If you’ve got a commercial property and are considering a commercial roof repair project, you’ll find that there are many things to consider before beginning the job. Here are a few tips for ensuring the success of the work. Before you hire a roofing contractor, however, make sure you understand what you’ll be getting into. Whether you’re looking for a one-time repair or need to regularly maintain your roof, this article will cover the basics.
Contents
- 1 Commercial roof Maintenance
- 2 When to perform a roof repair
- 3 Commercial roofing systems inspection
- 4 Cost of repairing a commercial roof
- 5 Roof Repair Options
- 6 How to repair commercial flat roof
- 7 How do you repair a commercial EPDM rubber roof
- 8 What is the best commercial roof material to prevent needing repairs
- 9 Commercial Roof Contractors
Commercial roof Maintenance
If your commercial building has a commercial roof, you may want to consider getting preventative commercial roof maintenance done. This type of routine service will look at the age of your commercial roof and its materials as well as its overall condition. This way, you can reduce the chances of a major incident by preventing it. While small repairs sound like a waste of money, they may actually protect your building’s condition and prevent further damage. Commercial roof repair maintenance is not just a ploy to take your money. Up next we’ll discuss when to perform a repair on your flat roof or other roofing systems.
When to perform a roof repair
You should perform commercial roof repair when you start to see small problems occurring. By being to repair at this point, you can also help increase your roofing’s lifespan. Certain damages can be quickly repaired but if the damage that you’re dealing with is extensive, you may need to think about roof replacement.
It’s natural during the life of your roofing systems for them to be exposed to harmful elements which can cause damage to your roof coatings. Elements such as sun UV rays, rain, storms, and snow can introduce leaks and other issues to your roofing systems. Firstly, we will identify the most common roofing issues that you should watch out for.
- Pooling of water
- Leaks
- Accumulation of debris (leaves, dirt, etc.)
- Cracked, curled, or missing shingles
- Moisture
- Roof ageing
Commercial roofing systems inspection
A reliable commercial roof repair company will begin by inspecting the interior system of the roof. The inspector will look for visible corrosion, structural defects, and the types of mechanical fasteners used. He will also check for visible signs of ponding. Standing water can lead to structural damage, and he will look for the source of the leak. Roofing inspectors will identify problems early on and recommend solutions that will restore the quality of the roof system at a reasonable cost. At this point, you should also be able to obtain a free estimate.
Cost of repairing a commercial roof
The size and type of a commercial building will have an impact on the cost of a commercial roof repair. In general, it costs anywhere from $3 to $7 per square foot of roof space. Similarly, the type of material that is used will determine the cost. Asphalt shingles, for example, cost between three and seven dollars per square foot. Meanwhile, barrel roof tile can cost anywhere from six to twenty dollars per square foot. However, there are several factors to consider when estimating the cost of a commercial roof repair.
Roof Repair Options
Your repair options are either repair your roof yourself or hire a roofing company to offer immediate help.
While you may be tempted to do your own roofing repair to save on your budget, working with a professional service can also have benefits such as a warranty and be fully insured for future failure, which is an important consideration. A roofing professional can explain your options to you and help you decide which one will best protect your property.
How to repair commercial flat roof
Repairing a commercial flat roof can be done in 6 simple steps. We’ve put together a guide to help you repair your flat roof and on how to carry out the repairs, whether you choose to use a professional service for the process, or do it yourself.
To following steps are the basic outline of how you can repair flat roofs:
- Inspect
- Clear the area
- Remove any blisters
- Remove excess water
- Use fill in cement to plug the hole
- Cover it with a roofing membrane
How do you repair a commercial EPDM rubber roof
Repairing a commercial rubber roof is different to repairing a modified bitumen roof. EPDM roofing requires repair methods and materials of their own. Materials commonly used on other types of flat roofs will actually contaminate and harm an EDPM roof.
As always, a thorough roof inspection is needed before the repair begins. It’s important to visually inspect commercial roofs to look for leaks, water damage or other damage to make sure that a repair is possible and to give you more options.
Rubber roofs need EDPM patching materials that typically need either pressure applied to the area or other adhesives. These usually come in the form of EDPM roofing repair kits which you can use yourself, though these are often expensive. For more information on how to repair a commercial rubber roof read our article.
What is the best commercial roof material to prevent needing repairs
The best commercial roofing materials are:
- Metal Roofing.
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR) Membrane.
- Green Roofing.
- Spray-On Silicon.
- Thermoset EPDM Roof Membrane.
- Thermoplastic PVC & TPO Roof Membrane.
- Shingle Roofing.
The one that you should choose should be based upon not only which is the best material but which is the most cost effective option for your commercial buildings. For additional information on choosing the right roof coating or roofing systems for your business, read our best roofing materials article.
Commercial Roof Contractors
If you own a commercial building, you might be wondering who you should call for commercial roof repair. Roofing contractors specialize in a wide variety of services, from simple repairs to full-scale commercial roof replacement. In addition to fixing a leaking roof, they can also install a new roofing system or improve the energy efficiency of your building. When choosing a contractor, be sure to ask about their licensing and ongoing education. While the internet is a great resource for finding a contractor, you may encounter conflicting information.