When the weather is mild, the sun shines, and daylight lasts into the evening, it makes sense to schedule repairs for your business or home. But sometimes, things happen that are out of your control and you need repairs outside of ideal weather conditions.
A roof that springs a leak in December needs to be repaired as soon as possible. But with temperatures dropping and ice and snow becoming more prevalent, you may think you are stuck with roof damage until the spring.
The good news is that roofers work every season, including what is typically known as the ‘offseason.
Offseason repairs have additional benefits as well, such as greater schedule availability and less waiting for your roof to be fixed.
If you are interested in a new roof for your commercial building, here’s everything you need to know about how a roof replacement or roof repairs in the offseason work and how they can benefit your business.
Understanding Commercial Roofing Functionality
Commercial roofs typically have a flat roofing system, unlike residential roofs, which are generally roofed with some shingle type.
This is because commercial buildings are generally larger and not slanted like residential homes.
So instead of putting shingles on a large, flat commercial building, a flat roof should be installed.
Shingles installed on a flat roof can cause several problems
For example, water can easily seep under shingles and become trapped, even with meticulous attention during installation. The trapped moisture then starts to destroy the shingle, and the roof will wear faster.
Significant water damage can not only destroy your roof, but the water can ruin the R-value of your insulation, which, in turn, makes your building less energy-efficient.
A less energy-efficient building is a cause for stress on your heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system because your heating and cooling systems will need to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside.
Luckily, commercial roofing will always install a flat roof, which has a slight slope to allow water to drain.
Flat roofs will generally stay water-resistant (and leak-free) for between seven to twenty years.
Types of Commercial Roofing
The type of roof you choose for your building is significant.
You want a high-quality flat roof that will keep your facility and its occupants dry, your appliances efficient, and save you money in the long run.
The two most common types of flat roof systems are ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO).
EPDM roofing systems have been the top choice for commercial flat roofs for many years, but TPO is steadily gaining traction.
Both roof types are reasonably priced, have a robust membrane roofing system, and can last over ten years with regular maintenance.
Here is a breakdown of each roof type and its benefits:
TPO Roofing
TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing is a single membrane roofing system that is easy to install and cost-effective but provides your building with many benefits, including the following.
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Less vulnerable to leaks: TPO roofing does not have large seams like EPDM roofs do, which means fewer spots are susceptible to leaks as the roof ages.
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Reflective color: The reflective coating makes TPO roofing more energy-efficient. The white reflective coating reflects the sun’s UV rays, whereas a black roof absorbs the UV rays. The white reflective coating keeps your building cooler, allows your air conditioning system to work less, saves you money on energy bills, and reduces your impact on the environment.
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TPO is slightly cheaper: EPDM roofing is comparatively similar in price to TPO, but in some instances, TPO is less expensive.
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Higher puncture resistance: TPO roofs are less susceptible to leaks caused by punctures.
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More durable: TPO roofing systems are welded when installed, which makes them incredibly durable. This is sometimes a detraction, as it requires a power source.
EPDM Roofing
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing is made of synthetic rubber and is a single-ply membrane laid on the roof in large sheets.
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EPDM lasts longer than TPO: The pricing between TPO and EPDM is similar, but EPDM roofs are known to last longer than the counterpart, TPO.
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EPDM roofs are easier to repair: EPDM roofs are one of the standard roofs on the market, and as such typically have easier repair.
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EPDM roofs are useful in areas with many hail storms: The synthetic rubber surface causes the hail to bounce off rather than damage the system.
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More straightforward repairs: there is no electrical source needed for welding, making EPDM roofs more advantageous if there is no source available.
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EPDM roofing systems will not interfere with sunlight absorption: if you have or will be getting solar panels. TPO roofs will reflect the sunlight and may cause the solar panels to fail.
How Offseason Commercial Roof Repairs and Roof Replacements Work
Offseason roof repairs and replacements can present a set of circumstances that require a solution specific to the season.
Here is how roof repair and replacements in the offseason work:
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A roofing contractor makes an inspection to determine the extent of damage (this can happen at the end of summer or at any time when you have a leak or catastrophic, unexpected damage)
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Your roofing contractor schedules a day to begin roof repair or replacement. They will ideally start repair or replacement work when temperatures are between 40-50 degrees. The contractors will either begin to patch the old roof or remove it by driving a spade into the layers to start the new roof.
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Your contractor will probably use EPDM or TPO membranes, the two most common roofing materials. They will need to keep the roofing materials in a climate-controlled (warm) area until time to use. These materials become rigid when cold, but your roofers can work better when it is not blazing hot.
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Your roofers must seal your roof before winter’s snow, and ice comes. A sealed roof will ensure that you will have a moisture-resistant barrier that will keep your building more energy-efficient.
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Sealing small holes or potential leaks before winter storms come will stop significant issues from forming. Your roof will also be safe from heavy snowfalls.
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Repair or replace your roof in autumn or winter to save on your energy bills and keep your building comfortable in colder temperatures.
Benefits of Offseason Commercial Roof Repairs and Roof Replacements
Offseason roofing may be necessary if your building’s roof weakens or has a leak, but luckily hiring roofing contractors in the offseason has some benefits.
More availability from roofers:
One of the biggest perks of offseason roofing is that you will have a greater schedule availability. With offseason roofing work, you’ll be able to more easily schedule your roof repair or replacement, unlike in the warmer months, where you may be waiting for an extended period to have your roof repaired.
Less waiting time:
With greater availability from professional roofing contractors, you’ll experience less waiting time for the actual repair or replacement, and you’ll have highly skilled roofers at your doorstep and ready to work.
Cost-effective:
Offseason roof work might also be more cost-effective. Labor costs and materials are higher in peak season, in the warmer months, so your project’s overall price may be lower.
Less property damage or debris:
Another benefit is the impact on the landscape around your property. Most roofing contractors are incredibly conscientious about the area surrounding your property, but roof repairs and replacements create some material that needs to be discarded. With offseason roofing, your trees, shrubs, flowerbeds, and grass are in their dormant stage, so they will not be impacted by ladders and roofing debris receptacles.