Are you a small business owner that’s always worried about maintaining your facilities and lowering utilities?
We hate to do this, but there’s one thing you might be forgetting to take care of, your roof.
Roofing is a vital part of a commercial building. When correctly done, it improves the building’s structural integrity. But many small business owners purchase spaces for rent only to realize later that they need roof repair.
In serious cases, you may even need a roof replacement.
Don’t panic yet. It’s a worthwhile investment that will pay off should you decide to sell the building in the future. If constructed properly, your roof can last between 15–40 years before it needs another replacement.
However, before you sign off on your commercial roofing replacement project, we suggest you pay attention to the following four considerations:
1) Weather and Related Factors
Suppose you are looking for commercial roofers in areas with heavy rainfall. In that case, you need to pay attention to the sort of material your contractors use for your roofing project. Roofing experts advise that those living in heavy precipitation areas use galvanized steel for roofing instead of the standard asphalt shingles. The galvanized steel materials come with a zinc coating that reduces rust due to constant rainfall.
Galvanized steel is also resistant to heat, which helps keep the building cooler during the hot summer months. This also results in a reduction of energy bills across the building.
If your building is located in coastal areas such as Maine or New Hampshire, galvalume steel materials (coated with zinc and aluminum) are a preferred roofing material for dealing with the corrosive effects of salty air and ocean water.
2) What’s Causing the Problem?
Sometimes business owners think a roof needs replacement if a leak occurs repeatedly. Nothing could be further from the truth. Repeat leaks can be signs of a faulty installation and not the sign of a damaged roof, especially if your roof isn’t 15 years or older.
Get a roofing inspector to take a look at the roof and advise on the best course of action. If you preferred to do it yourself, a great place to start looking is at any penetrations or installations you might have on the roof.
Penetrations are holes that technicians punched through the roof for installations such as HVAC systems or solar panels. If these holes are letting water into your building, then all you need is a proper repair which is a much affordable option.
3) Possible Tax Incentives
Depending on your state, you might gain tax incentives for installing energy-efficient roofing. Plus, your roofing repairs can be tax-deductible. These two factors play a role in your choice of materials and if you would rather repair or replace the roof. Ask your accountant to check your local, state, and federal tax guidelines.
4) Your Roofing Budget
Defining your budget helps with setting clear priorities for your roofing replacement project. Remember, not all roofing materials or styles will cost the same; your roofing contractor can help you make an informed decision that balances aesthetics and cost. Once you know what you’ll be spending on the roofing project, schedule a meeting where you can discuss the budget and possible options that meet your specifications.
Bottom Line
Before jumping to any conclusions, remember these four considerations for taking care of your small business’s roof. You may just have faulty plumbing rather than a wrecked roof.
However, it’s the right move to be conscious of potential roof hazards. You’ll keep your customers and staff safe, and you’ll prevent long-term damage and hefty repair costs in the future just by looking for warning signs.
