There’s a lot that goes into running a business. It can be hard to stay on top of everything that needs to be done, and maintenance issues can often go unnoticed for long periods. However, one component that cannot go without attention is your commercial roof.
Roofs cover a substantial area of your property and protect your business from the elements and harsh weather of Wisconsin. A damaged roof can cause serious harm to the rest of your property and may negatively affect the reputation of your business.
Even though commercial roofs are made to survive for a long time, there are times when you will require commercial roof replacement in Wisconsin to protect and secure your property and investments. Making the appropriate decision when replacing a commercial roof is essential.
Reasons a Commercial Roof Can Require Replacement
While running a business can be difficult, it’s important to keep up with your roof. It doesn’t need to be replaced very often, but you don’t want it to deteriorate to the point that it interferes with your business. Here are some significant reasons for replacing your commercial roof:
Age
Common commercial roofs have life spans ranging from 10 to 40 years. However, the effects of wind, rain, and other adverse weather in Wisconsin can reduce a roof’s lifespan. If you’ve never changed your commercial roof, now might be the ideal time.
Loose Fixtures
While the roof itself may be sound, if there are loose fixtures or fittings on the roof, it won’t hold together well. If you inspect your roof and notice loose fittings, it may be time for a roof replacement to prevent further issues.
Roof Membrane Damage
Roof membranes can rise and warp due to the storms and severe winds in Wisconsin. While this kind of damage is easy to ignore, it is still important to repair it. If it is only slight, a commercial roof repair service can stop it from getting worse. However, the membrane should be replaced if there are any bald areas or visible severe damage.
Wear and Tear
Flashing provides weather and moisture protection while also securing roofing components. It offers a seal of protection, making the roof less likely to experience wear and tear. When it is damaged, water and debris can enter and could start the degradation process and necessitate roof replacement.
Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs To Be Replaced
Significant issues with your Wisconsin commercial roof could mean disaster for your company. A sudden roofing failure could result in the loss of costly equipment and extended periods of downtime.
You don’t want to wait until your old roof causes a tragedy. It is important to be aware of the warning signals that your commercial roof needs to be replaced:
- Leaks: When it rains in Wisconsin and you have water dripping down inside your property, your roof requires attention. You must watch for supplementary leak symptoms. Keep an eye out for water stains or moldy-looking ceilings. If the leaks are causing business interruption even after repairs, then it is a good indicator that you need a commercial roof replacement in Wisconsin.
- Damages: If your commercial roof is made of shingles, you should occasionally check them to see if they are curling, cracking, or splitting. Keep an eye out for any bald or patchy areas since they are another sign that water is getting trapped in the roof.
- Damage location: If the damage is located in a part of the property that is essential to business operations or if it is on a costly piece of manufacturing equipment, you may want to think about a complete replacement. Instead of moving operations around and possibly experiencing future issues, it’s best to deal with roofing problems immediately and completely.
- Discoloration: Discoloration is another obvious indication that it’s time to replace your commercial roof. Due to deterioration and other significant damages, your roof may start to seem discolored. If the discoloration is visible, it is probably past the point of repair and needs replacement.
Materials for Commercial Roofs
Commercial roofs come in a variety of designs and are built with different types of materials. Each roof is built to the specifications of the structure, owner’s preference, and available budget. However, the material used to replace the roof of your commercial property is crucial to both the building’s general health and the roof’s durability.
Here are the available types of materials used in commercial roofing:
Metal Roofing
Metal is one of the most frequently used materials for commercial roofing. It has many benefits due to its durability and strength. Here are some examples of the various types of metal materials that can be used in a roofing system:
- Galvanized steel
- Stainless steel
- Metal sheeting
Single Ply Roof
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO), is a single-ply roofing membrane composed of a combination of rubbers. TPO is a great roofing option because it is flexible, lightweight, and resilient, giving you a variety of building options.
Polyvinyl Chloride
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is utilized for more than just making pipes for plumbing. It is also a plastic material that is suitable for use as roofing because it is lightweight and resistant to wind and fire.
Built-Up Roofing
Built-up roofing, often known as BUR, has been utilized for over a century and is frequently employed on flat roofs. It entails adhering layers of commercial fabric together with asphalt. Built-up roofing’s layered design helps keep undesirable moisture out of your structure and lowers the chance of water leakage.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Methylene
The synthetic rubber substance ethylene propylene diene methylene membrane, also known as EPDM, is elastic and long-lasting. It is a popular material that is both durable and economical that provides excellent weather resistance and waterproofing.
A Roof Coating Will Extend the Life of Your Flat Roof
Maintenance is an important part of ensuring your flat roof lasts as long as possible. Another way you can protect your roof, avoid leaks, and even put off replacing your entire roof, is by having a flat roof coating applied to your flat roof.
However, a flat roof coating cannot be applied to a severely damaged roof. So, it is important to schedule regular inspections so that any problems can be repaired before they turn into a bigger job.
Roof replacement jobs require getting a permit, and that means your structure needs to meet any building codes that were modified or added since your building was built. On the other hand, coating your flat roof is considered maintenance, so no permits are required.
Roof replacements, especially when structural changes are needed in order to meet building codes, are far more costly than roof repairs and roof maintenance. Opting to extend the life of your flat roof by adding a roof coating often costs just 50% of the price of a roof replacement - or less!
Furthermore, since coating your flat roof is considered maintenance, the price of a flat roof coating is fully tax deductible.
Best of all, a flat roof coating from Bulldog Builders comes with a 20-year warranty!
Call us today at (414) 405-1751 to find out more or book your inspection right away.
Choose Wisconsin’s Top Commercial Roofing Company
Bulldog Builders is the premier construction and roofing company in Wisconsin. Our experts only use top-quality roofing materials and have extensive experience and knowledge of all types of commercial roofing systems.
Since 2013, we’ve transformed people’s lives and businesses due to our excellent roofing replacement services in Wisconsin.
Contact us today at (414) 405-1751 or by filling in our roofing quote request form and see how we can help you secure your business with a top-notch commercial roof replacement in Wisconsin.
Financing and 1-day roof replacement services are available.