Ask A Roofer: Five Most Frequently Asked Questions

MaintenX specializes in roofing repairs, installations, and preventative service throughout Florida and the U.S. We believe this is one of our most important services, as often commercial roofing maintenance is neglected in favor of other maintenance services. Roofing maintenance, however, protects your entire building from water damage, structural problems, and other maintenance disasters you’d much rather avoid. 

Below are our most received roofing questions from clients, and how you can better service your facility with roofing maintenance: 

Are solar panels worth the expense?

More and more businesses in Florida are utilizing solar panels on their roofing to cover part of their energy cost. Commercial roofing is often made flat, which is ideal for solar panels, but the initial cost of investment can drive some property owners away from the installation. However, over time the solar panels can reduce your energy bill by more than half, paying for themselves over several years. They are also a great value-add to the property itself when it comes time to sell, as new buyers are more concerned with their real estate’s environmental impact than ever before. 

How often should I schedule roof inspections?

Commercial roofing is typically built to withstand harsher conditions than residential roofing, so it only needs to be inspected every two to five years to prevent damage. Commercial concrete roofing may need fewer inspections as it will need very little repair throughout the years. 

What’s the best way to replace my roofing?

When replacing a commercial roof, you have two options. You can tear off the existing roof, or you can build on top of it (assuming the old roof is in good condition). The ideal option of the two depends on the condition of your existing roof, its texture, and what you want to put down to replace it. 

How long does commercial roofing last?

Most commercial roofing will last a minimum of 20 years, with more durable materials like metal and concrete lasting 40-50 or more with good care. More aesthetically pleasing options like TPO and shingles do not have as long of a lifespan but are ideal for smaller businesses with low roofing. 

What is the biggest concern for roofing maintenance? 

Most people assume that weather is the biggest threat to roofing. While this is true for Florida businesses during a hurricane, the most consistent predictor of roofing failure and leaks is a lack of maintenance. A storm may be able to damage your roof, but neglect will ensure your roof has a much lower service life. Be sure to care for your roofing system so it can withstand years of wear and tear. 

For more information about roofing maintenance and installations, visit our Resource Center or contact your local MaintenX team today!

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