Should You Repair, Recover, or Replace Your Commercial Roof?

Even though commercial roofing systems are designed to provide your building with long-term performance, it’s not uncommon for a commercial roof to develop problems throughout its lifespan. Fortunately, there are a number of options to correct these problems, including commercial roof repair, recover, and replacement.

In this article, we’ll review three factors to take into consideration when deciding whether to repair, recover, or replace your commercial roof. Although this information is designed to help you better weigh the pros and cons of each option, nothing compares to the expertise and industry experience of the commercial roofing contractors in Tampa with Aderhold Roofing. Give us a call today at (813) 856-1797, and we will go over each of these choices in greater detail and provide you with a thorough inspection to determine whether your roof is a suitable candidate for the option you prefer. 

Extent of Damage

Roof recover and roof repair are, unsurprisingly, much cheaper options than commercial roof replacement in Tampa as you don’t have to pay for the cost of removing the previous roof; however, if the damage to your commercial roof is too extensive, a complete tear-off and replacement may be your best option. The main way that a roofing professional will determine whether your commercial roof is a good candidate for roof recovery is to investigate for moisture presence below the roofing membrane. If extensive moisture is present below the membrane or more than 25 percent of your roof is damaged, it will ultimately be more cost-effective to replace the entire roof. This is because wet insulation, gypsum, and wood blocking will easily deteriorate and lead to more extensive problems down the line, such as mold growth or total roof failure.

On the other hand, if the majority of your roof is still in good condition and your roofing membrane has simply reached the end of its life expectancy, then the most-effective option may be roof recover. For a roofing professional who can perform an inspection and determine whether your commercial roof is a good candidate for any of these options, consult the commercial roofing specialists in Tampa with Aderhold Roofing.

Budget

The next factor to take into consideration is your budget. If you’re trying to stay within a smaller budget and your roof has only sustained minor damages, then roof repair is most likely going to be your best option. Provided that your membrane and insulation are still in good condition, this method of repair will prove less costly than a roof recover or replacement and extend the life of your commercial roof. That being said, if your membrane has reached the end of its lifespan but you’re still looking for a cheaper alternative to a full roof replacement, you’ll want to opt for commercial re-roofing in Tampa. It’s less disruptive, less expensive, and allows for new, extended warranties. 

Total roof replacement will almost always be the most expensive option in this scenario given that your previous roof must be torn off and disposed of before the new roof can be installed. However, this process is still more cost-effective than trying to recover or repair a roof that has sustained extensive damage. With a total roof replacement, you’ll also benefit from reduced maintenance costs, energy savings, and the latest roofing materials in the industry.

Business Plans

Finally, you should also take your business plans into consideration. If you plan on staying in business at your current location for any significant period of time, a total roof replacement is going to be a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, if you’re planning to sell your property within the next few years and are just looking to repair your roof to meet code inspection, then we’d recommend something more along the lines of routine maintenance and roof repair. For those looking to stay even a little while longer, you’re likely to find that the cost of roof repair will outweigh the cost to replace or recover over time, depending on the severity of damage and the lifespan of your roof.

To get a better understanding of all three options and to find out whether your roof is a good candidate for the option you prefer, don’t hesitate to contact the commercial roofing contractors in Tampa at Aderhold Roofing. We’ll perform a thorough analysis of your existing roof system, looking out for moisture in your insulation, an evidence of leak history, and structural instability of the roof deck, before working with you hand-in-hand to make the right decision for your unique roofing needs. No matter which option you choose, we promise to deliver a durable, long-lasting roof that fits your budget and that’s backed by years of industry expertise.

To speak with one of the commercial roofing specialists in Tampa, or to schedule a consultation, please submit our contact request form

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional counsel.

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