For business owners, the question of when to replace their roofs is often a tricky one. After all, you want to minimize the amount of disruption to your business operations, but you also don’t want to wait until it’s too late and your roof starts leaking.
So, when is the best time of year to replace your roof? The answer, as you might have guessed, is that it depends. In this blog post, we will be examining a few factors you should take into account when deciding when to schedule your roof replacement. Let’s build!
1. The type of roof you have.
If you have a shingled roof, chances are it will last between 15 and 20 years before it needs to be replaced. However, if you have a metal roof, it could last up to 50 years. As such, the age of your roof is an important factor to consider when determining whether or not it needs to be replaced.
The practical side may say to go for the most cost-efficient option, but that isn’t always possible when you have branding and image to think about. That’s why, whichever path you choose, you should consider pricing it into whatever your budget is for ongoing repairs.
2. The severity of the weather in your area.
If you live in an area with severe weather conditions (e.g., high winds, heavy snowfall), then it’s likely that your roof will sustain more damage and wear and tear than a roof in a milder climate. As such, you may need to replace your roof more frequently if you live in an area with severe weather conditions.
One thing to consider when going this route. Weather patterns do change, in some areas more drastically than others. Stay abreast of weather long-term weather trajectories and try to plan accordingly.
3. The time of year.
Generally speaking, the spring and summer months are the best time of year to replace your roof since the weather is typically more favorable for construction projects during those months. However, if your business is seasonal (e.g., a ski resort) and experiences its busiest period during the winter months, then replacing your roof during the off-season might make more sense from a business standpoint.
The key here is to avoid replacing your roof during the busiest season, if at all possible. Doing so would cause the most disruption.
4. Your budget.
Of course, the cost is always a factor to consider when making any major decision for your business. Replacing your entire roof can be a costly endeavor, so you’ll need to make sure you have the budget for it before moving forward with the project.
If you don’t have the cash on hand to pay for a roof replacement upfront, you could finance the project through a business loan or line of credit. Some companies even offer in-house financing for better terms and conditions than you might be able to get through a traditional bank. Just be sure to shop around for the best rates and terms before borrowing any money.
5. Your business needs.
Last but not least, you’ll need to take your business needs into account when deciding when to replace the roof. Aside from not replacing during your busiest season, other business needs to consider include:
– How much downtime can your business afford?
– Do you have a contingency plan in place in case of bad weather?
– How will the roof replacement affect your employees and customers?
These are all important factors to nail down before moving forward with a roof replacement project. Failing to plan contingencies can bite directly into your revenues.
Weigh These Factors Before Deciding the Best Time of Year for a Roof Replacement
There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to deciding when to replace your roof—it ultimately depends on several factors unique to your business and situation. However, by taking into account things like the age of your roof, the severity of the weather conditions in your area, and the time of year, you can develop a plan that minimizes disruption to your business while still ensuring that your roof is in good condition.
If you’re ready to move forward or would like an expert opinion on your specific situation, give East Texas Roof Works a call today. We provide free estimates and transparency with our finished projects, so you know you’ll be dealing with a reputable contractor.