The importance of the roof for your business cannot be understated. After all, it not only protects your merchandise and expensive commercial equipment but your employees as well. 

Not to mention that if your room is run-down or unattractive it can affect your company’s curbside appeal, which may lead your clients to a competitor even though your service may be higher quality. 

The average intended lifespan for a roof is around 22 years, so if your roof is within that range or if you notice specific types of damage or wear, it may be time to consider a replacement.

While a costly investment, the value of a sturdy and attractive roof can more than pay for itself. 

How Do I Know If I Need a New Roof?

An ineffective roof can result in ineffective insulation, mold, damage throughout the building, and even cause electrical wires to have the potential to spark and start fires, endangering you and your employees. 

Other than your roof being at the end of its lifespan, there are other telltale signs that it is time to replace the roof on your commercial building. 

Ponding

One pretty significant indicator is fairly easy to notice. If your roof is beginning to sag and collect puddles of water, that is a sign of drainage failure. What’s more, this water weakens the integrity of your roof and will create algae build-up. 

If you are not sure whether your roof is retaining water or not, it never hurts to have a building inspector take a look in the event that you are unable to see your roof or the ponding is not as noticeable. 

Shingle Wear

Examine your shingles, looking for signs of wear. If several are missing, or if you notice that many of them are cracked, split, or bubbled out, these are signs that you need some work done. If this is consistent along the entire roof, it’s an indicator of the necessity of roof replacement. 

Algae collecting along the shingles is another sign and may be a clue that your roof is ponding. 

Steel Roofing

If your business has a steel roof instead of shingles, then here are signs you should watch for:

• Corrosion

• Damaged flashing

• Bending, warping, or loose sheets

• Missing or loose fasteners 

• Tears in the metal

While a patch job might work, it will probably look discolored on your roofing and is not a sure-fire way to ensure that your roof is protected from water or other corrosion-causing agents. A replacement job in this situation is far safer. 

Unpleasant Odors

If you are getting whiffs of a musty smell around the workplace, it’s probably mold you’re smelling. That means that there is water leakage somewhere and is a sign that your roof is not performing its job adequately. Investigate closely to determine if this means your roof needs replacing.  

5 Things To Look For When Replacing a Roof

You’ve seen the signs and know that replacing your roof is the right thing to do for your business and your employees. Here are some things to look for when replacing a roof. 

 A Professional Roof Replacement Service

One of the most important factors to consider is who is going to do the work. It is crucial to shop around not only to find the best price for your budget but also to determine which company is going to be a quality job and give you the greatest value. 

Do your research — figure out which companies are options for you and read their reviews, compare their prices, and narrow down your list. 

Once you’re down to a few names, make calls and get a feel for their customer service, values, and how willing the company is to negotiate. Make sure to get a time estimate and learn how the project will affect your business as well. 

 A Written Contract

Once you’ve settled on a professional company that can meet your needs and budget, get a written contract that shows all the details and stipulations of the contract so that you have it for reference.

Make sure that you understand any warranty information and that this information is also outlined in the document, as well as any other important details. 

The contract should be a comprehensive source of all work to be done, methodology, and pricing.  

 Quality Materials

There are a lot of factors that can go into deciding which materials to use for the roof. Do you want to use the same materials that were used with your previous roof or make upgrades for quality and aesthetic purposes? 

As well as the price of different materials, you should consider the environment around your building too. Lots of overhanging trees and other environmental concerns can be determinants as to which type of roofing material will prove most effective for protecting your business. 

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used, but metal roofing is built to last longer. Consider your options carefully and ask the opinion of professionals to make the best determination. 

 Value

Price is important, but so is taking into consideration the value of better roofing. Consider factors such as how certain options can improve the attractiveness of your building to improve curb appeal, which can draw more clients to your business. 

Also, spending a little extra can ensure the longevity of your new roof, saving you money down the line as well. Plus, a higher quality roof will add extra protection in the event of severe weather, which can pay off huge by protecting your assets and employees. 

 Endgame

When the contractor comes for payment, make sure that the entire job is complete. If you haven’t seen the company sweep the area with a huge magnet to collect all the nails and other metal paraphernalia resulting from the construction, you should request that they do so before you provide payment. It’s not only good etiquette but part of the job. 

Now that you have your new roof, take steps to ensure that it remains in great shape to stave off the need for a future replacement. Have regular building inspections on it and when needed, provide a little tender loving care to ensure that your new roof lasts longer than that average life span so you can get the most value out of it.