Skip the Roof Replacement by Repairing the Roof First!

By Western Colloid.

Here’s how to tell if you need to renew, restore or recondition your roof, rather than replace it.

If you are just coaxing your roof along until you absolutely must replace it, you should know that you have more options! Waiting until the last minute to repair your roof could cause more problems than you think. For example, a small leak that could have been fixed with a simple repair could worsen over time if you ignore it. Thankfully, there are some great solutions to avoid making the problem worse. 

Building owners often see repairs as prolonging the inevitable need for a roof replacement. But what if your repairs were actually an investment in the future? And what if you could significantly cut the cost of maintaining an old and weathered roof?

Think about using a restoration product now to make those repairs so you can avoid replacing your roof later. It is possible with some products, like those from Western Colloid, to make the ongoing repairs. Their highly durable and waterproof Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) systems can be applied directly on top of existing roofing systems. That way, your repair dollars are not wasted on temporary patches because these systems cover the whole roof. 

If you are a building owner who needs to make repairs, please consider your occupants if your building is in use. Many products have high volatile organic compounds (V.O.C.) which cause noxious fumes. Luckily, Western Colloid products have very low V.O.C.s. You don’t want to see your building in the news because it had to be evacuated. Our water-based systems mean every part of the installation process is non-toxic and harmless to the environment. The systems don’t contain toxic fumes and are not a fire hazard.

How do you know when to keep making repairs and when it’s time to reroof?  

There is no easy formula as each roof has its own set of concerns. It’s worth it to evaluate how much life your roof has left. It could potentially cost you more to keep repairing it, so an inspection is always recommended. You don’t want to wait until the roof surface and substrate are so damaged that only a complete tear-off will do, as this can be more costly. If you haven’t done a life cycle assessment, ask your roofing contractor or a Western Colloid Consultant to help you.

An important benefit to not having to tear off your old roof is reducing waste added to landfills with possible toxic materials. With a roof restoration, any possible contaminants are encapsulated under the coating and remain undisturbed.

When is the time to think about renewing my roof?

If your roof is over 10 years old, it is a good time to consider a roof restoration instead of waiting until it needs to be completely replaced. A thorough roof inspection by a professional contractor can tell you everything that needs fixing.  

Even with a diligent maintenance program, commercial roof systems still wear out over time. Many building owners and operators do their best to choose materials with good warranties and have them installed by qualified contractors to increase the quality of their roof. But sooner or later, that single-ply or built-up roof degrades and the conversation changes from maintenance to a tear-off and replacement. Western Colloid’s Fluid Applied System’s extends the life of most types of commercial roofs.

Is my roof a candidate for restoration?

Our restoration products can go over almost any roof substrate and are designed to be installed directly over existing roof systems; they can be applied over built-up roofing, gravel, modified bitumen, single ply, spray foam and metal.  

Because roof coatings are lightweight and designed to be applied in layers, you can keep adding new layers of coatings as the old one's age. This process is more cost-effective and efficient than a full roof replacement. The trick to this is by getting a well-designed, reinforced coating base down first. Western Colloid can consult with you on your current roof conditions and long-term plans for the building to help you determine the best options for your roof.  

Make mine a “cool roof”

By restoring your roof with a Western Colloid roof system, you have the added benefit of creating a “cool roof” for your building. The cost of upgrading or restoring your roof with an insulating, reflective roof system is offset by the cost reduction for heating and cooling your building — you can decrease energy costs by up to 30 percent. Additionally, you can check if your roof system upgrade is eligible for government rebates, tax deductions or write-offs for energy efficiency.  

Many options for extending the life of your roof

There are a variety of Western Colloid products and specifications that can meet your requirements and give you indefinite peace of mind. To ensure your commercial roof has the longest lifespan possible, make sure you choose products with a strong manufacturer’s warranty. Western Colloid roof systems can be warrantied for up to 20 years with the ability for your warranty to be extended after proper reapplication every few decades.

Whether you’re looking for durability or energy efficiency, Western Colloid can help you select a roof system that you will never need to replace again.

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