Roof Restoration vs. Replacement

The roof is one of the most important aspects of any building. Not only does it protect your property but a roof that is in good condition will also ensure that your property is insulated and that your energy bills do not reach astronomical rates. This is especially important in commercial buildings that can be much larger and require greater amounts of energy to keep it running.

If you start noticing that the roof in the building you own is not working as it should be or that it has been damaged, you have to consider whether restoration or replacement is the best choice for you. We will take a look at the pros and cons of these two options to help you make the right decision.

Restoration
Pros:

• Less Expensive: One of the best things about roof restoration is that it will cost much less than an entire replacement. For smaller businesses who have a more limited budget, this is probably the better choice.
• Quicker: A restoration can also save you time. Depending on the amount of damage, the process will be much faster than removing the roof and replacing it entirely, so you won’t have to be out of commission for long if at all.
• Extends Roof Life: Restoring the roof, if it is still in good condition, will help extend the life of the roof. This means that you will not have to worry about replacement for at least 10-15 years.

Cons:

• Not for Every Situation: If the roof has sustained too much damage, restoration might not be a valid option. In these cases, it may only cover up issues rather than fix them, and as a result you may end up spending even more money on future repairs. Be sure you carefully inspect the roof and assess whether it’s too far gone for repair.
• Underlying Causes of Damage: Not all causes will be evident at first glance; your roof might have a structural issue that’s also affecting the visible surface. In this case, restoration functions about as well as a band-aid on a shark bite, whereas replacement will resolve the issue itself.

Replacement
Pros:

• Resolves Extreme Damage: As stated earlier, if the roof is extremely damaged, then restoration is no longer an option and you have to turn to replacement. Replacement can take care of all roofing issues, ensuring that the underlying cause of the damage is taken care of.
• Adds Value: A new roof adds great value to a piece of property. If eventually you need to sell your business’s property, you will be sure to find many interested buyers.
• Lasts Longer: A roof replacement will ensure the property is protected for much longer than if you just turned to restoration. A new commercial roof can last between 20 and 30 years, so it is a great investment for those who can afford it.
• More Options: Another great thing about an entire roof replacement is that you can customize it to your discretion. You will not be bound by having to match roof tiles, for example, so you can choose the exact style to suit your business.

Cons:

• Price: A full roof replacement costs significantly more than restoration. For many businesses, it can be daunting to have to pay for a new roof on top of other company expenses.
• Takes Time: Roof replacement isn’t a quick process. And depending on the size of the property and whether or not you want to build the new roof on top of the old one, the process can take even longer. Many companies don’t wish to lose out on much-needed revenue by closing for construction, so they instead opt to have it restored.

For people who want to ensure all damage is resolved and their property remains protected, a roof replacement is the best route. For those of you who want a less expensive option that will take less time, however, a restoration can extend the life of your roof quite a bit. In the end, it all depends on the extent of the damage, the age of your roof, and how much you’re able to afford.