Need a Roofer?

Can Coatings Restore Roofs on Old Buildings?

We’ve gone over the different types of commercial roofs, covering some of the most common commercial and industrial roofing materials and systems. From PVC to EPDM to metal roofing, various materials help protect the usually flat and low-slope, low-pitch roofs commonly found on warehouses, office buildings, and other commercial properties.

Sun, rain, wind, hail, and time can impact your commercial roof’s ability to protect your building, its contents, and the people inside it. So what happens when you’ve got an old building or a building where new construction was added to an existing, older structure?

The Average Age of an Industrial Roof

If your building’s roof was installed properly and you’ve conducted routine inspections and maintenance, it can last from 10 to 35 years (metal roofs can last up to 40 years if properly maintained). There are various factors, however, that play into a commercial roof’s life expectancy, such as slope, ventilation, HVAC and outside equipment installations, etc., and of course, whether or not it was properly installed.

A commercial roofing consultant should discuss your roof’s warranty during your initial meeting. We have solutions for a variety of commercial roofing types: from metal roofing to flat EPDM, rubber, or PVC roofs. Each system provides leak-proof protection without replacing your entire roof. We successfully restored the commercial roof on the John F Kennedy Senior Center and Gymnasium in Erie, Pa., which presented many of these challenges

Aging Industrial Roofs and Mixed-Age Roofs

The age of a building can impact the roof’s ability to prevent leaks. Also, most industrial buildings have HVAC systems installed on their roofs. Over time, the weight of these units can cause water pooling or water ponding on your commercial roof. The integrity of your commercial roof is threatened anytime water pools on it.

Thermal shock from rapid temperature changes can cause commercial roofs to expand and contract. This can impact your roof’s waterproofing benefits. You’ll see evidence of this if your roof appears “wavy” or you see shingles buckling or cracking.

Caulking and patching will deteriorate over time. You can spot these issues during regularly scheduled roof inspections, which any industrial property owner or facilities manager should be doing.

When an older commercial roof is “joined” with new construction, you need a roofing consultant who is knowledgeable about code compliance and building energy performance requirements. Any new compliance requirements may impact what materials are used to repair or restore your commercial roof and how those materials are installed.

Additionally, parapets and differing slopes can pose some challenges.

Varying roof levels and junctions where old construction meets new construction can impact your roof’s water resistance. Facility professionals should discuss solutions to these issues during an initial consultation to ensure best practices.

Commercial Roof Restoration or Total Replacement?

Discovering a leak or other problem with your commercial roof can be alarming. Commercial roof restoration can be a cost-effective solution as opposed to an entire roof replacement. Cost to replace a flat commercial roof could run about $10 per square foot with labor. Roof repair and restoration through Keystone Commercial Roofing could cost around $4 per square foot. A commercial roof consultant may save your business thousands of dollars.

Don’t replace your commercial roof without calling us first. We can offer a free estimate for ultra-efficient, money-saving roofing system repairs in northwestern Pennsylvania, northeastern Ohio, and southwestern New York. A free roof inspection can determine if a roof restoration is a viable option to restore the integrity of your industrial building.

WANT TO LEARN MORE? OUR EXPERTS ARE HERE TO HELP!

CONTACT INFO

Address

114 W Poplar Street, Suite 102, Meadville, PA 16335
}

Open Hours

Monday to Friday 8:00AM – 5:00PM

AREAS SERVICED

Northwestern PA, Northeastern OH, Southwestern NY and the surrounding areas

Start with A Free Quote For Your Project

or call Now: (814) 200-9269

Schedule Your Commercial Roof Inspection

  • No Solicitation and No Job Applications accepted here.

Instant Quote