5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Repair or Replace Your Roof

General Contracting

How do you know it’s time for roof replacement at your building? Here’s what to look for, and why you need to act as soon as possible.

A Roof that Outlasts All Others: Go Metal

It might not be the most appealing part of your building, but your roof is certainly one of the most important. A good roof maintains the integrity of your building and protects all that’s under it from being exposed to unforgiving weather. But unfortunately, it can be one of the most costly components to repair or replace.

Nonetheless, it’s typically a much smarter move to pay for the roof replacement cost rather than putting it off. Even though the job can cost tens of thousands of dollars in some situations, there are several reasons that prove you shouldn’t wait.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Repair or Replace Your Roof

Responding to roof damage or deterioration with procrastination can come with many excuses. Maybe it’s not wanting to spend the money, not having the time to schedule a repair, not worrying about any impending bad weather, or not being due for an inspection anytime soon; but regardless, here is what’s at stake if you wait to repair your building’s roof until after it’s needed:

  • A new living space for bugs and animals. With a roof that’s ready to retire, it’s common for holes and cracks to form, especially with asphalt shingle roof structures. This allows space for bugs and animals to infest and set up living quarters throughout the structure of your building. This can cause problems ranging from electrical issues, to plumbing issues, to damage to your building’s insulation or foundational elements.
  • Here comes the rain. With the same cracks and holes, it’s easy for water damage to find its way into your building’s structure. This can cause extreme problems including the formation of mold, the deterioration of your foundation, or property damage – all very expensive issues to fix.
  • Repair → Replacement. There’s not a lot of people who want to replace their roof, which is usually the most expensive way to fix problems with a roof. But putting off repairs that could address and fix an issue early on can cause the needed solution to then become a total replacement, at a much higher cost. When it does come time to eventually replace your roof, however; it will be a much easier task if you had kept up with repairs as they were needed throughout its lifetime.
  • Energy loss wins. Your roof is one of your strongest lines of defense against the threat of energy loss. With roof damage, air can escape through cracks and holes, therefore making it more difficult to control and keep cooling and heating efforts to a minimum at your operation.
  • A decrease in property value. If you ever try to sell your building to another owner, it will be a much harder sell if your roof is in bad shape. People don’t often want to go into buying a property already knowing that it’s in need of roof replacement. It’s better to replace it on your own and not have to worry about getting low offers if you ever attempt selling.

Commercial Roof Replacement – What to Look For

When it comes time to address the age of your roof or any damage it’s undergone, it’s helpful to know what to look for in order to make the right decision about roof replacement. Here are some tell-tale signs that your roof needs an update:

  • Interior status. If you can access an attic space or level just under the roof at your building, take a flashlight and check how your roof is protecting the interior from the outside. If there’s water leaking through anywhere or light shining through the top, you likely have cracks or holes in your roof that need to be taken care of.
  • Shingle appearance. If your roof is constructed of shingles, take a look at the top of your roof when you get a chance and look for any sections that are cracked, buckling, damaged, or growing moss (a sign of trapped moisture). If your gutters or rain spouts have pieces of your shingles in them, that’s also a sign that they’re due for repair or replacement. Also, check to see if the shape of your roof shows any overall signs of sagging in the middle and losing its rigid shape.
  • Your roof’s history. It’s important to know the age of your roof and what type of material it’s made of. Different materials come with different lifespans, so stay up-to-date on the expected timeline of your roof. For example, an asphalt shingle roof typically lasts between 20 and 25 years, and a metal roof will last roughly 60 years.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Metal roofs have been the #1 choice for non-residential construction since they first arrived on the scene, and this is no surprise. They last much longer than other roofing materials without needing to be replaced. In addition to offering long-lasting durability, they can reduce the energy costs of cooling your building, protect against fires, and won’t corrode, crack, or become damaged when installed properly.

While they can be more expensive upfront, metal roofs can easily save money in the long run and last for decades. You won’t have to check for all of the signs mentioned previously and worry about excessive damage to the rest of your organization’s structure. There’s no sagging or deteriorating with bad weather as shingles do.

Metal Roofing Experts at Your Disposal

At GALBRAITH, we’ve specialized in metal roof systems since our very beginning. Check out all of the projects we’ve completed in recent years and some tips we’ve written regarding metal roofing for nonresidential structures. Contact us with any questions and we’d be happy to discuss your roofing needs!