4 Benefits of a New Commercial Roof Installation
It’s a big deal to have your entire commercial roof replaced. Some facility managers realize their structures need better top enclosures, but they put off having new roofing materials installed until serious roof-related damage occurs.
However, a new commercial roof is a net positive for your building. Learn about four benefits you receive with your brand new commercial roof.
- You Improve the Safety of Your Building
As building technology increases, knowledge about the safe construction of buildings also grows. Building designers continue to develop new materials and construction techniques for the safety of people who must maintain the exterior of buildings.
When you have your new roof installed, you can address any safety issues with your roof. Several areas where the safety of your roof can be compromised are listed here.
- Exterior access issues, such as poorly attached ladders, rusted and damaged hatches, improper scaffolding, and neglected roof elevators
- Footing issues, such as missing or damaged roof-edge barriers; obstructive skylights, vents, and protrusions; loose debris; slippery surfaces; and no clear walkways
- Exposure issues, such as toxic materials or chemical vapors; rodent and pest droppings; unsafe electrical lines and conduits; and sun, heat, and cold
Loose tiles, shingles, and membranes can also cause accidents and falls. If workers or contractors sustain injuries due to an unsafe roof, you could face costly lawsuits, settlements, and fines.
Schedule a full safety inspection of your roof to inventory all roof-related safety concerns. As your roof is being renovated, have the problems corrected at the same time. You save repair expenses by having all of the work done together.
- You Increase Your Building’s Storm Resistance
Wind, snow, and ice wreak destruction on roofs over time. If one or more weather-related conditions have caused catastrophic damage to your roof, it’s time to investigate other roofing materials that are more suitable for your location.
Mild roof damage from storms is sometimes difficult to notice with a brief glance. If you aren’t familiar with roofing issues, you may miss serious storm-related breaches in your roof that are hidden by debris, snow, and rooftop structures. If you suspect a storm has damaged your roof, call in roofing professionals to do a thorough inspection.
Replace a deteriorating older roof or severely storm-ravaged roof with one of the roofing types recommended by your roofing professional. New materials and installation techniques make commercial buildings more storm-resistant than ever.
A replacement enhances the weather-resistance of your roof in several ways. New flashing, joints, gaskets, and other installations provide water-tight seals for your entire structure. Properly fastened roofing materials have greater wind resistance.
- You Benefit From New Depreciation Rules
Under the new tax code created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, you have more incentive than ever to replace your roof. Instead of having to depreciate your roof over 39 years (with depreciation schedules sometimes exceeding the expected lifespan of the roof), you can now enjoy Section 179 benefits that include accelerated depreciation of roofs.
Depreciation for roofs may now be immediately expensed on tax forms for any qualifying structures your business owns. In addition, the limit of qualifying improvement expenses has been raised from $500,000 to $1,000,000. If you choose to phase out depreciation of your new roof, the expense limits are increased from $1,000,000 to $2,500,000.
Some roof repairs are also included in the new Section 179 rules, but only if those roof repairs are made necessary by other qualifying capital improvements. Qualifying capital improvements include new HVAC, security, and fire-protection services. Your tax accountant or attorney can give the best advice about depreciating your new roof, but it’s nice to know that now you have additional tax options and incentives.
- You Increase Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
New roofs and roofing techniques offer increased energy efficiency. You should see decreased energy costs for heating and cooling after tightening up your building’s top envelop, even if you stick with the same materials as the old roof.
If you choose a green roof or other roof known for its energy-conserving benefits, you take an important step toward operating a sustainable building. Your brand image increases among clients and customers who appreciate eco-friendly businesses.
If you opt for a truly green roof with plant installations and soothing walkways, you provide a habitat for wildlife, stress-relief for staff, and improved stormwater management. Green roofs absorb rainfall rather than letting it flood gutters, downspouts, and storm drains.
Because of the increased water absorption of your green roof, your building helps protect the watershed. Reduced storm flow into creeks and rivers means reduced toxins flowing into waterways. Fish, aquatic plants, and other wildlife benefit from the cleaner water.
Enjoy all of the benefits of a new roof on your commercial structure by contacting the roofing pros at Berwald Roofing & Sheet Metal. Since 1936, we’ve covered commercial structures throughout Minnesota with premiere roofing and sheet metal materials.
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