When you’re budgeting for all of the necessary expenses of maintaining your commercial building, it’s all too easy to put roof care low on the list. This can prove costly though, because your roof not only represents a considerable monetary investment, it’s also the critical structural component that shields and protects the building and its contents from our often extreme weather. Prioritizing the costs associated with roof preservation is a smarter strategy, and it can actually save you money over the long term.
What Does Roof Preservation Entail?
The primary goal of roof preservation is to maximize the asset’s service life so you avoid the major expense of a premature tear off and replacement. The best way to do this is with a proactive, four-prong approach that includes:
- Conducting in-depth inspections
- Taking care of regular maintenance
- Performing routine cleaning
- Making necessary repairs and improvements
Why Roof Preservation Makes Good Fiscal Sense
Studies have shown that taking good care of a commercial roof makes a big difference in terms of its expected lifespan. On average, well-cared-for roofs last 21 years, while poorly-maintained roofs need replacement after just 13 years. In addition to saving you the hefty expense of replacing your roof eight years early, preserving it can allow you to save money in various other ways, such as:
- Emergency repairs. Staying aware of your roof’s condition and correcting deficiencies quickly makes it easier to avert unexpected leaks that require emergency services from your commercial roofer.
- Heating and cooling costs. By repairing damage to the membrane, or having a roof coating installed, you protect the insulation getting wet and losing its R-value.
- Restoration services. Keeping the roof watertight and preventing leaks into the interior can help you avoid the need for costly clean-ups by a restoration service.
- Revenue losses. Taking care of roof repairs promptly helps guard against catastrophic leaks that can ruin inventory or equipment, cause an interruption in business operations, or force tenants to relocate.
- Structural and interior repairs. Catching and fixing slow leaks into the structure lets you avoid the expense of repairing or replacing the roof decking, framing, ceiling tiles, drywall, electrical system and HVAC components.
- Mold remediation. Preventing water intrusions into the building safeguards against the growth of mold, so you won’t have to pay for remediation services.
For help developing a roof preservation plan for your Tampa Bay-area commercial property, contact us at Aderhold Roofing.