How to Fund Your Commercial Roof Repair

How do you repair a commercial roof?

Commercial roof repairs depend on the type of roofing material and the type of damage. One of the most popular commercial roof repair solutions is applying a roof coating. Roof coatings are efficient and inexpensive and efficient. 

Additionally, a professionally applied roof coating makes a commercial structure more energy efficient. It also extends the life of the roof, prolonging the need to get a complete roof replacement. 

How do you repair a flat roof on a commercial building?

When possible, even though commercial roof repair costs are cheaper using a professional commercial roofer, by doing your own commercial roof repair, you can save even more money. The following steps will guide you through temporary commercial roof repairs: 

• First: You need to find where the leak from inside the structure. Where the leak is coming through the ceiling may not be where the leak originated. You can do this by measuring the distance between where the water is coming in and the nearest wall. 
• Second: With the measurements, you have taken from the inside, climb on the roof and find the wall you referenced, then look for the leak in the general area, spreading out away from the wall as you look for damage. 
• Look for apparent damage to the roofing membrane, damaged or missing flashing, and damage around or to vents and other roof protrusions. 
• Third: Clear any debris that is on or near the damage. You’ll be able to see if the leak is caused by debris (insurance claim!) or if is just basic age, wear, and tear. 
• Fourth: Dry the damaged area of any water on top and underneath. You don’t want to do any type of commercial roof repairs with water still trapped underneath. This will mildew and cause mold to form and grow, causing more damage to the roof. 
• Fifth: Identify the roof damage that has allowed water to seep in between the roof layers. Look for any alligatoring or cracks too, these are indicators the roof is subjected to the sun, resulting in long-term damage. This will determine the best method available for commercial roof repair and if this is beyond a DIY repair. 
• Sixth: Cut the areas out that are damaged and make sure any moisture is dried.  
• Seventh: Peel the membrane layers back that have you cut and exposed and apply waterproof roofing cement to the leak as well as the entire section around the leak under the membrane. This provides a plug to the leak and an adhesive for the remaining membrane flaps. 
• Eight: Press the remaining membrane flaps down to the cement for resealing the gut and then nail the flaps to the roof. Last, apply the same roofing cement over the nails. 

What roof repairs does insurance cover?

Just like homeowner’s insurance, commercial property policies can vary as to what is covered. It is important to review your policy occasionally with your agent, making sure you have coverage for the following: 

• The entire roof is insured from the roof deck up to the surface materials
• The roof is insured against insect damage, storm damage, wind damage, and water infiltration, including any wind-borne debris from other structures
• Full replacement cost if the roof is destroyed or does it only pay for commercial roof repairs

Most insurance companies provide sufficient coverage, you just need to ask for the coverage of things like new signage, HVAC units, satellite dishes, etc. Always update your insurance with any addition or expansion to the building. 

Make certain your insurance carrier doesn’t find damage claims to be the fault of the property owner, referring to it as neglect. Keep records and receipts for the following:

• Annual or semi-annual commercial roof inspections
• Routine maintenance and commercial roof repairs
• Visitors log to the roof, including the purpose
• Proof of due diligence in addressing any problems
• Warranty for existing materials & labor

How much is it to replace a commercial roof?

The cost for a commercial roof replacement can vary based on the type of roofing systems installed and the size of the roof. Two common options and their cost for commercial roof replacements are: 

• Single-Ply Membrane: Roofing is composed of rubber and other synthetics that are ballasted or chemically adhered to roof insulation. This is a popular choice among commercial roofing and can cost up to $8/per square foot for EPDM and $7/per square foot for TPO. Both can last for 30 years or longer if installed and maintained correctly, including any commercial roof repairs needed. 

• Built-Up: Known as a ‘tar and gravel’ roof, the alternating layers of asphalt and special fabrics are then topped off with gravel or stone. A commercial roof costs up to $9/per square foot and will last up to 40 years. 

What does it mean to finance a roof?

Even for a business, paying for a new roof can be devastating when there isn’t any money. Fortunately for businesses, they will often have a better chance of getting a loan for business purposes to pay for their new roof. 

How does financing a roof work?

After researching and weighing the pros and cons of financing a commercial roof, some options that are available are: 

1. PAC Financing: PACE (property-assessed clean energy program) offers loans for commercial and residential property owners. PACE offers low monthly payments for improvements and replacements that will improve energy efficiency and provide the structure with added storm protection.  The program varies with each state and isn’t available to every business. 
2. Bank Financing:  This is usually the last choice of any business owner, but it is a common form for how things are paid for when it comes to upgrades and repairs.