Roofing services are a must-have, with the U.S. roofing industry valued at nearly $56 billion, according to IBISWorld industry reports. But if you’re searching “commercial roofing services near me” the results can be confusing.
What’s the difference between roof restoration and roof replacement? What is a roof membrane? How do you know if a repair is minor or needs major work?
Our guide to the top 10 commercial roofing services will clear up all the confusion.
Commercial Roofing Services
Most commercial roofing companies offer routine services like inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Other optional services can include gutter replacement and installing roof membranes.
Reputable companies include their certifications and a warranty on their services. Roofing experts point out shoddy work causes 66% of commercial roofing systems failures, according to statistics.
1. Commercial Roofing Inspections
A regular roof inspection will detect issues before they even begin. Inspection lapses can result in higher damage and repair costs from neglected issues.
Inspection checklists can include:
- Features like vents and flashing
- Normal wear and tear
- Storm and weather damage
- Leaks
- Dry rot
- Poor material quality
- Improper installation problems
Out of all the commercial roofing services, regular inspections are the best way to save yourself time and money. Some commercial roofing companies will even offer one for free.
2. Commercial Roofing Maintenance
Commercial roofing services include regular maintenance. Like inspections, this stops small issues from creating large issues.
Roofs also experience normal wear and tear, especially from climate and weather:
- Heat: warps, blisters, cracks, and material expansion
- Rain: and humidity: bends, leaks, mold, and material erosion
- Ice and snow: cracks, leaks, buckling, and ice dams
- Wind: leaks, looseness, missing pieces, and debris damage
If your roof experiences harsh summer and/or winter weather, commercial roofing companies can extend your roof’s lifespan with regular maintenance.
3. Commercial Roofing Repairs
Even with the best inspections and maintenance, you’ll still need some roof repairs. Minor repairs can include:
- Replacing missing parts
- Re-applying seals
- Filling in cracks
- Patching small leaks
- Tightening loose parts
- Repairing underlayment
Most minor repairs are cheap and easy. The average cost for minor roof repairs is $150-$400.
You can avoid most major repairs through regular maintenance and minor repairs. Some major work is still unavoidable, however. Major repairs include:
- Sagging roof
- Large holes
- Large leaks
- Extensive dry rot
- Extensive corrosion
- Falling debris damage
- Extensive storm damage
Major roof repairs are much pricier and run into the thousands. If your roof is old and has consistent major repair issues, it may be cheaper and less stressful to restore or replace it.
4. Commercial Roofing Restoration
Commercial roofing companies can do a roof restoration if repairs can’t permanently fix the issue. Restoration is cheaper than replacement but doesn’t last as long (10-15 years vs 25-30).
Some roof damage can be large-scale but does not require a full replacement. Restoration is a good solution for extensive damage like fire damage or storm damage.
It’s also a good choice for relatively new roofs. If your roof is very old, you’ll end up replacing it soon anyway. But restoration gives a normal roof lifespan back.
5. Commercial Roofing Replacement
Commercial roofing systems can last anywhere between 10-50 years, according to general roofing industry consensus. Most roofs average 20-30 years.
Roof lifespan also depends on factors like slope, material, type, and climate. A flat roof in a rainy climate will degrade faster than a sloped metal roof in mostly mild weather.
If your roof is old and needs major repairs, it can be cheaper to replace the roof ahead of schedule. If your roof is newer, roof membranes and protective coatings can be a better option.
6. Roof Membranes
Some companies may recommend roof membranes for commercial roofing systems. Roof membranes are a protective layer installed directly on your roof.
This layer gives a water-tight seal to ceilings that are flat or have a low slope incline. Depending on the material, they can also block heat, mitigate weather damage, and resist mold.
The material types are:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
- KEE (ketone ethylene ester)
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer)
- TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin)
Commercial roofing companies may recommend a certain type depending on factors like climate and roof type.
If you struggle with roof mold, PVC membranes are your go-to. If you want to block heat, white TPO membranes are a good choice.
7. Protective Coatings
Like membranes, protective coatings will extend your roof’s lifespan. Instead of shield coverings, a coating layer is applied like sealant or paint to the roof.
Some common coating types are:
- Polyurethane
- Acrylic
- Silicone
- Asphalt Emulsion
- Butyl polymer
Each type has its pros and cons. Commercial roofing companies will make coating recommendations based on what’s best for your roof.
8. Gutter Repair
Some commercial roofing companies offer gutter services too. A malfunctioning gutter that doesn’t drain water properly will damage your roof and your property all the way to the foundation.
Common issues include sagging gutters or gutters coming apart from the roof. Improperly installed overhangs or shingles will also affect water run-off and involve both roof and gutter repairs.
Even small gutter issues can result in large amounts of water damage.
9. Gutter Replacement
If your gutters are too gone for repair, commercial roofing services can include gutter replacements. Major rust, cracks, holes, and shifty foundations can cause your gutters to need replacement.
Like major roof repairs, a full gutter replacement can reach the thousands. Replacing only the damaged sections can be cheaper if there aren’t many trouble spots.
10. Solar Panels
It’s important to have a healthy roof before installing solar panels. Commercial roofing companies can evaluate your roof and any potential issues that would arise from the installation work and weight of a home solar power system.
If solar panels are installed on a weak or faulty roof, it can eventually cause major repairs or even a full roof restoration/replacement.
Commercial Roofing Companies Near Me
Commercial roofing services are easy to navigate once you know the basics. You can confidentially schedule an inspection, a repair issue, or a membrane installation knowing it’s the right choice.
If you’re searching for flexible and certified roofers with experience, connect with us near Beecher City, IL for a free inspection. Our #1 priority is to extend your roof’s lifespan and lower your roofing costs.