Install A Rubber Roof On Your Commercial Building To Protect It For Decades
Rubber roofs aren't often installed on homes for two reasons. They look different and they cost more than other roofing options, such as shingle roofs. But for owners of commercial buildings, tough, rubber roofs have a few advantages over shingle roofs. If you own a commercial property that needs a new roof, here's why you should consider having a commercial roofing company put on a rubber roof.
Rubber Roofs Last for Decades
A rubber roof will last longer -- much longer -- than an asphalt shingle one will. Asphalt shingles typically last for between 15 and 20 years, HowStuffWorks says. In comparison, rubber roofs last for between three and five decades. In some cases, the lifespan is more than double that of a shingle roof.
If you install a rubber roof on your commercial property, you won't have to worry about putting another roof on the building for a long time.
Rubber Roofs' Costs Can Be Factored Over a Longer Time
Because rubber roofs last longer than asphalt shingle roofs, the installation cost of a rubber roof can be factored over a longer period of time. The upfront price may be more, but the per-year price might actually be lower after you divide that upfront price over the entire lifespan of the roof.
Many homeowners don't have enough money to afford rubber roofs' higher installation costs. Companies that own commercial buildings, however, often have lots of revenue and can afford the higher price.
If your company can afford to pay more upfront for a rubber roof, you may be able to lower your average annual roofing expenses and save money.
Rubber Roofs Can Be Installed Quickly
Putting a rubber roof on a building usually takes less time than installing a shingle roof, because there are fewer pieces to secure in place. When installing a shingle roof, roofers must nail or staple down lots of shingles -- especially when putting a roof on a large commercial building. To install a rubber roof, roofers just need to roll out and glue down a few pieces of rubber. The glue will take time to dry, but roofers don't need to be around while it cures.
Because rubber roofs take less time to install, you might be able to save on the associated labor costs. When getting quotes from professional roofing companies, ask them to break the quotes out by parts and labor. You may be able to negotiate the labor portion of the quote down by pointing out that installing the roof doesn't take as long as putting on a shingle one.
You likely won't be able to negotiate the cost of a rubber roof lower than that of a shingle one, but you can try haggling for a lower labor rate when having a rubber roof put on. Every hour of labor saved should save you money.
Rubber Roofs Are Easy to Repair
If they're ever damaged, rubber roofs are easy to repair. If a whole roll of rubber roofing is damaged, the entire piece might have to be replaced. Because the pieces of rubber roofing don't overlap but instead lie adjacent to each other, an entire piece can be replaced without disturbing the other pieces.
Less extensive damage can quickly be repaired by applying liquid rubber. Liquid rubber comes in tubes, and roofers can use it to fill small holes and re-seal deteriorating seams.
If you're looking for a new roof for your commercial building, consider investing in a rubber roof. Although it may cost your company more upfront than a shingle roof will, the benefits of rubber roofs outweigh their additional cost.