Roofing systems are integral to the structure and protection of any commercial building and by extension your business.  As such, they are built for long-term durability and feature high performance materials and components in their construction.  Nevertheless, no roofing system lasts forever, particularly in climates that receive a diversity of inclement weather.  So, when your commercial roof is showing signs of wear and tear, how can you tell if it’s time to re-cover or replace your roof?

There are a number of reasons commercial roofs can fail; problems are sometimes associated with poor design and installation, poor maintenance, or even simply the age of the roof.  Regardless of the specific problem of your roof, the best remedy should arise from careful consideration of the following:

• The extent and severity of damage,
• The quality and effectiveness of insulation,
• The current status of the building (i.e. is it occupied or are their other maintenance issues?),
• Building purpose and location,
• Signs of internal moisture,
• The nature of the remediation (i.e. is this an emergency repair? Are you looking for long-term solutions?).

Once you have a clearer picture of these factors, you should speak to a qualified roofing professional about the best course of action.  Typically speaking, roofing fixes can be categorized as repair, coating, re-covering, or replacement.  Let’s have a closer look at each.

With respect to repair or simply coating your roof, these are great options for more minor problems.  Repairs are advisable when your roofing membrane is within the manufacturer’s stipulated lifespan and no major problems have been identified.  If your roofing insulation is also in good order, repairs are usually a low cost and appropriate solution. 

Coating is also a good option if you want extra protection against leaks or to extend the life of your roof.  In addition, certain types of coating can improve the energy efficiency of your building which ultimately translates to lower heating and cooling costs.  A new coating is less labour intensive and will be less likely to interrupt business operations than more major repairs such as re-covering or replacing your roof. 

If your roof is showing more serious signs of damage, re-covering or replacing the roof might be your best options.  Not all damage justifies replacement, and in many cases re-covering is a more affordable and equally acceptable solution to roof problems.  If your roofer has determined that roofing structures are fundamentally sound and has only one membrane that can be re-covered, they might suggest this route. 

Finally, roof replacement is typically recommended when damage is severe or extensive (i.e. more than one quarter of the roof is damaged), insulation is wet or damaged, or you want a new roof that features the most recent roofing technologies.

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Roof maintenance is important, no matter the cost.  As one of the most structurally significant aspects of your home, keeping your roof in tip top condition also helps you protect your home and your belongings.  Indeed, a quality roof does more than just keep the rain out.  The structural integrity of your roof is important for insulation too.  In other words, your roof keeps your home dry and warm!  So, if you’ve discovered a leak and a professional roofer is recommending repairs, follow their advice – the costs associated with roof repair are usually a fraction of the cost of replacement.

Repair costs can vary significantly.  The most basic repairs may be as little as $100 to $200, while the most advanced repairs could exceed $2000.  On average, roofing repairs land somewhere in the middle, usually between $400 and $800.  While these costs certainly seem expensive, you need to consider the importance of your roof as well as the cost of replacement (which can easily exceed $5000 depending on the type and style of your roof). 

Types of Repairs

Among the most common roofing repairs relate to shingles.  During storms, it’s not uncommon for shingles to be broken or even blown off completely, particularly on older roofs.  In fact, even on newer roofs shingles can be lifted off during high winds.  Heavier shingles stand up better to high winds, but no material is entirely weatherproof.

Another common roofing repair relates to flashing.  Flashing is the material that surrounds vents or other roofing fixtures, and while they are sealed to your roof flashing is usually made from metal material and prone to corrosion over time.  This includes flashing around chimneys and skylights which can pose a significant risk to leaks.

Roof valleys are another part of the roof that commonly requires repair due to water build-up on the interior angles of your roof.  A great deal of water flows down roof valleys making these roof areas more susceptible to damage over time.

If you live in a cold climate, ice dams pose another significant problem.  When accumulated snow on your roof melts and then re-freezes, ice dams form.  This can prevent normal drainage from your roof and eventually causes leaks.

