes potential future costs and extends the life of your roof. Apex professionals analyze your specific needs, propose a suitable plan and then transform your roof into a fortress against winter’s icy onslaught.”
I like the idea of having a fortress against winter's icy onslaught. Even more, I love the idea of having it for a reduced overall cost, because I definitely would rather get regular inspections and repairs when it's convenient, rather than paying for emergency help to fix a leak or blow-out in the middle of winter.
It's your business though, that's up to you.
The best way to know what's right for you, is just to talk to an expert. They can check out the specifics of your business, your roof condition, and its materials, to give you a detailed and comprehensive maintenance plan customized to your needs.
You can also learn more about how winter affects commercial roofs by checking out this handy guide from Apex Restoration & Roofing, at https://apexroofingusa.com/understanding-the-effects-of-winter-weather-on-commercial-roofs/
