Let’s face it: We all want to save money. But there are good areas in which to save money and there are bad areas in which to save money. Your commercial roof is one area where cutting corners can create more expensive problems later.
When it comes to the valuable asset and investment that is your commercial building, choosing roofing work based on price alone may not provide the best long-term value. Poor materials, improper repairs, or unsuitable roofing solutions can lead to additional maintenance and repair costs down the road.
How to Save Money the Right Way
Saving money on a commercial roof does not necessarily mean choosing the least expensive material or contractor. In some situations, the better financial option may be to preserve and restore the roof you already have rather than replace it completely.
When the existing roof is structurally sound and otherwise suitable for restoration, a high-quality roof coating system may extend its useful life while reducing tear-off, disposal, and replacement costs.
An experienced commercial roofing contractor can inspect the existing roof and determine whether restoration is appropriate or whether repair, recover, or replacement would provide better long-term value.
Roof Coating Benefits
Roof coatings can be an effective restoration option for some existing commercial roofs. Rather than removing the entire roof assembly, a compatible coating system may provide a new protective surface over properly prepared roofing materials.
Potential advantages of a roof coating system can include:
- Potential extension of the existing roof’s useful life
- A continuous protective surface over properly prepared roof areas
- Elastomeric properties that allow some coating systems to accommodate temperature-related movement
- Reduced tear-off and disposal when restoration is appropriate
- Potentially lower project costs compared with full replacement
- Reduced disruption compared with some tear-off and replacement projects
- Reduced solar heat absorption when reflective coatings are used
- Potential reductions in cooling demand depending on the building, climate, insulation, and HVAC system
- Repair and recoating options for some systems when conditions allow
A coating is not appropriate for every commercial roof. Before restoration, the roof should be inspected for wet insulation, structural deterioration, serious drainage problems, damaged roofing materials, failed seams or penetrations, trapped moisture, and other conditions that may need to be corrected first.
The coating system should also be compatible with the existing roofing materials and installed according to current manufacturer requirements.
Finding the Right Contractor
Need an Expert?
Our group works together to provide:
- Larger Base of Knowledge
- Group-Wide Accountability
- One Source for All Projects
- Set Standards for Service
- More Peace of Mind
Choice Roof Contractor Group is a nationwide alliance of independently owned commercial roofing contractors. Members meet the group’s current membership requirements, including 3rd Party Training or Certification, Proof of Insurance, Professional Business Conduct, and Commitment to the Group’s Values.
Members also benefit from shared knowledge, professional connections, sales and marketing resources, and the experience of a larger contractor network.
Discuss Your Commercial Roofing Options
Choice Roof Contractor Group members are independent commercial roofing contractors that perform their own inspections, provide their own recommendations to customers, and perform their own roofing work.
A member can evaluate your existing roof and discuss whether repair, restoration, recover, or replacement is appropriate based on the roof’s condition and the needs of the building.
For more information about contacting a member, visit the Choice Roof Contractor Group contact page.
