A Cost Benefit Analysis of Commercial Roof Maintenance
In the realm of commercial property management, the adage “a stitch in time saves nine” rings particularly true when it comes to roof maintenance. While often overlooked, the roof is a critical component of a building’s structural integrity and functionality. The goal of this article is to take a look into the economics of commercial roof maintenance, offering a thorough cost-benefit analysis, while also offering additional points of consideration that goes beyond the financial implications.
We’ll explore common maintenance tasks, the repercussions of neglect, and the stark contrast between short-term expenses and long-term savings. Moreover, we’ll shed light on the non-financial advantages of regular upkeep, such as enhanced safety or improved energy efficiency to name a few. Accentuating our analysis will be real-life examples to illustrate how regular maintenance can significantly benefit commercial buildings. Whether you’re a property owner, manager, or part of a maintenance team, this article provides valuable insights into the prudent and profitable world of commercial roof maintenance.
Regular maintenance plans that protect from the elements is crucial to long-term cost reductions in a commercial roof
So, what exactly does regular roof maintenance entail?
Regular roof maintenance for commercial buildings involves various relatively simple and mundane, but critical tasks that ensure the longevity and functionality of the roof. The following is a pretty thorough rundown of regular roof maintenance activities one would expect to see (and demand!) during the lifetime of a well-maintained roof.
- Routine Inspections: These are conducted semi-annually; usually in the spring or fall months. During these inspections, professionals check for signs of wear and damage, such as cracks, leaks, or weakened seams.
- Cleaning and Repairing Flashings and Drains: These components are vital for the water management system of the roof. Regular cleaning and repairs prevent blockages and leaks, which are common issues in roof systems.
- Addressing Minor Repairs Promptly: Small issues like tears, punctures, or seam failures in roofing materials (like PVC, EPDM, TPO) are addressed before they escalate into major problems down the line.
- Checks on Structural Integrity: This includes examining the roofing membrane and other critical components for signs of damage or wear.
- Dealing with Environmental Wear and Tear: Regular maintenance addresses the deterioration caused by the natural expansion and contraction of roofing materials due to temperature changes.
- Ensuring Energy Efficiency: A well-maintained roof provides better insulation, helping to keep energy costs down
- Safety and Liability: Regular maintenance reduces the risk of accidents and potential liabilities by ensuring the roof remains in good condition.
We want to emphasize that regular maintenance isn’t merely about fixing current problems but also acts as a more proactive, long-term umbrella of care that helps prevent future issues that (almost always) arise. It involves a strategic plan that includes regular check-ups, timely repairs, and if necessary, replacements (these always arise too, especially long-term), customized based on the type of roof and the specific needs of the building and business.
A small repair that if left untreated could metastasize into a giant headache!
The Cost of Neglecting Your Commercial Roof
The most obvious financial example of neglecting your roof financially is the fact that if your roof isn’t getting inspected semi-annually, small tears and perforations that can occur over time will slowly metastasize into larger tears or perforations that can become extremely large financial burdens that have to be dealt with. Repairs that could be done for a few hundred dollars or less can turn into situations that cost thousands of dollars or are beyond repair. This neglect acts as a catalyst for shortening the life of the roof as well as any resulting financial damage that could be created inside the building, such as wall remediation, mold damage, or lost time for employees.
The cost of neglecting your roof can really be multi-faceted. Neglecting your roof does shorten its lifespan and a shorter lifespan necessitates the replacement of an entirely new roofing system!
Real World Examples of Commercial Roof Neglect
As a leading commerical roofing contractor in the tri-state area (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware) our personal experience is that the majority of the commercial roofs we get appointments to inspect almost always are neglected in some way or another. These very often include situations where the client needs to replace the roof due to years or decades of neglect. In other cases, the building managers need to repair the roof due to years of neglect, and oftentimes the situation is beyond repair. As one would imagine (and to highlight the purpose of this article) we truly don’t get called out to visit non-neglected roofs because non-neglected roofs tend to be in good shape… that’s the whole point!
A regular instance of calls our inspectors make to a commercial or industrial building would be issues with leaks, and often times by the time the owners are addressing the issue, it’s too far gone to adequately fix the situation. While a roofing contractor can apply some heavy-duty “bandaids” to a roof, the inevitable replacement will always rear its ugly financial head, sooner or later. Oftentimes, a bandaid can only address the situation for a couple of months before the replacement work needs to begin.
If you are on a budget, read one of our previous articles entitled “5 Flat Roof Leak Signs You Can Find on Your Own“
Short Term Costs vs Long Term Costs
This concept can be honed down to the reiteration of the previous paragraphs: small repairs if neglected become, larger repairs down the road. Outside repairs that should have been addressed years ago become inside repairs that must be addressed immediately due to leaking getting through the roofing system which creates damage that spreads internally very quickly. So by neglecting the small issues and paying short-term costs, you end up with a roof that lasts your for 15 years versus a roof that could have lasted 30 years.
The unfortunate reality attached to that 15-year time frame difference is that in many cases, the roofing membrane was mostly fine, but what’s now occurred due to years of neglect is very often a situation where those leaks seep in and saturate the insulation. The insulation then becomes ‘spongy’, rots out, and needs to be removed. So what could have been a short-term repair instead needs to be ripped out and replaced while your exterior membrane is still in pretty good shape.
You do not want to find yourself in a situation where a small perforation in your membrane is not fixed in a timely manner - allowing for leaks to enter into the interior of your building, in this case necessitating a major replacement of insulation due to rot
Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
One issue worth pointing out that we come across quite often involves what could be referred to as employee morale. We’ve seen situations where the employees have been ‘managing’ a roof for years. Every good rainstorm creates a new leak they have to chase; with buckets, towels, wiping down mold – the whole works. This truly does take a psychological toll on employees; it doesn’t feel like a creative or safe workplace. It doesn’t feel like a company that’s looking out for their health or well-being.
The loss of employee time also contributes to unsatisfactory levels of productivity. These costs might not show up on the repair invoice but they really are costs! Our world revolves around short-term and long-term costs but we truly do believe that one of the biggest problems that arise is the cost to employees
Commercial Roof Maintenance Plans for Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware.
The old adage “prevention is better than the cure” holds especially true in the realm of commercial roof maintenance. As we’ve explored in this article, regular upkeep of your commercial roof is not just a measure to extend its lifespan, but a strategic investment that safeguards against future financial burdens. By addressing minor issues promptly, you can prevent them from snowballing into costlier repairs or even full replacements. The benefits of such maintenance extend beyond mere cost savings, encompassing improved safety, energy efficiency, and enhanced property value.
If you’re looking to protect your investment and avoid turning small, manageable problems into significant financial burdens, consider reaching out to us at J Smucker Contracting. We offer the gold standard of commercial roof service and maintenance plans. Our team of industry experts are dedicated to providing top-notch roof maintenance services, tailored to meet the unique needs of your commercial property. Don’t wait for the small stuff to morph into your biggest headache! Get in touch with us today and get the peace of mind that comes with ensuring the health and longevity of your roof.