Getting It Right: Timing Your Building's Roof Replacement

Posted on: 21 August 2023

Installing a new roof on your commercial building can be a major investment in your structure's future. While most commercial roofing options are long-lasting, the upfront cost can often be significant. However, as with many other building upgrades, waiting too long can be even costlier. As a result, timing your new roof installation is crucial to maximize value and minimize costs.

If your building has an aging roof that's becoming increasingly costly to maintain and repair, these three tips will help you select the perfect time to install a new roof.

1. Consider Building Downtime

Installing a new roof on a commercial structure can create downtime that can be costlier and more inconvenient than with a typical residential roof. While residential roofing projects often involve some mess and disruption, a major commercial roofing project may take your structure out of commission for a few days, especially if you need to replace portions of the underlying roof decking.

On the other hand, there's usually less disruption involved with replacing or installing a new membrane on your roof. As long as your underlying roof decking and structure are in good condition, installing a new roof doesn't have to lead to excessive downtime for your business. As a result, installing a new roof before your existing roof fails is often one of the best ways to minimize downtime.

2. Know Your Climate

Depending on the size of your structure, installing a new commercial roof can take several weeks. However, the time for your project will vary depending on numerous factors, including the type of roofing you select. While professional roofing companies can often work year-round, severe weather can delay your project.

When timing your building's new roof installation, consider your local climate. Is your building in an area that typically sees severe storms during the summer or heavy snowfall during the winter? If so, you may want to time your roof replacement in a season with less active and severe weather. This decision can help ensure your roofing installation proceeds quickly and smoothly.

3. Track Your Costs

Roofing replacement can often leave building owners in a challenging situation. On the one hand, installing a new roof when your old roof is in relatively good condition can sometimes feel like spending money unnecessarily. Conversely, waiting too long to replace your roof can mean continuous repairs to your existing roof and costly damage from leaks.

Tracking your current roofing costs is one of the best ways to time your new roof installation. If you frequently need to inspect, maintain, and repair your existing roof, those costs can quickly escalate beyond the cost of a replacement. Once you notice mounting costs with an aging roof, installing a new one will most likely be the most cost-effective option. 

For more information about commercial roofing installation, reach out to a local service.

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