HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO REPLACE A COMMERCIAL ROOF
From water damage to cracks and holes to critical structural damage, you might find that the cost of commercial roofing replacement exceeds your expectations once it’s time to assess and get professional quotes.
We’ll share with you the many pitfalls that roof contractors look for when determining the health, and therefore time and money investment it will take to complete a total commercial roof replacement.
This is why it’s important to know everything there is to know before speaking with potential professional roof contractors so you can get the best price, best quality, and save yourself time.
In this article, we’ll discuss possible types of damage, potential logistics problems, and possible repairs you might want to consider before hiring a professional roof contractor to assess a complete replacement of your commercial roof.
Commercial Roofing Replacement Costs
To get started, let’s answer the question, “How much does it cost to replace a commercial roof?”, right up front. You may not be surprised by the answer, “It depends.”
There are many factors involved when determining the estimated final cost of having your commercial roofing replaced.
Before we get into what those factors are, let’s discuss why you may be looking to replace your commercial roof as well as what you might be able to repair to prevent a complete replacement or prepare your roof for a complete replacement.
When It’s Time to Think About Commercial Roofing Repair or Replacement
1. Your Commercial Roof is Ageing
The first sign a commercial roof is due for a replacement is its age. Generally speaking, roofs will have a 20-year warranty, and depending on the roofing material, can last between 15-25 years. The lifespan of a roof can be significantly prolonged with basic roof maintenance. Regular maintenance can put off a complete replacement, but ultimately it’s impossible to avoid the needed replacement after your roof has aged past its limits.
2. Your Commercial Roof Looks Old
Whether it’s wear and tear, and subsequent patch jobs or the style of the times have changed, it may be time to completely replace your roof.
If your roof is looking outdated, especially when compared to the roofs of surrounding properties, completely replacing your roof might be your best option if you want to preserve or increase your property’s value.
3. Water Damage
A sturdy roof is built to withstand heavy rain, high winds, and extreme weather conditions. However, if your roof becomes significantly damaged from water or a storm, its structural integrity is compromised and you may need a complete roof replacement.
One saving grace here is that your insurance policy will likely be able to cover part, if not all, of the replacement or repair bill–check with them.
4. Cracks and Holes in Your Roof
Your roof and all of its parts should be properly repaired and maintained to continue to protect your property. If there are any cracks, holes, bent tiles or sheets, they will need replacing.
If the cost of maintaining and repairs specific parts of your roof come close to or exceed the cost of a complete replacement, you’ll need to seriously consider the latter.
5. Sagging Commercial Roof
If your roof is sagging or is experiencing severe corrosion, it’s definitely time to consider a roof replacement. Once the roofing materials begin to wear to the point of sagging and corrosion, the entire structure is vulnerable to collapse. If this happens, you’ll be looking at much more than a simple roof replacement or repair
6. High Energy Bills
If you find your energy bills going up, your roof might be the cause. Either the vents on your roof–which are responsible for regulating airflow–or your roof itself might be responsible for your increased energy bill.
Determine whether it’s simply your roof vents that need maintenance and repair or if your roof needs the repairs or a complete replacement.
Factors That Influence The Cost of Commercial Roofing Replacement
1. The Scope of the Project
The complete journey from when your old roof gets removed to when your new roof gets installed is the most important factor in determining the final replacement bill.
Is it a simple A to B job?
Will the roofing contractors simply tear off the old roof and install the new one?
This is the scenario you want. It’s the cheapest, most direct solution to your problem. The scenario you want to avoid is mandatory tangential repairs before your new roof can be installed. If upon assessment, it’s found that significant mould or structural integrity issues (rafters, trusses, support beams, etc.) plague your property, these must be remedied before work on installing your new roof can begin. What you thought was going to be a simple, relatively low-cost project might skyrocket in the end.
Make sure you discuss these possibilities prior to starting work on your roof. You do not want to come across these problems after your old roof has already been torn off.
2. The Roof Type
One significant contributing factor to commercial roof replacement costs will be the type of roof you have. This includes the shape (sloped, flat, gable, hip) and the type of roofing materials.
The more complicated the design, the more expensive commercial roof replacement will be. Flat roofs are generally the most basic designs, and require the least amount of work, and therefore will be the cheapest design.
Roofing material costs can vary from company to company, but generally start with asphalt and tile shingles on the cheaper end of the scale, and metal roofing sheets including Colorbond at the more expensive end.
3. Worksite Accessibility
How accessible the commercial roof is will influence the overall replacement costs. If it’s difficult for roofing contractors to get their equipment into the worksite, the added labour will increase the final replacement bill.
4. Roof Accessories
Any additional roofing features can contribute to increased commercial roofing replacement costs. This includes guttering, guttering accessories, skylights, chimneys and roof vents.
When considering the costs of your commercial roof replacement, it’s essential to consider these additional features.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Comercial Roof?
In general, commercial roof replacements can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $60,000.
Depending on the roofing material you choose:
Materials between $50 to $105 per square meter, would result in an average of $15,000 to $30,000 bill.
Materials between $160 to $280 per square meter, would result in an average of $30,000 to $60,000 bill.
Materials between $53 to $97 per square metre–which is the Colorbond roof cost per square metre–would result in an average of $13,250 to $24,250 bill–given a 250 square meter property.
Again, it’s important to remember that every commercial property is different and will rely on multiple factors. Always seek professional advice from multiple roof contractors before settling on a plan of action.
We are the best providers of roofing and gutter cleaning services throughout New South Wales so please don’t hesitate to call our trusted team of roof and gutter experts. We’re here to help.