Does your commercial building need a new roof? For a business with a large building, the cost of replacing the entire component could be a huge burden. But you also have to protect your business underneath the roof, so you may feel like there's no choice.
However, modern roofing technology does offer you an alternative to this all or nothing dilemma. It's known as roof restoration. Learn more about roof restoration and how it can benefit your business.
What Is Roof Restoration?
As its name suggests, roof restoration is a process of boosting the original roof rather than tearing it out and replacing all the elements. It is ideal for most metal roofs, but this method can also be used in single ply roofs and asphalt roofs in good condition.
If the existing structural elements are in good shape and don't need replacement themselves, restoration focuses on making the top layer solid and weatherproof again. A coating - a sort of fluid applied roof - is placed on top of the structure to seal the roof and provide a thick protective barrier that usually lasts for a decade or longer.
What Are the Benefits of Roof Restoration?
Restoration's main upside is that it can cost as little as half the amount you would pay for a completely new roof. If your business doesn't have the budget for a large scale capital improvement like a new roof right now, restoration is often a better option than a simple repair because it isn't a patchwork of individual alterations. It also keeps the visual appeal of the roof.
For the lower price of a restoration, you can buy years' worth of additional roof life. Many commercial roofs only last about 20 years on their own, so restoration extends its life beyond that initial timeframe. The new coating uses the most modern technology and development. Therefore, it may be of better quality than your existing roof materials - keeping your building up with the times in areas such as UV protection and energy efficiency.
Finally, restoration interrupts your business operations much less than a full replacement. If you can't afford to have the building empty or to operate in a construction zone for long, restoration is a good choice. And it results in significantly less waste, so it's cleaner and more environmentally friendly.
What Are the Downsides of Roof Restoration?
Every construction choice has its trade-offs, of course. A restored roof may likely have a shorter life expectancy than a new roof. While a new roof may be expected to last two decades, some restorations might have a shelf life of 10 to 15 years instead. As an owner, you would want to examine your budget and crunch the numbers to determine if the cost savings still exceeds the lower life span.
Also, not every roof is a candidate for restoration. A professional roofing service will assess your roof in person to see how the structure looks. If supporting elements are too far deteriorated - such as those experiencing separation of beams or joints, substrate failure, or rust corrosion - the roof may not be amenable to the restoration process. Repairs could resolve problems, depending on their extent.
Do you think that restoration could be a solution to your roof woes? If so, start by learning if your roof is in a good position to be restored rather than replaced. At Cochran Construction Company, we work with the highest quality restoration materials and providers. Call today to make an appointment to assess your roof's needs and find out if you can prevent problems and save money at the same time.
