Chicago's Choice For Commercial and Industrial Roofing Services
The roof leaks. Now what?
OK, your building has a leaky roof. You likely have several options available to you that will address and correct the situation with a few caveats. Those options are outlined below in order of least expensive to most expensive.
Repairs
Restoration
Recovery
Replacement
OPTION ONE: Repairs ($)
Repairs are always the least expensive options initially, but can prove to be expensive and frustrating in the long run when used under the wrong conditions. The success of the repair depends largely upon the age and condition of the existing roof, as well as the workmanship and materials used. Roofing Solutions can repair any type of roof system and will provide you with all the photo documentation of the existing roof necessary so that you can make and informed decision. More information on Repairs.
OPTION TWO: Restoration Systems ($$)
Cost savings can also be realized through the application of a Restoration System in the form a liquid-applied Elastomeric Roof Coating. Applied with a combination of spray equipment, squeegees and rollers, these sophisticated elastomeric products work with the dynamics of the existing roofing system. When applied with polyester reinforcement at the critical transitions and details, these products provide renewable ten year guaranteed life cycles of dependable waterproofing and protection. A Restoration System can provide a savings of over 60% when compared to a complete “tear-off”. More information on Restoration Systems.
OPTION THREE: Recovery Systems ($$$)
Recovery Systems install a second roof over the existing one. There are some important items to consider before deciding whether a recovery system is an appropriate long-term solution:
- What is the overall condition of the existing roof? It will become part of the substrate (foundation) from which the new system is built.
- Is there any moisture trapped within the existing materials? Building moisture into a new recovery system will dramatically shorten the service life of the new materials.
- If there is moisture, has it damaged the structural roof deck? You never want to place an additional load on a structure that is in trouble, even if it’s just in isolated areas.
- What are your goals for the projected service life of the new roof system? Are you planning on staying in the building long-term or will you be moving / constructing a new facility in the near future.
If the existing roof passes these tests, a recovery system may be right for you. More information on Recovery Systems.
OPTION FOUR: Replacement Systems ($$$$)
If there is, however, more than one roof system on the structure or if the existing roof does not provide a sound substrate, you will want to consider a Replacement System.
Also referred to as a “tear-off”, a Replacement System starts by removing all of the existing roof materials to the top surface of the structural roof deck. Although there is certainly a cost associated with a “tear-off”, this roof system provides you the longest projected service life. You have the advantages of being able to inspect and make any repairs needed to the structural roof deck and avoid any possible negative impact upon the new materials that may be associated with leaving a deteriorating existing roof deck in place.
During the process, we only remove as much of the existing roof as we can make watertight again by the end of the day and, of course, none of the existing roof is ever removed with a chance of inclement weather. More information on Replacement Systems.