Timing The Replacement Of Your TPO Roof

Deciding the best time for your TPO roof replacement is more than just about the outlay of money and choosing between a new roof and a patch. Yet, many property owners allow their wallets to make the decision for them. This hasn’t been a great year. I’ll just replace the roof next year. Sound familiar? But “next year” erodes into two or more years. A fix here. A patch there. More leaks. Before long, you’ve paid out the price of a new TPO roof but you’re still patching the old one. So, when do you know it’s the right time to consider a total TPO roof replacement versus just a roof repair? There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding if you need a new roof.

Considerations in Deciding on a Roof Replacement Project:

• Cost of project
• Durability of product replacement
• Expected service life of replacement versus existing
• Energy efficiency of what’s on the market now

So now that you know what to consider, let’s take a deeper look.

The Hidden Costs of Patching Versus a Roofing Replacement

No one enjoys replacing a roof. Even with the best-priced roofing replacement, it’s a costly endeavor. But it’s more expensive to ignore a problem or to simply patch each time. For a new TPO roof project, rates start at $3 per square foot installed. That may seem like a big spread but there are many aspects that contribute to the cost. Cost factors in the exact price include:

• Tear off of existing roof
• Insulation used
• Cut arounds and penetrations
• Local building codes
• Building uses and roof traffic

So, what does a commercial roof repair cost? There’s a lot that goes into a commercial roof repair as well. Factors that can affect the price include:

• Location of the leak and what’s around it
• The type of roof currently installed
• Height, pitch, and access of your roof and the leaking area
• The type and extent of damage incurred (whether it’s covered by a manufacturer’s warranty)
• Geographic location (local ordinances, codes, etc.)
• Number of patches/repairs previously completed

Patching a roof can be a small job, like a leak around flashing, or it could cost half of what it would cost to replace the roof (maybe more) if you have a more substantial issue like deteriorating substrate or damaged trusses. And that cost is each time you repair it. After a few significant repairs, you’ve paid for the cost of a new roof but you still have old materials. Whether you have an existing (but aging) TPO roof or you have a different type of roof and you want to upgrade to TPO, there are several advantages you should consider.

Benefits of TPO Roof Replacement or The Problem with Letting (Only) the Budget Influence Your Roofing Decision

We all live with budgets, all successful businesses at least. But if you use cost as your only consideration, you will miss critical decision-making elements in your roof repair versus replacement. As mentioned above, there are hidden costs in a roof repair. In the long run, your TPO roof replacement may be of better value to your business versus a repair. Keep in mind with a roofing replacement, you may be:

Selecting a More Durable Roofing Product

Another reason that makes replacing your roof a better investment than a repair is when the products on the market are more durable than what is currently on your roof. Products evolve. What might have been an excellent product or grade of product years ago, is the bare minimum of today’s roofing standards. Take some time to understand what’s currently on your commercial roof and how your business may benefit from installing one of the newer roofing products.

Measuring Roof Service Life and ROI

With today’s electronic devices, we frequently find that there are times where it is less expensive to simply replace it than it is to fix the item. That can be true of your commercial roof as well. If the roof has extensive years of service behind it and shows significant wear, there comes a time when roof replacement gives you a better return on your investment than a simple patch. A professional roofing contractor can help you understand the calculation behind this and when it’s more advantageous to replace it.

Choosing an Energy-efficient Replacement for Additional Cost Savings

Just as a product on today’s market may be more durable than what was offered when the initial roof was installed, there may also be products that are more energy efficient than what existed previously. Switching to an energy-efficient TPO roof can save your business a lot of money on heating and cooling costs. The white roofing system reflects the sun’s rays and can keep your roof surface up to 54 degrees cooler than a black roof. Many businesses are choosing to replace their older roofs for this reason alone as it not only helps heating and cooling at their business but the surrounding area as well.

Eligible for Tax Deductions and Credits with Roof Replacement

Another benefit of roof replacements are tax deductions and energy-efficiency credits. Check with your tax professional for the details on these programs. In addition to tax deductions for capital improvements, several states offer tax credits for making your business more energy efficient. Adding a TPO roof to your building may qualify you for credits that can help offset the expense.

Making Your Business More Attractive

A new roof makes your business more attractive in several ways. Physically: your new roof will be more pleasing to the eye than an older roof and you have the opportunity to brand it accordingly. Commercially: a new roof is much more appealing to possible buyers than an older patched roof. If you’re considering selling your building in the next several years, and you want to receive top dollar, you’ll should consider a new TPO roof. From an insurance and lender perspective: if there’s a mortgage on your commercial property and it’s insured, these entities may dictate (at least partially) when you replace your roof. Some companies only allow for a limited number of repairs before requiring a replacement. With a commercial roof replacement, you needn’t worry about:

• Unseen damage to the building (leaks can cause damage to areas not seen by the average crew on a roof repair.)
• The problem getting worse. Remember, bandages aren’t permanent solutions. They buy time.
• Full warranty protection. A new roof gives you maximum warranty protection.

The One Roofing Factor That Is Costing Businesses Thousands

TPO roofing is a relatively inexpensive, reliable roofing process. But the number one reason a (newer) TPO roof fails is due to poor installation practices. It’s not the product. It’s the application. At Anderson Contractors, we see this often. Bad roofing installations cost businesses more than storms. Inexperienced roofing crews have difficulty with seams and adhesives, leaving the roof in jeopardy, especially in excessively warm temperatures. That’s why it’s critical to partner with someone you can trust who has experience in TPO application. Improper installation can also void the manufacturer’s warranty on the product. Performing your due diligence in finding the best roofing contractor in your area is essential to a long-lasting roof. Look for businesses who have had experience with the material and installation process.

Affordable Roof Replacement Options

If you’ve been told it’s time to replace your commercial roof, or even if you’ve decided it’s time to do it, dedicating the funds to it is not always in every business’ budget.

Partial Replacement

Depending on the structure/layout of your roof, it may be possible to perform a partial replacement and replace only the area that is damaged the worst or with the largest amount of wear. This is not always possible on all roofs but if it is on yours, it can save you some money and buy you some time to save enough to finish the job.

Commercial Roof Repair

When you need a roofing replacement, repair is only a bandage. However, repairing it may be a good option if you use that additional time on your roof to save towards an eventual replacement. A repair merely puts off the inevitable, and can place your business in jeopardy, but if you’re having difficulty with funds, you can get an extension before having to pay for an entire roof replacement. Still not sure what the best solution is for your aging commercial roof? Want to make sure now is the right time to make the investment in a new roofing system? Contact Anderson Contractors today or if it’s easier for you, just fill out the form on this page and we’ll call you for a no cost or obligation commercial and industrial roofing evaluation. Our expert TPO roofing professionals will evaluate the age, type, location, and wear of your roof to ensure you’re replacing at the optimal time to safeguard your investment without wasting money. At Anderson Contractors, we understand value and we’ll make sure you’re getting the most for your money.