Your roof needs some TLC to keep serving you well. And at some point, repair or replacement may be the only option to get it back in shape. Thankfully, QE Roofing is a top-rated rated contractor with a knack for residential and commercial roof restoration and replacement – and can give your tired roof a new lease of life. You can also Learn More about this relationship-driven firm by exploring its website or reading customer reviews on third-party sites like Google.
But have you noticed that a repair or replacement may be necessary at the most inconvenient time? It’s as though your roof knows you just paid your employees and wants to squeeze every last penny out of your budget. Sure, it may not be on your payroll, but it sure knows it puts in lots of overtime, no?
Your roof may require attention sooner than you anticipated, whether it’s due to age, wear-and-tear, extreme weather conditions, poor installation, or general neglect. Well then, how do you decide between roof coating and replacement? Let’s discuss each option in detail to help you determine the best option. For now, it’s safe to say the jury is still out.
Roof Coating
Picture this; your commercial roof springs a leak and risks your inventory and operations. You need a fast and effective solution but don’t want to reallocate funds for other meaningful projects. Plus, you can’t afford to disrupt your business when your customers are counting on you.
Well, a roof coating may be the answer to your prayers. It involves applying an acrylic or elastomeric coating over your existing roof using a roller or sprayer. This acts as a protective layer, blocking water entry and providing an extra layer of protection when compared to the roof’s original membrane.
Typically, roof coatings last about 10-25 years, depending on the type of coating and level of maintenance you provide. Hereunder are some of the other benefits of springing for a roof coating:
- It’s more affordable than a full replacement.
- Installation is a cinch – it takes less time and requires few resources.
- It’s environmentally friendly – no huge piles of waste or extra material to haul away.
- Versatile solution – it works on simple and complex roof designs.
Even so, the coating may not work for every roof. And depending on how damaged your roof is, you may want to consider other alternatives. Generally, here’s the catch:
- You need a smooth surface – a roof coating works best on roofs with a smooth surface. Thus, this approach may not be ideal for a ballasted or tar roof.
- Structural concerns – if your roof has significant structural damage, a coating may not work. And while the coating isn’t a band-aid solution, it doesn’t resolve the first-line problem.
- Moisture-sensitive material – the coating requires a dry surface to bond and dry properly. If the material underlying your roof is porous, chances are the moisture can compromise the coating, even if your leaky roof appears dry during application.
Roof Replacement
A complete overhaul may be the only option if your roof is on the brink. A roof replacement implies removing your existing roof and installing a new one. And truth be told; it’s an expensive undertaking.
That said, the long-term benefits may be worth the money and hassle. For starters, it offers a seamless layer of protection without weak spots or gaps, which is great for extreme weather and climate conditions. A new installation can last up to 30-50 years, depending on the material in question. Plus, it allows the contractor to address underlying structural issues before installation. As such, you’ll know your roof can remain water-tight for years.
The downside? Well, here’re a few:
- It’s time-consuming – preparing the site, hauling away debris, repairing damaged sheathing, framing, and installing new sheets (or other roofing material) can take weeks. Imagine the disruptive effect this can have on your business operations.
- You need an experienced contractor – while an upcoming contractor can coat your roof, a replacement is a different ball game. If the roofer isn’t experienced, they may miss vital steps in the installation process or damage your property. The contractor must also be up to the task if your roof has a complex design or odd angles.
- It’s expensive – let’s reiterate (for emphasis) that a full-blown replacement is far from cheap. Plus, you’ll need to factor in the cost of disposing of and replacing damaged sheathing or framing. Besides, your HVAC system may throw a spanner in the works, requiring the input of other professionals to re-route the equipment (resulting in more financial pain).
Which option is more suitable depends on your financial situation and a myriad of factors, some of which we’ve touched on above. If you’re at a crossroads, consult a professional to help determine the most feasible option based on your current predicament.
