It isn’t easy planning for commercial roof repairs and eventual replacement. Today we’ll take a look at the factors that affect costs and help you plan out a solid budget that will meet all of your roofing needs.
First, let’s take a look at what affects the repair and replacement costs of commercial roofing systems.
Factors That Influence Roofing Cost of Repair and Replacement
- Roof size and complexity – Whether it’s for repairs or a full replacement, size and complexity affect costs. Larger and more complex roof designs require more material and more labor. A small but complex roof can be more expensive than a large but simple roof.
- Roofing Materials – Higher quality, more durable materials have a higher upfront cost, but can save significant money over time by increasing lifespan and reducing repair costs. When high-end materials do need repair or replacement, the materials costs are also higher.
- Additional Elements – Factoring in the cost to work around skylights, solar panels, ventilation systems, and other rooftop components will increase repair and replacement costs.
Typical Lifespan of a Commercial Roof
A typical commercial roof lasts around 15-20 years, depending on the materials used.
Regular maintenance like debris removal and inspections are critical to maximizing your commercial roof’s lifespan.
Ongoing Maintenance Requirements
Your commercial roof is a complex system that needs ongoing maintenance. Exactly how much ongoing maintenance depends on the type of roof, the materials used, and the environment surrounding the roof.
A typical roof will require at least yearly inspections by a professional roofing contractor, in addition to a minimum of twice-yearly maintenance for debris removal.
Truth be told, however, our harsh Florida climate – from intense heat to high winds – means that you are really better off with two yearly inspections (one right before storm season and the other right after).
How To Budget For Repairs and Replacements
Budgeting for Ongoing Maintenance
It is best to schedule in advance. That way you know the recurring cost your particular roofing situation requires, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting. Remember, you need at least one professional inspection per year and two debris removals per year.
Budgeting for Repairs
Looking back through your records can give you a good idea of the average cost your particular roof incurs per year. Simply add up all repair costs from the last 5 years and divide by 5 to get a ballpark figure on your roof’s repair cost per year.
Budgeting for Replacement
Get a sense of roofing costs by talking to roofing professionals who have experience with your type of roof. (Want to know if you are working with the best roofing contractor? Ask them these 10 questions.)
Plan to have a replacement budget in place 3-5 years before the expected end-of-life. This gives you a nice buffer in case an emergency arises.
Begin searching for a roofing contractor 1-2 years before the expected end-of-life. You want to get to know your contractor well. Have them perform annual inspections of your current roof. This lets you get a feel for them on a professional level, lets you test their knowledge, and helps them have a better sense of your needs when the time for a replacement comes. Remember that blindly choosing the cheapest contractor can be a costly mistake.
Putting It All Together
Keeping a solid budget for commercial roofing repairs and replacement is no easy task. But by keeping these simple guidelines in mind, you’ll have a plan in place in no time.
Just remember:
- Ongoing maintenance and regular inspections are key to maximizing commercial roof lifespan.
- Look to past repairs to get a ballpark idea of average repair costs per year.
- Knowing that a commercial roof reaches end-of-life at the 15-20 year mark will help you plan ahead.
At Perry Roofing Contractors, we’ve been helping businesses take care of their roofing needs for more than 4 decades. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have!