The right commercial roofs can last a long time. Many of the roofs we installed in Upstate New York and NYC twenty years ago are still going strong today. That said, every roof will need to be replaced or restored at some point. As they say, time wears down all things.
Commercial roofs are often much larger than the average residential roof. After all, a warehouse or similar facility is much larger than a family home, especially in regard to the surface area. Many commercial roofs are also flat, which leaves them more prone to damage from heavy snows, standing water, and the like.
As such, maintenance and upkeep are a must. Still, even with diligent oversight, the roof will eventually start to break down. As time marches on, you’ll have to decide whether you should repair, restore, or replace your commercial roof. The right option will depend on your situation. That said, restoration is often a great choice. Let’s look at why.
Roofing Restoration vs Repair
A commercial roof restoration in NYC typically involves cleaning the roof, looking for and repairing signs of damage, and then applying a new coating or membrane. The new coating distinguishes commercial roofing restoration from simple maintenance and repairs.
Roofing restoration is often more expensive upfront than hiring someone to fix a few leaks and address other trouble spots. The problem with spot maintenance and repairs, however, is that the roof will continue to break down. As time passes, the degradation can speed up and repair bills may skyrocket.
Roofing restoration can stop and even reverse roof degradation. This means you could save money in the long run by reducing repair costs. A new membrane may not only cover existing holes, but it can also prevent new ones from forming. Preventing water leaks could protect your property, commercial equipment, inventory, and more.
Roofing repairs can also stop leaks. However, with older roofs, spot repairs can become a constant burden. By renewing your roof, you may be able to reduce upkeep and maintenance in the near term.
Restoration vs Replacement
Roofing restoration is often far more affordable in NYC and along the East Coast than replacing the roof outright. Not only is installing a new roof expensive, but many businesses will have to shut down operations, potentially for several weeks, while the new roof is installed. In the meantime, machinery, supplies, inventory, and other things may need to be moved or could be put at risk of being damaged.
Rather than replacing a commercial roof, it’s often possible to restore it, potentially adding several years to its lifespan. With restoration, you may not need to shut down your business or may not need to go out of your way to protect machinery, inventory, and the like. Thus, commercial roofing restoration not only costs less upfront than replacement, but it can save a lot of money in the long run too.
Restoration Means Reusing (and That Benefits the Environment)
Commercial roofing restoration can also benefit the environment. Many companies and organizations along the East Coast are now rightly focusing on improving their environmental footprint. By taking a proactive approach to sustainability, organizations can improve their brand and community support while also protecting the environment and preserving scarce resources for future generations.
When you replace a roof, you need to tear the old roof off. Often, the materials torn off can’t be reused. In some cases, some materials might be recyclable. However, even recycling can be pretty inefficient. The materials must be gathered, transported, and sorted before recycling even begins. The recycling process itself often uses a lot of energy and other inputs.
With roofing restoration, you can often reuse much if not most of the materials of the initial roof. This means less waste is sent to the landfill and fewer materials need to be processed via recycling.
Other Sustainability Benefits of Roofing Restoration
Many governments, consumers, and organizations are pushing for increased sustainability across the Northeast, and for good reason. We only have one planet and we need to take care of it not just right now but also for future generations. Roofing restoration can provide many benefits for the environment.
The right commercial roof coatings will increase insulation. This can help you save on heating bills when those infamously cold Northeast winters settle in. The same is true during the summer. New York City and other major cities along the East Coast function as massive heat sinks, which can drive AC bills through the roof.
Exploring Roofing Restoration Options
Many building managers in NYC and along the East Coast have been opting to restore their roofs in recent years. Various advancements in materials, technologies, and methods have made roofing restoration an even more enticing prospect. If you’d like to discuss whether roofing restoration is right for you, get in touch. We’d be glad to assist.