Professional Repairs

Unless you are a roofing professional yourself, you should always hire an expert roofer for repairs.  While you can often see signs of a leak inside your home, it can be difficult to trace the original source of the leak on your roof.  In addition, professional roofers have the expertise to identify potential future roofing problems so they can conduct preventative repairs that are generally less costly.  For this reason, you should also have your roof professionally inspected every year.

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Commercial roofing is a much more complicated industry than many of us are aware.  Though there are 2 standard types of commercial roof – low slope and steep slope – there are actually a wide range of materials utilized in commercial roofing.  We’ll consider these two main types of commercial roof, if only to help organize the discussion.  But, before we start, let’s define low slope and steep slope roofs.

First, low slope roofs are those that require weatherproof or waterproof membranes as they feature slopes at 14° or less.  On the other hand, steep slope roofs allow for water-shedding as their slopes are greater than 14°.  As such, these types of roofs are often constructed from different materials.  Let’s have a closer look.

Low Slope Roofs

A low slope commercial roof is usually constructed from one of four different types of material:

1. Metal panels
2. Single-ply membranes
3. Built-up roof membranes
4. Spray polyurethane foam-based roofs

Metal panels are highly versatile.  They are an excellent option for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings because they’re durable and relatively cost effective. 

Single-ply membrane roofing refers to pre-manufactured sheet membranes that are either thermoplastic or thermoset.  These sheets vary in thickness and are secured to a roof system to provide protection against inclement weather.  Often referred to as “rubber roofing,” these systems are flexible and durable.

Built-up roof membranes have been utilized in roofing for more than a century and are commonly known as tar and gravel roofs.  They are composed of alternating layers of bitumen and fabric for reinforcement to create a protective roofing membrane.  These roofs are affordable, durable, and relatively easy to maintain.

Finally, spray polyurethane foam-based roofs can be used on new commercial roofs or installed over an existing roof.  These systems can replace most roofing systems and feature a spray-on foam that seals and protects your commercial roof. 

Steep Slope Roofs

Now that we have a better idea about roofing materials for commercial low slope roofs, let’s turn our attention to steep slope roofs.  There are 5 common types of materials for these kinds of commercial roof:

1. Asphalt shingles
2. Metal roofing
3. Wood shakes and shingles
4. Slate
5. Clay or concrete tiles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of residential roofing system in North America, but they’re also excellent applications for steep slope commercial roofs.  They’re affordable and easy to maintain while also providing lasting protection.

Metal roofing is adequate for both steel and low slope commercial roofs.  Though more expensive than other types of roofing systems, commercial metal roofs hold up well to all kinds of weather.  Not only are they flexible with respect to their effectiveness in different climates, they are also highly durable.

Wood shakes and shingles are an attractive roofing option even for commercial properties.  If aesthetic is important, these are definitely an excellent options.  But wood shakes and shingles are durable as well.  They withstand severe storms and high winds, and they’re also energy efficient.

Slate roofing for commercial steep slope roofs are regarded as high quality, long lasting systems.  As a natural stone product, they’re aesthetically pleasing but also highly fire resistant and environmentally friendly.  However, slate roofs tend to be quite heavy and costly.

Finally, clay or concrete roofing systems are also stylish and durable.  They tend to be heavier than other roofing systems, and they’re also quite expensive.  That being said, they also are a great choice for all climates, and they’re fire resistant too!

The post Commercial Roofing Material Options appeared first on K2 Roofing Blog.

roof maintenance

Remove Excess Water

Say No to Moss

Inspect Insulation

Regular Roof Inspections

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Homeowners often defer to the judgement of a qualified, experienced roofing contractor however the following are a few factors that can help you better understand when to repair your roof, and when to replace it:

