Although it might seem like the first thing most people see, the roof is one of the most durable parts of the building. This isn’t a surprise when most roofs cost around $10,000 and higher, especially when it comes to high-end construction materials. But even though that price range might be a bit staggering for materials that most people won’t see every day, you’re not just paying for the overall appeal of your roof but also its versatility against different weather conditions.
Aside from being durable against harsh weather, most roofs have a long lifespan. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the lifespan and the more durable the roofing material is, the higher the price tag. But just because you’re getting a high-end roof doesn’t mean that it’s already impervious to all weather conditions.
In most cases, roofing materials are also catered towards different situations. For instance, metal roofing is generally durable and resistant to the effects of snow and heavy rainfall while also have an average lifespan of around 50 years. On the other hand, slate tile roofing is usually placed in homes close to the shore or large bodies of water since they are resistant to saltwater and erosion while having a lifespan of around 100 years. However, slate tiles aren’t as durable when it comes to impacts from large hail. While slate tile roof does fetch a high price compared to metal roofing, it’s still used for certain types of environments.
That said, your roof will require maintenance a good amount of attention if you want to keep it in pristine condition. But the good news here is that there are various ways to maintain your roof and keep it in mint condition without having to spend thousands of dollars. Here’s what you need to know.
Should You Replace or Repair Your Roof?
But before discussing the important ways of keeping your roof in a pristine condition, we have first to answer one of the most prevalent questions that many people have been asking for ages: should you be repairing your roof? Why not just replace your roof with new materials?
Well, there’s really no clear answer to this question, and it will really depend on the state of your roof. While damages can be superficial and easily remedied without professional help, some damages can cause long-term structural damage. Usually, you need to have professional service for permanent damage. This is generally caused by natural disasters like flooding, heavy rainstorms, and the incorrect installation of roofing materials.
If you’re not sure whether you should be repairing or replacing your roof, you can weigh in on your decision by asking yourself these questions:
- Is your roof almost at the end of its lifespan? Each type of roofing will have its unique average lifespan.
- Is your roof installed correctly?
- Is your roof sagging? Warped and sagging roofing is one of the more serious signs of needing a replacement.
- Is there widespread water damage on your roof?
These are some factors that can affect your decision-making process. But other than that, you won’t necessarily need to replace your roof. Repairs are generally a more cost-effective and cheaper alternative than having to spend thousands of dollars on your roof. Fortunately, you won’t have to look far since professional commercial roof repair services can help ensure that your building roofing is in good condition. Not only will this extend its lifespan, but this can make it more durable against harsh weather.
But other than getting professional help, what are some ways of ensuring that your commercial establishment’s roof is in good condition?
Keeping Your Gutters Clear
One of the best ways to ensure that you won’t get permanent damage on your roof and other parts of your home is by keeping your gutters clear. Although it might not seem like the most critical part of your home, it’s still one of the best ways of preventing water damage. But if your gutters are clogged, this can lead to water overflowing and causing damage to other parts of your home. Ensure that your gutters are clear so that water is being redirected effectively.
Disposing Water Efficiently
Another critical method to keep your workplace in good condition is by keeping water damage out. Water damage is generally one of the primary causes of water damage to your roof’s structure and the supporting structure of your building. If there’s a crack on your roof, there’s a good chance that water will seep through nooks and crannies, which can eventually cause wooden structures to rot and metal surfaces to rust. Although you might not see damage now, this can eventually compromise the structural integrity of your roof after a few months.
So what’s an excellent solution to this? Having the necessary downspouts connected to your gutter system can ensure that water is effectively redirected off your roof towards areas that can’t damage your home’s foundations or soften the soil. This is a great way of ensuring that water won’t seep towards your sidings and walls.
You can use various tactics to keep your roof in pristine condition. Although you might be situated in an area with harsh weather, you can still retain much of your roof in order without spending much. As long as you’re able to address problems early on and spot tell-tale signs of long-term damage, this can prevent problems from arising.
If you’re not sure how you’re going to handle certain situations, there’s no harm in contacting professionals with the proper equipment and knowledge for these situations. Although you might have to spend a hundred dollars for repairs and services, this is way better than having to spend thousands of dollars.
