The roof of a school is an integral part of the building’s structure. It protects students, staff and school property from the elements.
Well installed roofs made from high-quality materials will stand the test of time. Over time, however, even the highest quality roofs can suffer issues and begin to fail.
Knowing when to repair or replace a roof is an essential part of maintaining a safe and functional school environment. Read on for a comprehensive guide on how to determine if your school needs a new roof.
Consider the age of the roof
The age of your roof is one of the most important factors when determining whether or not it needs a replacement. Firstly, you should know that most commercial roofing systems (commonly used in schools) have a lifespan of 20 to 35 years.
This can depend on the materials used. If your roof is approaching or has surpassed this age range, it’s typically time to start considering a replacement.
This may be true even if you can’t see any visible problems. Many things could be wrong with your roof without you knowing it, and safety hazards can occur without prior warning. Make sure you keep track of the age of your school roof and consider changes and maintenance if it has surpassed its lifespan.
Check for visible damage
Next up, you should inspect your roof for any visible signs of damage. Some of these signs might be obvious (such as leaks) but others might require extensive inspection. Common indicators that a roof might need repair or replacement include:
Cracked or missing tiles – If there are, you can consider these to be clear signs of wear and tear. Leaving these unaddressed can lead to further damage or leaks. While this issue can sometimes be fixed with minor repairs, excessive damage to tiles can indicate a more widespread problem.
Sagging rooflines – If your roof is sagging in places, this is a clear indication of underlying structural issues. These occur due to water damage or failing support beams.
Water stains or mould – If you notice water stains, leaks or mould growing on the inside of the building, this is a clear indication that you may need a new roof.
When checking for damage, especially in difficult-to-access areas of your school, make sure you always prioritise safety first. Always use safety equipment or consult roofing professionals if you’re not sure.
Frequent or recurring issues
If your school’s roof has required frequent repairs or has multiple leaks, it might be more cost-effective to replace it. Constant issues can be a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan – especially if the same problem keeps returning. You should ask yourself why tiles keep slipping out of place, for example. It may be an issue with the timber underneath or the lifespan of the tiles themselves.
Without a replacement, you will find the need for more frequent repairs. In the long run, it can be more cost-effective – and certainly less disruptive – to replace your roof. While a roof replacement might seem like an extensive procedure, it can be cheaper and easier to get one compared to wrestling with ongoing issues.
Energy efficiency issues
One of the issues with an old or damaged roof is that it can impact your school’s energy efficiency. If you’re noticing particularly high energy bills, it could be due to poor insulation or ventilation caused by a failing roof.
Replacing your roof can improve energy efficiency by offering better insulation. Modern roofs typically have a much better design for energy efficiency compared to those installed several decades ago.
Roof decking problems
It’s common for old roofs to have issues with decking. This is the layer between the roof covering and your main building structure. It’s a vital component that helps to maintain your roof’s integrity.
If you notice that the decking is soft, water-damaged or warped, then it may no longer provide the required support. This would be a moment where you should consider a roof replacement or extensive repairs, as leaving it can cause additional damage or sudden failure.
Clear safety hazards
In a school environment, safety is vital to ensure the health of your students and staff. If the roof’s condition is beginning to pose safety risks – like the potential for collapse, extensive mould or falling debris – you should immediately consider a replacement.
School expansion
If your school is undergoing big changes, for example, expansion or renovation, it might be an ideal time to replace your roof. A new roof can be designed to meet the ever-changing needs of your school building, ensuring uniformity and long-term durability. Getting a professional, experienced team to expand your roofing system is the best choice to avoid issues occurring in the future.
The importance of choosing the right materials
When considering a new roof for your school, selecting the right materials can be the difference between a roof that lasts, and one that can cause you additional hassle. The climate, structure of your building and long-term maintenance costs should all factor into this decision.
Choosing energy-efficient materials can also help your school to reduce heating and cooling costs. But how can you do this without knowledge of roofing? This is where you should seek professional advice. Roofing experts can assess your school and determine the best materials and structural design for your building.
Get a roof replacement with local roofing experts
If you think that your school roof needs a replacement, you’ll want it to be well installed using high-quality materials. Whether you need extensive repairs or a complete replacement, DPR Roofing in Huddersfield is here to help!
As your local experts, we provide dependable roof repairs and long-lasting replacements for both pitched and flat roofs. We can help determine any issues with your school roof and recommend the best course of action. Call us on 01484 866 772 or email [email protected] for an inspection and transparent quote.