What Does Roof Restoration Include?

Can you resurface a roof?

Yes, resurfacing a commercial roof is done by rebuilding the roof from the bottom up, like a bituminous roofing system, which isn’t like a membrane roof system. Traditionally, a commercial roof has several layers of a  loose aggregate. Replacing a roof like this can be expensive, especially if the contractor takes the old roofing off to the substrate. A roof restoration or resurfacing is less expensive and time consuming. 

What is involved in roof restoration?

Commercial roofing typically have a life expectancy of two decades. During that time, the flat roof of a commercial structure may require some repairs and a roof restoration is one of the best course of actions that will sustain a commercial roof between roof replacements. 

Roof restoration is a process that includes cleaning the existing roof and then recoating and restoring with a highly-engineered roof coating product to the existing roof. Roof restoration will make the existing roof like-new and will extend the 20 year life expectancy by another 15 years while providing minor repairs of small cracks and leaks. 

A commercial roofing contractor will have the ability to apply a matching roof restoration product that for any commercial roofing material, including: 

• Built-Up
• EPDM
• MOD-BIT
• PVC
• TPO
• Select SPF roofing

Is roof restoration worth it?

When you’re trying to decide roof restoration vs replacement, it is always best to check with your accountant. Yes, the accountant can provide you an answer from a financial standpoint regarding your taxes as to which is the better option: Roof restoration or roof replacement. 

Again, asking your accountant or CPA is recommended, but here are 5 reasons that roof restoration may be your better choice: 

1. Roof Restoration Costs Less

A complete roof replacement is expensive, especially if the existing roof needs to be removed before the new roof is installed. The cost can vary from $18 per square foot and up to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of roofing system installed. A roof restoration doesn’t take as much labor or materials and on the high end of cost, up to $10 per square foot.

2. Roof Restoration Extends The Existing Roof Life

A commercial roof has an average lifespan of 20 years. A roof restoration could give it another 15 years, allowing you to defer a complete roof replacement so that future expenditure plans can be made for the capital budget. A savings account so-to-speak.

3. Restoration is Sustainable

Each year, the landfills have millions to tons of roofing waste dumped. A roof restoration is reusing the existing roof, thus making it an environmentally friendly way to secure the safety of your building. Additionally, a roof restoration job will make the structure more energy efficient and in some cases, you may be eligible for tax credit with ENERGY STAR or LEED.

4. Roof Restoration and Tax Benefits

A roof restoration is a maintenance expenditure, and a roof replacement is a capital expense. This is where your accountant or CPA can advise the best option. Maintenance will have less tax when you take the current deduction instead of capitalizing the expense of roof replacement and depreciation. A commercial roof is depreciated on a 39-year schedule, so with the average of 20 years life expectancy, a roof restoration could help you get to that 39 year mark. 

5. Roof Restoration Minimizes Prevent Catastrophic Loss

When a deteriorating roof is ignored, the problem is still present and growing. The longer you wait to address the problem, the greater chance of possible damage to more roofing and the structure, as well as the contents of your building. Wait too long, a roof replacement will be your only option and leaving the structure, your customers, employees, and all thing related to your business at risk. 

How long does roof restoration take?

It depends on the size of the structure, but a roof restoration can usually be completed in 1 day, 2 at the most.  A total roof replacement can take up to a week or more and will be more disruptive to business during the entire process.

What is the best roof coating for restoration?

Most roofing contractors recommend, and commercial building owners choose a silicone roof coating. This roof restoration product offers a strong level of UV protection that extends the roof life and helps with the energy expenses. It is also ponding water resistant, making it slow to erode or become brittle or hard.

What is the cheapest way to redo a roof?

A commercial roof replacement cost is dependent on the material and the size of the roof.  An average price range per square foot would be along these lines: 

• Silicone roof coating:  Between $1.90 up to $2.60
• Single-ply roofing: Between $3 up to $5
• Built-up bituminous flat roofing: Between $11.50 up to $14.50
• Metal roofing: Between $7 up to $12

Accessibility, warranty, and other factors can affect the cost of roof restoration, roof repair, or roof replacement.  

How much does a full roof restoration cost?

It will depend on the size of the roof, but a 10,000 square foot commercial roof to be re-roofed can cost $42,000 or more.  A roof restoration for that same size roof will cost between one-third and one-half that much.