Need to extend the lifespan of your roof?
Contrary to popular belief, there are several practices you can implement to extend the lifespan of your roof—it’s not just a case of installing it one time and hoping for the best. Commercial roof repair can be costly, but doing what you can to improve functionality and performance is highly beneficial in the long run. Establishing a comprehensive inspection plan is a great strategy for getting the most out of your roof and reducing how often you work with commercial roofing contractors.
So what should you do when it comes to in-house maintenance and common roof repair? We’ve outlined some helpful steps to extend the lifespan of your roofing system. Building owners, take note—we’re here to help you get the most out of your commercial roofing services.
Why You Should Invest in a Roof Preventative Maintenance Program
Commercial roof maintenance is vital to keeping your building in good condition. Dealing with common roof problems in the face of economic uncertainty is a scary thought, but ignoring the warning signs and choosing not to repair or replace your roofing puts your commercial building at risk.
Extending the life of your roof doesn’t have to be a break-the-bank experience. Your goal should be to extend the life of your roof at an affordable cost. With savvy spending and routine inspections, you can eliminate problems like roof leaks and maintain the curb appeal of your commercial building without emptying your bank account.
So what are the trends in the roofing industry anyway? The commercial roofing business is alive and well and expected to grow. Here are a few key statistics:
- Single-ply roofing systems are the most preferred product for 2021, with 91% of survey respondents choosing this system.
- 38% of respondents favored TPO, 30% EPDM, and 18% PVC.
- The average building owner spends more than $127,500 on roofing over the lifespan of a commercial building.
- The average cost of a commercial roof replacement is over $42,500 at a 10,000 sq. ft. average.
- Roof preventative maintenance programs cost around 1% to 3% of estimated total replacement costs per year.
What factors should you take into account?
To start, take stock of what issues you’re dealing with right now:
- What’s the environment your roof operates in?
- What’s the current status of the roof?
From there, you’ll be able to formulate a clear direction for your roof’s maintenance and answer questions like:
- What’s the wear and tear on your roof? Is it a one-time-only issue, or something more persistent? Maybe you live in a windy area, or somewhere with few trees and mild weather. What sort of risk does the environment pose to your roof?
- What sort of access do people have to your roof? Are there technicians up there more often than not? Do you have an HVAC system up there? Is it used for something that adds significant pressure?
The more information you have on your roof and the pressures it endures, the easier it is to administer a specific solution.
What inspection plan is right for you?
After you’ve established the risk level for your roof, the next step is to establish an inspection plan. This involves a few specific aspects that apply to every roof, no matter the type.
- Step 1: Schedule regular inspections every 4 to 6 months.
- Take careful note of the wall’s perimeter—this can be a problem area for many facilities.
- If you’re inspecting in the fall, take care of any preventative maintenance issues before winter. Putting off crucial fixes and other issues can be an enormous problem when it gets cold outside.
- In the spring, check to see if the severe winter weather caused any damage and make an appropriate repair decision.
- Step 2: Inspect your roof after major weather events and construction. Most roofing maintenance contracts have you covered if a drastic weather event affects your roof.
- Step 3: Check key elements, including pitch plans, roof drains, and evidence of standing water.
- Step 4: Keep a detailed record of everything you do for your roof. The more information you have available, the easier your roof is to maintain.
Partner With Rainville-Carlson To Extend the Life of Your Roof
It’s easier to assume your commercial roof is doing its job than invest in routine maintenance. As long as you don’t see any leaks or notice any apparent damage, you likely think your roof is in fine condition. However, the reality is that even minor damage can lead to extensive (and expensive) repairs sooner or later.
Rainville-Carlson supports your roofing solution with deep and routine analysis to keep it in shape and protect your investment. We determine your roof’s current condition and recommend the services you need to fix any damage. The sooner we discover issues with your roof, the easier it is to fix them. Addressing problems while your roof is still under warranty saves you a lot of money in the long run.
With decades in the industry and a dedication to building trust with our customers, you can bet that the Rainville-Carlson team has your back 24/7/365. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Reach out to learn more about our services.
