Roof Repair or New Roof: How to Know Which is Right for You

When it comes to roofing your business, it’s important to make an investment that will suit your needs for decades to come. After years of wear and tear on your roof, you’ll need to make a decision on how to take care of it; however, how do you know what’s best for your building? We’ve broken down the key differences between roof repairs and roof replacements to help you make an informed decision about your roof.

Roof Repair vs. Roof Replacement

When should I get my commercial roof repaired instead of replaced?

Repairing a commercial roof is best for small-scale corrections or emergency solutions.   If your roof has minor damage, such as cracks or holes, a repair can quickly and effectively bring your roof back to life. Because repairs take less time than full replacements, it’s best to seek out a repair in the event that your roof needs an emergency solution. For more substantial damage, a repair can keep your commercial roof functional as you prepare for a replacement. Additionally, consider the age of your roof. If your commercial roof was installed recently (within the last five years), it’s better to consider repairing and maintaining it to make the most of your investment. A roof replacement may be too costly or too dramatic a solution for the age of your roof, so if it is still early in its life, a repair is the way to go. Evaluate your roof. If your commercial roof is suffering from minor damage, especially if it is a newer roof, it’s time to seek out a repair.

When do I need to get my commercial roof replaced instead of repaired?

A commercial roof replacement is the optimal choice for roofs that are suffering from major damage, not compliant with modern codes, or if you are looking to upgrade or remodel your building.   Sometimes, a repair is not going to do enough to keep a roof functional. Natural disasters, hail, fires, and other dangerous events can cause substantial damage to a commercial roof that requires a completely new roof to be installed. Roofs that are beyond their life expectancy (15-17 years) are more susceptible to major damage, so investing in a full replacement acts as a preventative measure. New roofs, when kept up with maintenance and service, can last over 30 years, so this is something to consider as well if you expect that your roof may need repairs over the course of several years. Older commercial roofs typically do not comply with modern standards and codes, so take this into consideration when upgrading. Additionally, various changes to your building will require the installation of a brand new roof. If you are looking to do a large remodel on your building, you will need to replace your roof to go along with it. This is especially applicable to remodels that involve major construction, such as building an entirely new room. Installing solar panels will also likely require an entirely new roof, so keep this in mind when planning your remodel. Whether you decide that your commercial roof needs to be repaired or replaced, Ridgeworth Roofing is here to help. As experts in the roofing industry, we are passionate about building the best roof for your building.   Contact us today to prepare for your roof repair or replacement.