Canada roofing Edmonton

COMMERCIAL AND FLAT ROOFING

Repair or Replace the Roof?

When damage is noticed on a roof, no matter the type, it’s important to think about whether a repair is going to fix the issue or if a full replacement is needed. This is often a major worry for home and business owners as they will want to ensure the roof is fully repaired, but make sure they don’t end up with a huge bill due to the cost of a new roof. There are, however, some ways to tell whether a repair is going to be sufficient or if a whole new roof will be needed.

Damage is Limited – If the damage is limited to a small area, even if it is a significant amount of damage such as a hole in the roof, it may be possible for the roof to be repaired. In general, smaller amounts of damage are going to be easier to repair than to replace, and fixing them now can help the owner avoid needing to fully replace the roof in the near future.
Damage is Severe or Spread Over the Roof – If the damage is spread over the roof or if it is severe enough that a significant amount of the roof will need to be repaired, then a replacement is likely necessary. At this point, the amount of damage is spread over the majority of the roof, so if the repairs are done, there will be some spots of the roof that will be older and will require replacement faster than the repaired parts.
Age of the Roof – All roofing types have a lifespan. Shingle roofs, for instance, have a lifespan of around 20 to 25 years. If the roof is close to the end of its lifespan, small repairs may make sense to prolong its life until it can be replaced. However, for anything other than minor repairs, it is a good idea to think about replacing the roof. The roof will start requiring far more frequent repairs, so it will end up less expensive to replace it now instead of paying for repairs repeatedly over the next few years.

Keeping a Roof in Great Shape Year-Round

Repairs can be prevented in many cases by doing basic maintenance and keeping an eye on the roof. Cleaning out the gutters around the roof, for instance, can help prevent water buildup around the roof that can lead to water getting into and damaging the roof. Gutters should be cleaned out at least seasonally, but if there are trees close to the building, they may need to be cleaned more frequently. If a gutter becomes clogged and water isn’t coming through when it rains, it needs to be cleared out right away.
Another way to prevent repairs is to keep any nearby trees trimmed. In severe weather, branches can come off the tree and hit the roof, causing damage. If the trees are properly trimmed, this isn’t as likely to happen. Trimming the trees also helps keep them healthier, which lessens the chance they will fall during severe weather. If any trees are damaged or showing signs they are dying, it’s best to have them replaced before they do fall on the building.
There are some things, like hail or other severe weather. However, inspecting the roof regularly and keeping up with basic maintenance can help prevent many different types of roof damage and can help reduce the amount spent to do repairs when repairs are needed. Roofs should be inspected at least annually to spot signs of damage early and ensure they are repaired before the damage becomes much worse.

Having a Roofing Inspection Done

A roofing inspection can be the best way to spot signs of damage or potential damage early. The inspection should include an inspection from the ground, from inside the building, and from the roof. On the ground, it may be possible to spot signs of water damage, signs of sagging or dips in the roof, and other damages that are easier to spot from further away like pooling water. An inspection from the ground can be done at least a few times a year.
Inside the building, it’s possible to notice signs of damage like water damage and discoloration on the walls or ceiling, sagging rafters, water damage underneath the roof, and more. The inspection should include going into the attic, if there is one, to look at the bottom of the roof closely. Depending on access, an inspection on the inside of the building should be done at least a few times per year.
On the roof, it’s possible to closely inspect the roof for signs of damage. This can help spot issues with flashing or caulking around objects on the roof, damage to individual shingles, areas where the shingles may be coming up, and more. This is a crucial part of the inspection for a roof and should be done at least once a year. It should also always be done by a professional who can safely inspect the roof for signs of damage that may not be as noticeable to someone who isn’t experienced.

The Importance of a Professional Inspection

Building owners can handle inspections inside the attic as well as from the ground and spot some of the bigger signs of damage easily. However, when it comes to walking on the roof or looking for less obvious signs of damage, a professional is the best option. They know exactly what to look for, so they can find signs of damage that an owner might not have noticed, they can trace the source of damage to find out what needs to be fixed, and they know how to safely work on the roof to minimize the potential risk.
A professional inspection should be done at least once per year. The timing of the inspection can vary based on the owner’s needs. However, many do prefer to have the inspection done either before the rainy season to ensure the roof is in great shape and can withstand the weather or at the end of it to spot any damage from the storms as early as possible. An inspection can also be done any time the owner suspects the roof may have suffered damage. If they spot an issue from the ground, for instance, they can have the professional take a closer look.

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