Running a business is by no means easy. You’ve got to oversee every aspect of the company, from recruitment to finances. On top of that – or surrounding it – is your commercial property. As the home of your business, it needs to be in the best condition to keep things running smoothly.
The roof is one of the most essential parts of your commercial property. While a new roof may seem like a hefty investment, there are a number of benefits that come with it. In this post, we look at 10 ways a new commercial roof can give your business a boost – and how to tell when it’s time for a replacement…
1. Eliminate repair costs
One of the biggest benefits of a new commercial roof is that it removes the recurring costs of roof repairs. If your roof is in a bad state, it can be tempting to ‘patch it up’ with small, inadequate jobs. Over time, however, the cost of these repairs will stack up. With a high-quality replacement roof, there’s no need for constant repairs, so you will save money and earn back some of the cost of the new installation.
2. Better insulation
Your commercial roof is a key part of the building’s envelope – walls, roof, doors, windows, floors and ceilings. It plays a big part in retaining heat, which can be compromised when the roof is poorly insulated. A new, well-insulated roof will keep this heat in, making it easier to keep a comfortable temperature in the workplace.
3. Lower energy bills
This insulative quality also has the benefit of reducing your energy bills. Keeping a workspace at a comfortable temperature can cost a lot in heating bills – especially in the winter months. With a well-insulated new roof, you won’t need to have the heating on as frequently, or on such a high setting, which could save you big in the long term.
4. Employee morale
Having a comfortable, warm workplace in winter will work wonders for employee morale. While roofers often have to work through the cold weather, that shouldn’t be the case indoors. A cold office will take its toll on the morale of your employees, which will no doubt have an impact on their productivity.
5. Appearance
Employees will also benefit from a more pleasant workplace. Without the off-putting appearance of a broken or leaky roof, your commercial property will look more appealing inside and out. Again, this is something that can boost productivity, with office workers working better in a pleasant, attractive environment.
6. Client impression
The same can be said for people visiting your business. If you have clients coming to your site for a meeting, the last thing you want is a dodgy roof giving them a bad first impression of your business. Even worse, the roof could be leaking when they get inside. A new commercial roof will eliminate this issue, showing your business in a positive light to any visitors.
7. Securing new employees
Business is all about getting the right people. Whatever industry you’re in, you want to attract the best people to fulfil each role – from top to bottom. It’s going to be pretty tough to attract those people when your roof is in a state of disrepair. With a new roof, you’ll have no worries about inviting potential employees for an interview.
8. Reduced downtime
Downtime is potentially the biggest issue with an old roof on your commercial property. When your roof is in a poor condition, it can let water into the building. This water can leak into workspaces, making it uncomfortable for employees. Leaks can even be dangerous, with the risk of water getting into electrics.
With that in mind, many businesses have to send people home when water starts leaking. For the company, that means zero productivity, no output and essentially a loss of profits. And that’s unlikely to improve until you find a permanent solution. A new roof means you can make the most of your commercial property, with no need for anyone to finish early or work from home.
9. Health concerns
Water ingress can also be a problem for employees’ health. Moisture causes damp and mould, which can cause irritation to the nose, throat, eyes and skin for some people. Coughing and wheezing is another common reaction to damp or mouldy environments, with asthma sufferers also sensitive to the effects.
10. Property value
Let’s not forget the property itself. While an old, broken or leaking roof will put off buyers, an attractive, high-performing new roof will make your property more attractive and add to its value. Should you choose to sell it in future, you’ll benefit from a quicker sales process and a higher price.
Is it time for a replacement?
There are several clear benefits to getting a much-needed roof replacement on your commercial property. But how can you tell when you need one? In truth, most roofing problems can be fixed with a repair. Things like missing roof tiles and even leaks can be remedied, for instance.
Firstly, evaluate the severity of the problem. There are some problems which can’t be fixed, such as soaking from water ingress or serious damage to the structure of the roof. If your roof is sagging, for instance, it can’t really be patched up and will need to be replaced.
Another factor is whether the problem is recurring. Even if it’s something small, a problem which keeps coming back usually indicates a bigger underlying issue. Let’s say you notice a small leak. It might be possible to stop water coming in temporarily. But when it comes back again and again – or other problems begin to emerge – it’s usually a sign that a replacement is necessary.
Finally, it’s worth considering the age of your roof. Depending on the materials used, roofs can last anywhere between 20-100 years. Concrete tiles will typically last a couple of decades, with clay tiles slightly more durable, while slate roofs should last upwards of 50 years.
If your roof has only been in place for around 5-10 years, it’s unusual to need replacement so soon. However, shoddy workmanship or poor materials could make a new roof necessary even after so few years.
A professional inspection is essential
Without the right training and expertise, it’s impossible to tell whether your roof needs a replacement. That’s why it’s so important to get a professional inspection before making any changes. Experienced roofers will be able to thoroughly assess the roof and recommend the best course of action.
At DPR Roofing in Huddersfield, we have over 35 years’ experience in roofing. A comprehensive roof inspection from our roofing experts will determine whether you need a replacement or just a repair to keep your commercial roof working perfectly. Our commercial roofing services cover everything from small repairs to new installations and complete roof replacements. So, whatever the job, we can provide a high-quality, long-lasting solution.