Remodeling a building tends to be costly, but there is a chance businesses can avoid a major and often assumed “necessary” cost. In this article, I will provide valuable insights on how businesses can try and save costs during their upcoming remodel by avoiding the cost of a new roof.
Often when a building is undergoing a major remodel, the default position is that the roof should be replaced as well. Not knowing there could be an alternative, many organizations prematurely install a new roof when the previous roof’s lifespan could have been prolonged. By educating themselves on the true condition of their existing roof and alternative options available, businesses can be more informed to help guarantee they come in under or on budget for their remodel project.
Step-by-Step: How to Save During a Remodel
Step 1: Decide if a new roof is needed or not. Determining if a new roof is needed or not may seem like a complicated, nuanced question, but it can be quite the opposite. Facilities professionals can start this decision process by asking themselves the following: Has the roof been leaking lately? When was the roof last inspected? Does my roof have a warranty? When does the organization plan on selling this location/when is the lease up for renewal?
None of these questions alone should be used to make a decision on whether the roof needs to be replaced or not. But these questions are helpful to better understand how the current roof is performing and help one better understand what options may be available outside of replacement. If there have been leaks in the last 12 months or the roof had been properly inspected more than 12 months ago, that would definitely call for a closer inspection of the roof to diagnose and provide a proper assessment. While checking out the roof, don’t forget about checking the rooftop equipment as well! It’s fairly common for an aged or damaged piece of equipment to be causing leaks inside a building. So, while having the roof checked out, don’t overlook the impact the rooftop equipment may have, and take the time to have those checked as well.
Another important factor to take into consideration is how long the organization will have responsibility for the roof. Some organizations know the end date of their occupancy or that they’re planning to sell the building in the upcoming years. These are questions that may require time and consulting with other parties but are important factors in determining the best course of action to maximize ROI. Therefore it’s encouraged to gather this important information as soon as possible prior to any remodel project.
Step 2: Consider getting help from a professional. It’s always wise to get a second opinion from a roofing contractor, ideally a certified roofing contractor. It never hurts to have another set of eyes on the roof to help make sure one has all the information needed to make a sound decision that fits the organization's needs best. A useful resource to find a certified roofing contractor is the “Find a Contractor” tool on the National Roofing Contractors Association website at www.nrca.net/members. One can search for a certified contractor by their location. It’s also a good idea to consult with a contractor that has experience handling both large and small projects and is certified with multiple different products and manufacturers. By working with a well-versed contractor, one can help avoid a myopic approach and instead receive the best advice to fit the unique needs and situation of the organization.
Step 3: Review all options! There are more choices now than ever before when it comes to roofing options. Over the years, the technology of coatings has changed dramatically. Now businesses can restore their roof with acrylic, silicone, or elastomeric coating that can significantly prolong the life of their roof. Coatings have proven to be a very cost-effective option versus a full roof replacement and can be a great option to investigate.
If a new roof is required:
Step 4: Install the new roof outside of the remodel. If the building does require a new roof and it’s not urgent due to safety concerns, consider pushing the new roof install outside of the remodel time frame. Timing is everything when it comes to a new roof. In many cases, there can be upwards of a five to ten percent upcharge when a new roof is installed during the remodeling project. If possible, try to delay installing the new roof until after the project is done. Additionally, if the roof is installed outside of the remodel, it will help reduce the amount of increased wear and tear from third-party vendors, like HVAC technicians or signage and light installers, that will be on the roof throughout the remodel project. A new roof installation is ideal to perform in mild weather and is best to avoid completing in the winter with extreme cold or during the rainy season in the Southern, Southwest, and Western US. Adverse temperatures and weather conditions not only slow down production, but can impact the bonding of adhesives, sealants, and welds. Lastly, timing out a roof install to avoid weather delays or increased labor charges will have an immediate effect on one's budget
If a new roof is not required:
Step 4: Extend its life with repairs & maintenance. If the building doesn’t require a new roof immediately, businesses should continue to maximize the roof’s lifespan with minor repairs and preventative maintenance. Going back to what was stated earlier, it’s important to ask ‘Does my roof have a warranty?’. This helps identify the best approach to repairs and maintenance. If there is an active warranty, it’s important to ensure any repairs and maintenance are done per warranty specifications. Typically, a roof will present a certain section(s) that has recurring issues. A skilled and certified roofing contractor can help identify these problem areas and propose targeted repairs instead of replacing the entire roof. Before completing any repairs for a roof with an active warranty, businesses must take the necessary precautions to keep the warranty valid, ensuring they are performed by a contractor who is certified by the manufacturer is a good starting point.
Considering a new roofing membrane is a large investment, it’s crucial to take a step back and first determine if a roof replacement is truly necessary. Depending on the condition of the current system and the needs of the organization, businesses can take simple steps to help ensure their remodel budgets are maximized.
Written by
Joe Reeder
Client Advisor
joe.reeder@roofingsource.com
