March 31, 2017 : Roofing Repairs or New Roof Job?

Roofing Repairs Versus A New Roof Job

 

When to replace your roof is almost just as important as how to do it. Repairing commercial roofs can be costly, but there are benefits to doing it either in parts or all at once as a total roofing job. Sometimes maintenance jobs require little involvement. Replacing shingles or flashing repair can be relatively quick, inexpensive and can add years to the life of your roof. A partial reroof is also an option and can save you thousands of dollars and instead of redoing the entire thing. If your roof is still relatively young and still has a sound structure to it, the partial re-roof is the route to take. However, when the patch jobs become too many, or the damage is more severe, a complete re-roof might be the route to take. This can be extremely expensive but might be the only option. Another way to save money is roofing over your existing roof. This is a quick and easy choice, because there is no demolition. Consider both carefully before tackling your next roofing project.


How Old is Too Old?


The key to a partial re-roof is to know when it's appropriate. Patching and spot maintenance can add as much as 10-15 years to the life of a younger roof. Partial jobs typically cost more per section, because there is more room for error and sometimes additional labor is required. You will still be paying much less when comparing your rates to an entire roofing project. Sometimes the previous roofing layer will need to be removed. A shingle removing tool is a great commercial roofing tool to take off the layers when you rip the existing one up. If you choose to roof over the existing shingles, it can create a lopsided effect and sections will need to be built up and possibly covered with a ridge cap. This will help the new roof blend into the other sections. It is important to match it as closely as possible, as customers don't want to see the repair job stand out.


Repairs and partial re-roofs can extend the life of your roof for many years. However, if your entire roof is creeping up on its life-expectancy; it is a better call to choose the total roof replacement option. This is a better long-term investment, so you don't have to opt for another partial commercial roofing job a few years after you've already done one.


Signs of the Times


It is important to pay attention to what your roof is telling you, regarding longevity. If you see dark spotting or loose flashing, these could be signs the roof’s age is catching up with it. Excessive water spots can sometimes spread and cause mold issues, which of course can weaken your roof tremendously. Make sure trees are out of the way, and your roof has adequate sunlight to dry quickly. Also, ensure that your drainage system is working properly and pooling water off the surface and away from your house. A dry roof is key to avoiding mold and moss, which can structurally weaken and rot your roof. Any fungus can cause detrimental issues to your roof structure.


Be sure to keep your flashing tightly sealed and gutters secure. The less room for water to get into the crevices, the better. Sometimes, branches can damage shingles and cause openings for water to get into and not dry properly. The tighter your seams are, and the more secure your gutters are, the less chance there is for heavy rain to get into spaces and cause harm. As always, the best maintenance for your roof is prevention. Keeping your roof secure, clean and well-maintained will ensure you get the proper lifespan out of your commercial roof.


 

Roofing Repairs Versus A New Roof Job

 

When to replace your roof is almost just as important as how to do it. Repairing commercial roofs can be costly, but there are benefits to doing it either in parts or all at once as a total roofing job. Sometimes maintenance jobs require little involvement. Replacing shingles or flashing repair can be relatively quick, inexpensive and can add years to the life of your roof. A partial reroof is also an option and can save you thousands of dollars and instead of redoing the entire thing. If your roof is still relatively young and still has a sound structure to it, the partial re-roof is the route to take. However, when the patch jobs become too many, or the damage is more severe, a complete re-roof might be the route to take. This can be extremely expensive but might be the only option. Another way to save money is roofing over your existing roof. This is a quick and easy choice, because there is no demolition. Consider both carefully before tackling your next roofing project.


How Old is Too Old?


The key to a partial re-roof is to know when it's appropriate. Patching and spot maintenance can add as much as 10-15 years to the life of a younger roof. Partial jobs typically cost more per section, because there is more room for error and sometimes additional labor is required. You will still be paying much less when comparing your rates to an entire roofing project. Sometimes the previous roofing layer will need to be removed. A shingle remover is a great commercial roofing tool to take off the layers when you rip the existing one up. If you choose to roof over the existing shingles, it can create a lopsided effect and sections will need to be built up and possibly covered with a ridge cap. This will help the new roof blend into the other sections. It is important to match it as closely as possible, as customers don't want to see the repair job stand out.


Repairs and partial re-roofs can extend the life of your roof for many years. However, if your entire roof is creeping up on its life-expectancy; it is a better call to choose the total roof replacement option. This is a better long-term investment, so you don't have to opt for another partial commercial roofing job a few years after you've already done one.


Signs of the Times


It is important to pay attention to what your roof is telling you, regarding longevity. If you see dark spotting or loose flashing, these could be signs the roof’s age is catching up with it. Excessive water spots can sometimes spread and cause mold issues, which of course can weaken your roof tremendously. Make sure trees are out of the way, and your roof has adequate sunlight to dry quickly. Also, ensure that your drainage system is working properly and pooling water off the surface and away from your house. A dry roof is key to avoiding mold and moss, which can structurally weaken and rot your roof. Any fungus can cause detrimental issues to your roof structure.


Be sure to keep your flashing tightly sealed and gutters secure. The less room for water to get into the crevices, the better. Sometimes, branches can damage shingles and cause openings for water to get into and not dry properly. The tighter your seams are, and the more secure your gutters are, the less chance there is for heavy rain to get into spaces and cause harm. As always, the best maintenance for your roof is prevention. Keeping your roof secure, clean and well-maintained will ensure you get the proper lifespan out of your commercial roof.


 




   
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