Know When Replacing a Roof is Necessary

Replacing a roof is important not only to the structure of your commercial building, but also to the furnishings and inventory inside. If roofing is not properly maintained and replaced as needed, water may leak inside the building, destroying product or paperwork. Heated or air conditioned air may escape, raising the energy bills. You could ultimately face major structural damage. Knowing that it is time for replacement will save you money, damages, and hassle.


Replacing a roof is just part of owning a building. They are not intended to last forever. Depending on the materials used and the weather conditions they have been exposed to, some need to be replaced every 15 years. They protect a structure from sun, rain and wind. However all of the elements take their toll on any protective materials. They need to be removed and rebuilt to ensure the structure can stay functional.

The rooftop on a commercial building is different than that on a house. Most commercial buildings have flat or barely-sloped surfaces that cover a larger area than on homes. The materials must be strong, heavy duty, have the ability to cover large amounts of space and guide water off of a flat area and away from the building. The most common surfaces include:

• Gravel and tar
• Asphalt modified bitumen
• Metal
• Asphalt shingles

Asphalt Shingle
Replacing a roof composed of asphalt shingles might be necessary every 15 to 20 years. They are commonly used on commercial buildings with sloped roofs, as they are effective and have reasonably long lifespans. They should be examined and checked for damage yearly or immediately if damage is suspected. Signs of damage include leaks; noticeably missing or damaged shingles; damaged or missing flashing; cracks, holes, warping or blistering on the shingle; visible sagging or buckling and water pooling.

Gravel and Tar or Asphalt Modified Bitumen
Gravel and tar and asphalt modified bitumen coverings are very popular on commercial structures with flat surfaces. They are two of the least expensive options and are both easy to install, minimizing labor costs. However, they also have the shortest lifespan, requiring replacement every 10 to 20 years. They may need to be patched more frequently. They should be examined and checked for damage yearly. Signs include visible areas with gravel or asphalt missing; cracks or holes; leaks, and water pooling or not draining.

Signs That Metal Roofing May Be Failing
Replacing a roof composed of metal may only be necessary every 30 years. Metal is commonly used on commercial buildings because it is extremely durable, can cover large amounts of space, and has a long lifespan. However, eventually it will wear down. A structure should be evaluated bi-yearly after the first five years or immediately if leaks or water staining is noticed. Signs of failure include buckling or sagging panels, expanding screw holes, pitting, rusting and corrosion particularly on the joints, and standing water.

Replacing a roof is a capital expense. You want to evaluate whether it can be repaired or whether a new one should be installed. Things to consider include:

• Its age and expected lifespan.
• Its condition.
• The cost of repairs versus the cost of a new one.

As your roof contractor we can evaluate your commercial building and help you determine whether repairs or replacement would be recommended and how extensive any current damage is. We have the knowledge to make the best decision for your building and the material it is composed of. Don’t make the decision alone. Let skilled professionals give you an expert opinion.


AOS Inc. Superior Roofing is a roofing contractor providing services to businesses and home owners in San Diego County. We also provide services in Imperial County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, Orange County, & Los Angeles County.