Does Your Rubber Roofing Need Repaired or Replaced?
Luke Smith
Author
Rubber roofing can become damaged from lack of maintenance and improper installations. Learn more about when to repair and when to replace.
Rubber roofing can become damaged from lack of maintenance and improper installations. Learn more about when to repair and when to replace.
Repair or replace? When it comes to your roof, making the right choice can significantly impact business downtime and long-term costs.
If you already have a rubber roof, such as TPO or PVC, the good news is that both are designed to last over a decade, with PVC offering the longer lifespan. The caveat is that lifespans can be affected by unforeseen weather events, damage to rooftop installations (such as HVAC equipment), and lack of maintenance.
These are all signs that your rubber roof needs to be inspected:
Keep in mind that these signs don’t point to any potential solution for your scenario; instead, they indicate that something is wrong with your system and that it needs to be inspected.
When you consult a professional roofing company, they will likely take a look at the following factors:
All roofs require maintenance and repairs from time to time, but if the costs are escalating over a relatively short period, it might be time to consider replacement. Think of it similarly to buying or leasing a new car versus continuing to invest in repairs for an aging automobile. At some point, it becomes much more economical to purchase a new car. While the upfront cost may be higher, you’ll likely save on repairs in the long term.
There are standard surface issues indicating damage, as we listed earlier, but your roofing system is more than that, which is why a professional roofing inspection is needed to assess the overall condition.
Under-surface components that could be damaged include:
If any of these components are damaged, the entire roofing system is compromised and should be replaced. For your roof to function properly, all of its various components must be in good working order.
Localized damage can often be repaired, but if it’s widespread, your roof is likely beyond its expected lifespan and should be replaced. Widespread damage may also indicate structural issues that could be accelerating roofing damage.
Proper ventilation prevents the buildup of heat and moisture. If these issues persist, they can lead to costly structural damage and higher energy costs. Insulation is also crucial to your facility’s energy efficiency and to the durability of your roof, as it helps protect against thermal stress and moisture.
Your insulation and ventilation systems need to be well-designed for the use of your building. For example, if your daily operations generate potential pollutants or moisture, you need a system that can efficiently handle these challenges. If your ventilation and insulation are underperforming, it will shorten your roof’s lifespan.
In many cases, it’s easier to replace the entire roofing system to fix ventilation and insulation issues.
As a business owner, it shouldn’t be you who makes the call on whether to replace or repair your flat roof. There are components that you won’t be able to inspect, and certain signs you may not even know to look out for.
Until a professional assesses your roof, you won’t truly know the extent of the issue. A good roofing professional will perform a comprehensive inspection to properly assess the issues, determine whether any underlying problems are at play, and help you decide on the best course of action.
Summit Commercial Roofing is a leading commercial and industrial roofing contractor serving southeast Michigan. Since our founding over 25 years ago, we’ve only specialized in flat roofing. We can install and replace PVC and TPO roofing, retrofit metal roofs, and repair PVC, TPO, EPDM, and modified bitumen roofing systems.
If you’ve noticed any damage on your roof, contact us today to schedule your free inspection.
Is your property in need of roofing service? Contact Summit Commercial Roofing today at 734-422-8280 or fill out our online form for more information and to schedule a free, no-hassle roof inspection and service estimate. As Southeast Michigan's leader in commercial roofing services, we're standing by to deliver fast, reliable and high-quality roofing service.