At first, a leaky roof might not seem like a major issue compared to the frenzy of running a business. However, if even minor leaking is ignored, the damage can worsen, necessitating not just major repairs but a full roof replacement. Of course, owning or managing a building does not make one rich, and unfortunately, roof replacements are expensive. The initial price of an estimate may cause panic, but other methods are available though they too involve extra work.
Discover a less expensive solution to your leaky roof: roof coatings
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Roof?
Costs vary based on several factors (location, roof size, pitch, material, labor). On average, people spend about $4-$6 per square foot for a full replacement. Prices also vary by roofer, so getting quotes from more than one will provide a wider range of options.
Why Are Commercial Roof Replacements So Expensive?
While replacing a roof seems simple in theory, there are actually several stages to this process that cause the price to climb:
1. High Labor CostsMost roofers make approximately $20 an hour, and after factoring in their entire team and how much labor is required overall, labor alone requires an expensive price tag.
2. Tear-Off CostsThe price of removing the existing roof depends on how many layers of material needs to be taken off. Shingled roofs can have up to three layers, potentially bumping up the cost to $175 per square.
3. Landfill and Disposal CostsThere’s yet another fee to dispose of the waste. Landfills may charge up to $50 per unit to dispose at their site.
Are There Any Cheaper Options for Roof Replacement?
Yes. The cheaper option is to avoid a roof replacement and, rather, to get a roof coating. This can extend a roof’s life for short- and long-term savings.
What Are Roof Coatings?
They are roofing membranes applied to the original roofing material and form an elastic-like covering over the damage. Roof coatings can extend a roof’s life for 5-10 years before needing a replacement. A coating costs 30% the price of a full re-roof. Plus, coatings are classified as a repair, which means they can be tax deducted the year the coating occurs rather than being considered a capital expenditure that has to be depreciated over 39 and a half years.
The Benefits of Roof Coatings vs Commercial Roof Replacement
Roof Coatings:
- Extend current roof life
- Less expensive
- Eligible for tax deduction
- Won’t disrupt normal business operation
Commercial Roof Replacement:
- Increases property value
- Energy efficient
- Removes health hazards such as mold or mildew
While roof replacement may last longer and provide a more permanent solution to any complications with the current structure, sometimes a full re-roof just isn’t in the budget in which case a roof coating is the next best alternative. Which option to take depends case by case, but either fix will result in a more stable roof.
Related: What to Expect When Working With The Original Roofing Company
The Original Roofing Company would be happy to take a look at your roof and give you an expert opinion on your course of action: whether it is more economical to invest in roof coatings or if the situation calls for re-roofing.
