5 Reasons To Seek A Professional Roof Inspection

The Importance Of Commercial Roof Maintenance

When running your very own business, there are a number of things you need to focus on. The daily operations of your business are essential to its smooth running; they also determine the profits.

However, there is another factor that greatly contributes to attracting customers; that is the image of your business.

How your business appears to customers will greatly determine whether they want to hire your services or not. In this way, ignoring the way your commercial property looks and ignoring problems with the roofing can in turn affect your business—and not for the good!

Recognizing The Problem

The first step of bringing about any change is to recognize that there is a problem. Over time, the roofing of certain properties weaken. They appear old and worn out, and you might also see punctures and experience leaks. Watching out for such problem will help you tackle the situation before it gets out of hand.

If you recognize in time that your roof requires certain repairs and replacements, you will be able to take care of those repairs before you start to spot leaks.

During the rainy season, you will not be stuck placing buckets everywhere, and moving around the furniture and electronics in order to protect them from getting ruined.

How It Reflects On Your Business

Maintenance of commercial roofing is a key aspect of the overall appearance of your building. The same way that you get your premises repainted once the color fades, and get the wooden furniture polished to enhance it begins to look dull—you need to keep an eye out if your roof is in need of attention.

The image of your business is linked to the number of customers that approach you for services. If your office looks old and poorly maintained, they will assume you are not bothered about the reputation.

The environment will simply look unwelcoming and your business will not be considered as being up-to-date. That is why creating a clean and classy look both within the office and outside is necessary to attract customers.

Care & Maintenance

There are many ways that the roofing of your property can be taken care of. If the shingles appear to have cracked or fallen off, new ones need to be installed.

The insulation system needs to be in check. If not taken care of, your business will have to pay unnecessary additional costs of energy.

Gutter systems need to be inspected, especially during the rainy season—leaves and debris build up in the gutter and can cause numerous problems for the roofing.

Hire a professional roofing company such as Haralson Roofing to inspect the property and take care of the problems your roof may be experiencing. 

The Latest Designs In Roofing

There are a number of different designs in roofing that fall under two categories; sloped roofs and flat roofs.

Roofing designs are linked to either a certain style of housing or a particular region.

Here are 6 of the most popular ones out there.

1. Shed Roof

This is a simple option; a flat roof that is sloped. An upper floor can be added depending on the architectural elements and how sloped the roof is.

2. Pyramid Hip Roof

All four sides of the roof meet at the center point. This is commonly used in ranch style homes which do not have an upper floor. Dormer windows can be added but they aren’t necessary.

3. Gable Roof

This is one of the most popular designs in roofing. This allows room for creativity; dormer windows can be added to make it look even more extraordinary.

4. Mansard Roof

Mansard roofs have steep sides which give it a cap effect. This is a French inspired roof that allows additional space and light in the upper floors.

There are a number of variations within this design; such as the pyramid mansard roof in which the corners meet at the center creating a pyramid at the top, and the mansard roof that flares out at the bottom.

5. Bonnet Roof

There is an extended ledge around the base of the roof. At the top, it can be any roof design but the extended ledge makes it a bonnet variation.

The ledge can be held up with pillars for extra support. These are a good option for areas with strong winds and hurricanes as these are less likely to get torn off due to the extra support. The sides are sloped and so they protect the house from the sun, so that the porch is far cooler.

6. Flat Roof

This might appear a simple and plain design, but if you want a modern and mid century-look for your home, then this is the ideal choice.

These are mostly common in arid climates; the roof space can be used as a living space. They are usually found in commercial buildings all around the world. The material depends upon the region and preference. In warmer climates, concrete is a good option as it keeps the heat out. Wood is another popular option, but cannot be used where rainfall is common.

Haralson Roofing is a reliable and experienced roofing company. If you need repairs for your flat roof or want a new roof installed, they take care of the job. 

Long Live The Roof!

When installing a new roof, there are a number of factors to consider: cost, aesthetics, lifespan—there are so many things to keep in mind.

The lifespan of the roof depends on the sort of material that has been used to construct it. Roofing materials can last between 10 to 50 years. Here are some pointers that can help you make the right choice.

Asphalt Shingles

These usually last for about 20 years; if superior quality shingles are used, then it can last for up to 50 years. These are one of the least expensive options in roofing, but installation is a bit tricky so that will cost you. This is the most widely used product in the US and also has a number of options in colors and styles.

Architectural Asphalt

These only last for about 30 years and installation is also difficult due to the shingles being twice as thick and heavy as the regular asphalt shingles. This a new product used for roofing which in appearance looks similar to either slate tiles or wood shakes. These are less expensive but since it’s a new invention, there is no guarantee of how reliable the product is.

Metal Roofing

This product lasts between 40 to 60 years. The cost is higher as compared to asphalt shingles but you might want to consider this option since it will last almost a lifetime. The product is still less costly than slate. If you want to add another layer beneath it—for better insulation—then costs will drastically increase for you. Leaks, tears and punctures are concerns the same as with other materials.

Wood Shakes

This material does not last longer than 30 years unless the weather conditions are in its favor. The problem with wood is that becomes wet and weakens over time. In winters, this becomes a major concern.

There are pressure treated options available in the market which are said to hold up better. Since wood is easy to cut and shape, the thicker shakes are able to last longer than the thinner ones.

Slate Roofing

Concrete, slate and clay all can last for over a 100 years. This is definitely the most expensive option, but worth the investment. The major problem with this is the fact that it is extremely challenging to work with and installation will be time-consuming.

Apart from the lifespan of the material, another factor to consider is whether your roofing company is reliable to begin with. Haralson Roofing is a leading Ohio-based roofing company you can turn to for all kinds of roofing installation and repair services.