Since your multi-family complex is a significant investment, you need to ensure that the roof remains in good condition. A damaged roof (if left unaddressed) could worsen and affect other parts of your building, including the walls. Worse still, a leaky roof can lower your income since tenants may consider your building unsafe.
If you choose to replace your roof, there are a few factors you need to take into account. Here are two warning signs that you need to re-roof your multi-family complex.
Your Roof Is Old
If your roof reaches the end of its life, you may want to consider a replacement. While multi-family roofs are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, they can deteriorate due to wear and tear. Also, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays or rainwater damage on the surface can weaken your roof's structure.
Water can leak through cracks in an aging multi-family roof into the building structure, which causes severe water damage. If this happens, you may have to incur costly repairs since damaged roof tiles will need to be replaced.
Make sure to consult a commercial roofing contractor if you're unsure about the condition of your multi-family complex roof. They will be able to give you an accurate estimate of how much longer your roof can stay before you have to replace it.
Your Roof Needs Frequent Repairs
A multi-family complex needs a reliable roof that can hold up well against harsh elements like snow and heavy rain. If your multi-family complex roof is constantly leaking or experiences other issues, then replacing it could solve a few of those problems. Also, a new roof can save you money on costly repairs.
Keep in mind that a multi-family complex is likely to experience similar environmental conditions as other commercial and industrial buildings. But the roof on a multi-family complex should be evaluated based on its unique structure and design.
For example, most multi-family complexes contain large sections of flat roofs that collect water during storms. Without proper drainage, the pooled water may weaken the roof's structure and cause leaks inside the building. So, if there are leaks in certain parts of your building, you might want to consider removing roofing materials around that area.
Since a roof that requires frequent repairs could suggest a problem with its underlying structure, be sure to consult with a reputable commercial roofing company. They can assess the condition of your roof and recommend an appropriate course of action.
For more information on commercial roofing, contact a company like Drey Roofing.
Very few roofers would say their job is easy. In fact, many describe the work as downright tough! But that does not mean that roofers do not enjoy or value the work that they do. Many workers get satisfaction from working with their hands, and they really enjoy creating a roof from simple materials. They also like the logistical challenges, such as figuring out how to get shingles up on a tall roof, or how to most safely repair a damage gutter. If you'd like to learn more about roofing as a profession, then you've arrived at the right blog.