Flat Roofing Expertise Requires Knowledge and Experience

Most people don’t realize the importance of understanding the difference between residential and commercial roofing. Residential and commercial roofing are two different industries that should be handled differently. Things that work for commercial roofing might not work for residential and vice versa.

The things that differentiate these two industries are the use of material and the slope of the roof, which is determined by the size of a building. Residential roofs typically have a steep slope and use shingles, wood, slate, and steel. On the other hand, commercial buildings tend to have flat roofs and commonly use BUR (Built-Up Roofing), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), EPDM (ethylene propylene diene methylene), metal, and modified bitumen.

To help you choose the right one for your business, we have provided a short but comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about commercial roofing.

Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Replacement

Some of the commercial roof damage can be repaired but for serious damage, you might need to entirely replace your roof. Here are some signs that point towards replacement instead of repair:
  • Damaged Membrane – High winds and storm damage are the main culprits for roof membrane damage. If the damage to a roof membrane is 25% or more, your roof needs a replacement instead of repair.
  • Considerable Wear and Tear on the Deck – Deck is the most important component of a roof as it holds up the entire structure. Roof deck damage is not visible initially, so during an inspection, if you see moisture damage or wear and tear on the deck, understand that it’s time to replace your roof.
  • Visible Water Infiltration – If you see any marks or stains on the walls attic, there is a huge probability that water is leaking somewhere from the roof in a huge proportion. If you notice any of these signs make sure to inspect and replace them as soon as possible.
  • Your Property Isn’t Well Insulated Anymore – Insulation plays a great role in commercial roofing to keep the inside room cold. So if you notice your electric bills increasing even if your HVAC usage is normal, then it’s your roof that’s causing the trouble.
  • Your Commercial Roof is Old – On average, a commercial roof lasts anywhere from 20 to 30 years, so if yours is more than 15 years old, there is a high chance that it will be in need of constant repairs. Instead of repairing your roof month after month, it’s better to replace it entirely. It will cost you less and you’ll have no problem for the next 15 to 20 years.