Although a new roof is expected to last for a long time, sometimes this is not how things work out. While most building owners are happy with the longevity of their roof, there are some factors that can cause damage over the years. One of these includes the improper maintenance of a roof.

When it comes to deciding on the best way to address a roof issue, the decision-makers often have to weigh the pros and cons of both roof repair and replacement. Deciding on the right roof repair or replacement can be a challenging and costly decision. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision. Let’s check them out!

1. What’s the Damage?

Sometimes, the damage that’s caused to a commercial roof can be easily repaired. If the insulation on the roof is still in good condition, you may be able to fix it. The damage on a commercial roof can be assessed by simply inspecting the area where the issue occurred. If it is limited to a certain area and the rest of the roof in good condition, then it can likely be patched with minimal effort. This can help avoid costly repairs and prevent further damage.

If the roof can be repaired, it will most likely extend the life of the structure. However, if the roof is damaged beyond repair, it’s better to replace the entire roof than repair the roof. Generally, if it gets damaged by more than 25%, then it’s better to replace the entire roof. In addition, when the damage is severe, or if the insulation is already wet, then it’s probably time to replace it. Check to see if the insulation has already begun to become wet or is not performing.

2. Where’s the Damage?

Is the damage sustained over an area of the building that’s critical to the operation of your business? Or, is it over an expensive piece of equipment? Is this causing business functions to be interrupted? If this is the case, perhaps choosing the quickest solution, a repair, is the best decision in the meantime. If a repair for the affected area will be a decent investment, however, then it may be time to weigh the pros and cons of shutting down business operations for a few days while the roof gets replaced.

3. What’s the Plan?

This may seem like a vague question, but hear us out. When we ask what’s the plan, we’re referring to the ownership plan. If the building owner plans on selling the property in the next couple of years, then a routine maintenance procedure should be conducted to ensure that the roof is in good repair. This can help avoid potential issues and provide a long-term solution. To maximize potential earnings, however, in some cases, a full roof replacement may be wise.

4. Timeliness

We’ve briefly mentioned this consideration previously, but a big factor in whether a commercial roof gets repaired or replaced is the timeliness of the issue in the first place.

If a leak or another disrepair occurs during the busy time of year for a business, the owner may decide to postpone the repair or replacement or schedule a full replacement at a later date, which will minimize the impact of the issue.

Still not sure if you need a repair or a replacement for your commercial roof system? Get in touch with the experts, and we’ll make sure your business is covered.