We all know that one of the most important parts of your property is the roof. Aside from protecting your commercial building and everything inside of it from the elements, it also affects the curb appeal of your property. When it comes time for repairs or replacement, you want to be sure that the job is done right.
Did you know that the average lifespan of a commercial roof is around 20 years? But with the right care and maintenance, your roof can last even longer. Unfortunately, many business owners in the Chicago area make common mistakes when it comes to roof repair that can shorten the life of their roof and cause costly damage.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss nine of the most common roof repair mistakes to avoid.
1. Waiting Until the Last Minute for Roof Repairs
Regardless of the type of commercial roof you have, it is important to keep up with regular roof maintenance and repairs. Waiting until there are signs of a problem, such as a leaking roof, before scheduling a roof inspection can result in costly repairs. A small issue, such as a few shingles that need to be replaced, can quickly turn into a larger problem if not addressed in a timely manner.
In addition, severe weather can cause damage to your roof that may not be immediately apparent. As a result, it is important to have your roof inspected to ensure that any storm damage is identified and repaired before it leads to leaks or other problems.
2. Forgetting About Roof Repairs for Your Business When Budgeting
When running a business, it’s important to budget for all potential expenses – and that includes roof repairs. Many business owners wait to repair their roofs until they experience a leak, but this can be costly and cause extensive damage. It’s important to note that the roof repair cost varies depending on the type of roof and the extent of the damage. For example, a small leak in roofs with asphalt shingles may only cost a few hundred dollars to repair, while a more serious problem could require replacing the entire roof.
By budgeting for roof repairs, you can avoid the financial burden of an unexpected repair bill. In addition, regular maintenance can help extend the life of your roof and save you money in the long run. So don’t forget to factor roof repairs into your budget. It could help you save money, time, and headaches down the road.
3. Ignoring Warning Signs of Roof Damage
Paying attention to any warning signs of damage is important. Ignoring these signs can lead to more serious problems, like a roof leak, and ultimately, the need to have your roof repaired. Once there are missing or damaged shingles, you should have them replaced quickly. Also, keep an eye out for any cracks or holes in your roof; these need to be repaired as soon as possible to prevent water damage.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof, it’s always a good idea to have professionals take a look. They can assess the situation and let you know if your roofing needs repairs.
4. Making Temporary Repairs
Roofing repair is one of the most common maintenance tasks that commercial building owners face. While it may be tempting to make temporary repairs, such as patching a leaky roof, these band-aid solutions can actually do more harm than good in the long run.
Emergency roof repair is usually much more expensive than scheduled roof maintenance. Temporary repairs also often fail to address the underlying problem, which can lead to further damage down the road.
Moreover, commercial roofing systems are designed to work together as a unit, so making repairs to one component can impact the performance of the entire system. For these reasons, it is always best to consult with a professional roofing contractor before making any changes to your commercial roof.
5. Installing a New Roof Before Fixing Underlying Problems
If your roof is showing signs of wear and tear, you may be tempted to simply have a new roof installed. However, this can often be a mistake.
Roof work is expensive, and if underlying problems are not addressed first, you may find yourself spending more money in the long run. For example, if your roof leaks, simply installing a new roof will not solve the problem. The leaks will likely reappear, damaging your new roof and costing you even more money. Therefore, it is always best to have any underlying problems fixed before having any new roof work done.
6. Skimping on the Roofing Material
With commercial roofing, it is always better to err on the side of caution and purchase high-quality materials. This might seem like a waste of money at first, but in the long run, it will save you a lot.
One of the most common problems with roofing is leaks. A flat roof is especially susceptible to leaks because there is no way for water to run off. If you use cheap materials, it is more likely that you will have to repair or replace your roof sooner than later. Even if you have a metal roof, using low-quality materials can lead to problems down the road. Metal roofing is notorious for being difficult to repair, so if you have any issues, it is best to call in a professional.
Roofs are a big investment, so make sure that they are done right. Never skimp on materials. It might cost a little more upfront, but in the long run, it will be worth it.
7. Not Doing Research Regarding the Type of Roof You Have
Many people don’t think about their roof until there is a problem. However, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home or commercial building, and it’s important to do research to make sure you have the right roof for your needs.
For example, if you have a garage roof, you’ll want to make sure it’s durable enough to withstand the elements and any potential damage from vehicles. If you’re considering a roof replacement, you’ll need to research the different types of roofs available to find one that best suits your needs. And if you have a commercial property, you’ll need to make sure your roof can handle the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic and commercial activity.
By doing research ahead of time, you can be sure you have the right roof for your specific needs.
8. Ignoring Warning Signs That Your Roof Needs Attention
Never ignore warning signs that your roof needs attention. If you notice any sagging, leaks, or missing shingles, it’s important to have a professional take a look immediately.
Disregarding these problems will only make them worse, and they could eventually lead to structural damage or a complete roof collapse. In addition, ignoring roofing problems can be dangerous. If you have a leaky roof, for example, there’s a risk of electrocution if the water comes into contact with live electrical wires.
So don’t take chances. Once you suspect your roof needs repair, call a professional right away.
9. Hiring an Inexperienced Roofer
There are a lot of roofing contractors out there that claim to be able to do any roofing job, no matter the size or scope. However, hiring an inexperienced roofer can be a costly mistake.
Commercial roofing is a complex and specialized field, and it requires a high level of skill and experience to do the job right. Inexperienced roofers may not have the knowledge or expertise to properly assess a roofing problem, which can lead to expensive repairs down the line. Additionally, they may not be aware of the latest roofing code requirements, which could result in your roof not meeting code and costing you even more money to fix.
So when hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to ask about their experience in commercial roofing specifically. It’s important that you hire someone who knows what they’re doing in order to avoid costly mistakes.
Powerhouse Restoration is Your Local Roof Repair and Replacement Expert
Powerhouse Restoration is a team of building restoration experts that specializes in commercial and residential roofing services in Chicago IL. We offer free estimates in order to help business or homeowners determine the scope of work that needs to be done. At Powerhouse Restoration, we have a wide range of services, from repairs to replacements. We also offer a variety of financing options to help make the roofing process as affordable as possible.
Whether you need a new roof for your home or business, Powerhouse Restoration is the company to call.