Beat the Spring Rush: Secure Your Roofing Project Now to Avoid Delays.

Spring is here and the roofing season is about to kick into full gear. As we already know, this year may bring some challenges, including labor shortages and potential cost increases due to inflation, raw material price fluctuations and tariffs. Whether you need roof repairs, a full reroof or are in charge of a new construction project and looking at your roofing options, planning ahead is critical to maximizing your budget and meeting deadlines.

First, let’s take a quick look at the process of roof repairs and commercial roof replacement and why, in some cases, it can take longer than expected. Any roofing project starts with a thorough evaluation of your facility’s roof to assess its condition, needs and challenges, all to determine whether your current installation is actually meeting the operational demands of your facility.

From there, the process of identifying the best solution begins. Do you need repairs? Will applying a roof coating help you stay watertight? Is replacing the roof a more financially sound option rather than constantly battling new leaks due to its age and condition? Will your project be completed in phases, starting with immediate repairs and leading to a full replacement later?

Every facility’s roof is unique and these decisions depend on factors like the roof’s age, the type of operations in your building, whether regular maintenance has been performed, local climate conditions and more.

If a roof replacement is unavoidable, your project could take up to 20 weeks or more, depending on the size and complexity of your roof. Why so long? Because permits need to be obtained, materials need to be ordered and delivered and safety plans need to be put in place. A good contractor typically has a backlog of at least six weeks. Once construction begins, challenges like bad weather can impact your timeline. Plus, certain business operations may limit when roofing crews can work, adding another layer of scheduling complexity.

Now, let’s factor in seasonal changes. If your facility’s roof has taken a hit from snow and freeze-thaw cycles over the winter, it’s definitely worth a closer look. Winter weather can take a toll on your roof system, whether it’s the added weight from heavy snow and ice, thermal shock from freeze-thaw cycles or ice dams. Even a small crack or weak spot can turn into a bigger problem over time as melting snow seeps in and then expands when it refreezes. Winter is tough on any commercial roof, so addressing potential issues before spring showers roll in is key. Just because your facility isn’t experiencing an active leak right now doesn’t mean one isn’t developing overhead.

Now, throw in labor shortages with potential material cost increases and the impact of winter weather on your commercial roof and we've got the perfect storm. How can you navigate these conditions more effectively? Here’s a quick checklist to help you out.

✔ Know your roof:

Schedule a free, comprehensive roof inspection now. The sooner you understand the condition of your roof, the sooner you can prioritize tasks and allocate your budget.

✔ Schedule your roofing projects as soon as possible:

Once you have your inspection report, don’t wait to book your repairs or replacements. The sooner you get on the schedule, the more control you’ll have over pricing and timelines.

✔ Sign up for a preventative maintenance plan:

Properly maintaining your roof can make or break your budget. Ignoring your roof can shorten its life and lead to expensive repairs or an early replacement. In fact, more than 25% of roofing expenses are related to unplanned repairs, costs that could have been avoided. Preventative maintenance plans will help extend the life of your roof, catch minor damage before it escalates into a larger problem and, in many cases, are required to comply with your roof warranty terms.

✔ Explore roof safety products:

Staying compliant and reducing the risk of accidents is key when your team or contractors access your roof.

Commercial roofing emergencies can lead to significant costs, especially with material cost increases, shortages and backlogs. Stay on top of your budget and timelines by following the checklist. Ready to assess your facility’s roof and map out a game plan for the year? Contact us today to get started.

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