When a roof is not leaking, people often presume that it is in good condition. This mindset, however, is the biggest culprit to most roofing problems that require a lot of money to fix. An article by Lynn Picone, a 20-year veteran of the roofing industry, lists a few facts about roofing:
- More than 80 percent of all roofs are replaced prematurely.
- The average building owner will spend more than $127,500 on roofing over the life of the building.
- The average cost of a new commercial roof is more than $42,500 (10,000 sq. ft. average)
- Repairs, maintenance and/or roof restoration costs thousands of dollars less than roof replacement.
- Roof maintenance programs are tax deductible.
- Roof maintenance programs typically cost about one to three percent per year of the estimated total replacement costs (maintenance cost depends on coverage).
- A roof maintenance program can save up to 50 percent over the life of a 30-year roof compared to replacing it every 15-20 years.
- A roof can leak for days, weeks, or months before it is noticed inside the building.
In an effort to save money, homeowners and building owners often overlook the importance of home maintenance, especially roofing maintenance performed by a competent Huntsville, AL roofing contractor like Professional Roofing Contractors. Only when a problem has already forced homeowners to spend thousands of dollars on water damage restoration solutions or roof replacement do they begin to realize the benefits of prevention.
In reality, regular roofing check-ups will save homeowners and building owners more money as well as prevent further damage to structures, compared with troubleshooting only after a problem is discovered. Through a proactive roof maintenance program, full replacements and tear-offs will be prevented because the necessary repairs or restorations will be determined and performed early on. Picone’s article says that based on a 15-year study, roofs with proactive maintenance programs can last for 21 years, while those on a reactive program can last only for 13 years.
To maximize the lifespan of your roof, roof experts recommend having it checked every three to five years for signs of damage, such as leaks, dark spots, and sagging shingles. Most residential and commercial roofing contractors like Professional Roofing Contractors offer roofing inspections to evaluate the condition of your roof.
If you are a residential or commercial Brentwood, TN roofing client, see an experienced roofing contractor for more information.
(Article Excerpt and Image from Making a Case for Roof Maintenance, Facilities Management Magazine)
