Entire Roof? Or Just a Section?

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? How much needs to be replaced? We’re here to answer all of your questions when it comes to fixing your roof.

In order to determine whether you need to address your entire roof or just a section, it’s important to have a comprehensive inspection completed to determine the condition of your roof. There are a variety of factors that will determine whether one section needs a solution, or if there is a larger portion of the roof that needs to be addressed. Here are some important questions that will help determine if it’s the entire roof or just a section.

How old is your roof?

This is one of the first questions you want to ask whenever you encounter a problem with your roof. On average, commercial roofs tend to last about 20 - 30 years. If your roof is getting close to the 20-year mark or has surpassed it, it’s time to start looking at the condition of your roof and repair or replacement options.

Where is it located?

Is there a leak or damage located directly above a spot that is critical to your business or staff? If it has the potential to affect important business operations, a full replacement may be needed in order to avoid the risk of any potential damage to your assets inside.

What time of the year is it?

This is an important factor for a variety of reasons. If you live in an area with harsh winters and heavy snow and ice, it may be wise to just focus on a section of the roof and provide a stable but temporary solution, rather than begin a big project in inclement weather.

What is the extent of the damage?

If there is extensive water damage, a large leak, or multiple areas that need to be fixed, you might need a solution that addresses the entire roof. A good rule of thumb is if more than 25% of your roof is damaged, it is more effective to replace the entire roof.

What is the history of your roof?

The condition of your roof, as well as the timing of the needed repairs, are key when thinking about a sectional repair or a full replacement. If your roof has been repaired or addressed in sections previously, it may make sense to continue repairing the roof in sections. If the overall condition of your roof is worn and multiple areas are in need of fixes, replacement may be the best option. Sometimes sectional replacements can hold roofs over before a full replacement is needed. However, it could be more efficient to go ahead and address the entire roof to prevent any further damage or unforeseen leaks.

What is your budget?

Whether you need to address your entire roof or just a section, there are a variety of solutions for different budgets. There are many effective ways to go about replacing your roof, including Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF), Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Modified Bitumen to name a few. If you have a tighter budget and the timing doesn’t permit a full roof replacement, focusing on the most damaged sections of your roof may be best. This way, you can focus on the needed repairs and allow time to plan for future repairs or eventually, a full-on replacement.

The key to determining whether you need to address your entire roof or just a section is to have a thorough inspection of your roof completed by a professional, commercial contractor. Your contractor will be able to help you answer all of these questions and more to develop the right roofing strategy for you.