1. One of the obvious examples where roof repair is usually your best option is when your roof is damaged in a storm. Wind may strip shingles and fallen limbs can damage your roof and its structures. If your roof is in generally good condition, your contractor will likely recommend repair in these instances. Torn or damaged shingles will be removed and replaced, damaged fixtures will be repaired, and your roofer can inspect for other signs of damage.
2. If more significant damage is found, your roofer may recommend replacement. Sometimes damage will be confined to one area, and a partial roof replacement will suffice. While the cost per square foot of a partial can be more than a complete replacement, if you only need to fix a small portion, these types of repairs can be significantly cheaper.
3. Sometimes a complete new roof is the best and most economical long-term option. Unfortunately, many homeowners do not have the expertise to determine when repairs are enough and when their roof should be replaced. As such, it is always important to discuss your options with a well-respected local roofer. Even if only part of your roof appears damaged, it may be more cost effective to do a replacement while your contractor and crew are on site with their equipment. Doing a partial today and needing additional work done soon afterwards will be more expensive than simply installing a new roof at one time.

There are many factors that will guide your decision whether to reroof or replace parts of it. First, consider the age of your roof and its current condition. You’ll also want to think about your climate and the potential for future damage. If you live in a stormy climate and you are regularly making repairs to your roof, it may be appealing to replace the entire structure with more durable materials.

Finally, if you are trying to decide whether to install a new roof, you need to consider your budget. A new roof can be a sizable investment in your home, although one that may be necessary. Your roofing professional can provide you with the facts necessary to make an informed decision on what the best outcome for your roof’s integrity will be.

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The summer is a carefree time spent enjoying the outdoors.  From barbecues to beach days, we don’t need to spend a lot of time worrying about harsh weather or its possible effects on our weekends, much less our homes.  Then come winter, we realize how important it is to have access to a safe, secure, and comfortable home.  As soon as it’s time to escape the weather, we learn the importance of preparing for it.  One of the most important aspects of our homes when it comes to protecting us from the damaging effects of weather is our roof.  Unfortunately, without regular inspections and maintenance, we can’t be sure that our roof is prepared to offer the protection we need.  So, when it comes to winter-proofing your home, you should never underestimate the importance of roof repairs and maintenance.

Winter-Proofing your Roof

The most effective way to winter-proof your home involves a bit of foresight.  You do not want to wait for the first big storm of the year to learn that your roof is damaged.  As such, you should ensure to have your roof cleaned and inspected regularly, also making sure that gutters and downpipes are also inspected.  In addition, your roof insulation should be regularly checked as well.  

You may believe that winter rains are an effective method of cleaning your roof, but in fact they encourage the growth of fungi and algae while also causing the buildup of debris in gutters.  Hire a professional roof maintenance company that can inspect your roof and offer the necessary repairs.  Obviously, you will want to contact a number of potential roofers to ask for quotes and get references before you go forward with any maintenance or repairs.

Ideally, your professional maintenance crew will also clean and inspect your gutters, so be sure to ask about this when getting quotes.  Clogged gutters and downpipes can cause significant damage to your home, as water backs up and may begin to cause deterioration in roofing materials and structures.  If your home has many over-hanging trees, or your gutters require frequent cleaning, consider having a gutter protection system installed as this will prevent debris from clogging gutters.

Finally, you need to ensure that you have adequate roofing insulation.  Should you notice that your house is too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter, your roofing insulation may be the key to the problem.  By replacing poor insulation, you will benefit from affordable and effective improvements to your home’s energy efficiency.  There are a variety of types of roofing insulation, so be sure to consult with a professional to determine the best kind of insulation for your home.

In addition to winter-proofing your roof, you can extend your efforts to other aspects of your home.  For example, weather stripping will reduce heat loss at windows and doors.  You may even want to consider investing in double-pane windows which are much more effective at keeping warmth in and cold out. 

If you have any question about your roof, please contact Vancouver roofing company K2 Roofing. 

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Is it a Chia Roof or a do it yourself Green Roof? Either way, you got to give them credit for their moss cultivating skills. 

It might be an endangered eco system under protection

Cha Cha Cha Chia

If this is your roof, You need to call K2 Roofing… Now!

Free Estimates 604-317-0004

Did you find your roof in the Friday Frights? You are eligable for our Ugly Roof discount. Call us asap!! You really need to.

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