Colorado-Real-Estate-Journal_468387

Page 18 — Property Management Quarterly — July 2025 www.crej.com ROOF A s all property managers know, a well-maintained building provides tenants with a safe and comfortable environment and preserves property value. The roof may not be visible on many commercial proper- ties, but its performance significant- ly affects asset value, tenant experi- ence and building efficiency. Wheth- er dealing with a building you have recently started managing or one you have been regularly maintain- ing for years, at some point, regular maintenance is no longer enough. Depending on the state of the roof, property managers will need to decide whether their roof requires rehabilitation or reroofing. These decisions aren’t always straightfor- ward, and understanding the value of each choice will help property owners and managers make a well- thought-out and informed decision. n The difference. How do a roof rehab and a reroof differ? Depend- ing on the roof type, rehabilitation is typically an overhaul of the roof that involves all necessary localized repairs, and possible coatings. Often, roof rehabilitation works well when there are early signs of wear, isolat- ed damage, intact underlayment and insulation, and structural integrity. A reroofing project involves tearing off or overlaying the current roof and replacing it with a new system. Reroofs are necessary when the roof membrane is lacking the structural integrity to support patches and coatings. When doing a full reroof, following updated building codes is needed, which will increase the cost of the new roof. Working with a reputable com- mercial roofer who understands the local codes and requirements will help you under- stand what type of cost these will incur. These added costs will not be necessary during a rehab. In this article, we will delve into the differ- ences, benefits, and challenges of each option. n The stakes are high: Why your roof decision matters. When caring for a commercial building, the roof is eas- ily overlooked until disaster strikes in the form of a roof leak. Keeping a commercial roof in good condition helps managers avoid tenant disrup- tions, interior damage, mold, and rising insurance costs. Proactively maintaining and preparing for a new roof or rehab investment can reduce emergency repairs and help sup- port the property’s long-term value. Whether you opt for a completely new roof system or a rehab, there is a significant investment. We always encourage property managers and commercial property owners to include roof maintenance, replace- ment, and/or rehabilitation in their strategic planning to avoid making reactive, costly choices. n Key factors that drive the deci- sion. Several critical factors guide owners and managers in making the correct decision between a reroofing or a rehabilitation project. Property managers must first know the roof’s age and its history, if pos- sible. Knowing past warranties, the expected lifespan of the current system and the frequency of repeat issues guides the decision. Often, your trusted roofing contractor can provide this information by looking into past warranties and projects conducted on the roof. Additionally, understanding the extent of existing damage is crucial to making the cor- rect choice. Having intel on whether problems are widespread or local- ized can lead to the effectiveness of a rehab versus a reroof. Localized damage, once properly repaired, will not impact the performance of the entire roof. Roofs with local- ized issues that can be repaired are good candidates for rehabilitation. If persistent issues spread across the whole roof system, then the cost of repairing these pervasive problems will be significant, and the overall roof system may still be weakened. It is often better to reroof proper- ties with ubiquitous issues. The roof composition and moisture content are other factors in the decision to rehab or reroof. Certain materials will rehab better than others, and the composition of the roof system is a critical factor in the overall out- come. The above factors are the practi- cal details that need to be sorted out Rehab or reroof? Making the right decision Delivering industry best construction solutions to our clients’ most crucial business objectives. SERVICES Sun offers multiple project delivery methods, including design/build, design assist, design/bid/build. EXPERTISE ADAPTABILITY CREATIVITY sunconstruction.com 303.444.4780 1232 Boston Ave., Longmont, CO 80501 Tim Morris Founder, Turner Morris Please see Morris, Page 19