If you’re in charge of your church’s maintenance, you may think about changing lightbulbs, scrubbing floors, and stocking supplies. But how often do you think about your roofing system?
Roof replacement may be a significant financial undertaking—but it’s worth every penny to keep your church safe, warm, and dry. Learn the most common signs of roof deterioration and the valuable benefits of replacing your church’s roof with a local Kansas City roofer.
Warning Signs Your Church Needs a New Roof
Old Age
If your church wasn’t built in the past decade, you should be mindful of your roof’s age.
Typically, the average lifespan of a roof is between 20-25 years (though some materials can last longer), so if you know your roofing system is at least that old, contact a trusted local Kansas City roofing company for an evaluation.
Damaged Roofing Shingles
Kansas City’s climate can be rough on all roofing systems, especially those with asphalt roofing shingles. You should call a roofer immediately if you notice any buckling, curling, cracking, cupping, or missing roofing shingles.
Damaged commercial roofing can lead to costly problems, like water leaks and moisture deterioration, and they’re usually a signal your roof needs to be replaced.
Moisture Damage
Damaged shingles or roofing membranes can cause moisture damage to your roofing system. Water can soak underneath your shingles and penetrate the sheathing and decking underneath, which may generate water leaks in your church.
Additionally, water-soaked roofing creates a hotspot for mold, mildew, algae, and fungus to grow on your church’s exterior. Not only are these growths unsightly, but they can cause allergies and asthma for those who encounter them.
Interior Discoloration
If your church has an attic, climb upstairs to look for water spots, mold growth, or a musty smell. You’ll also want to pay attention to the interior of your church—particularly the walls. If you notice water stains or water spots, there’s a good chance there’s a leak in your roofing system.
Roof Inspection
When in doubt, contact a local Kansas City roofing company to complete a roof inspection. You should have your church’s roof inspected at least once a year to confirm everything is in great shape, and if not, they can complete the necessary maintenance and repairs to extend the lifespan of your roof.
It’s also essential to choose a roofer with experience working with churches to complete your inspection since they understand the nuances of the job. For instance, many older churches have steep roof pitches (a measurement of how much the roof slants upward), which requires the roofer to use extra care when completing an inspection, repair, or replacement.
Benefits of a Complete Roof Replacement for Your Church Building
If you notice the signs of damage above, you may be tempted to patch up the damage and move on. However, it’s typically more cost-effective to replace your entire roofing system. Here’s why:
Excellent Investment
Though you may not be thinking about selling your church now, it’s wise to keep the value of your property in mind in case moving locations is a possibility in the future.
Depending on the materials you install, the expected return on investment (ROI) for a roof replacement is nearly 70%. When you repair the damage to your roof, you won’t add nearly as much value to your church as with a replacement.
Fresh Appearance
You want your church to be a warm, inviting place for your congregation and guests, right? You may be surprised to discover your roof plays a significant role in the first impression your church gives off to visitors.
Your roof can occupy up to 40% of your church’s visual exterior space—that’s nearly half of your church! When your roof is old and patched up, it’s not doing your exterior any favors. When you invest in a roof replacement, you can choose from refreshing styles, colors, and materials to make your church stand out (in a good way!) in your neighborhood.
Energy Savings
It’s no secret that heating and cooling your church costs a lot. Imagine what your church could do with the extra cash if you reduced your utility bills each month?
If your current roof is deteriorating or inefficient, installing a new roof can increase energy efficiency in your church by up to 30-40%. You do the math. That’s a lot of money! Although replacing your roof may be a significant investment up-front, the amount you’ll save in energy bills over the years makes a new roof worth the cost.
Lasting Protection
There’s nothing more valuable than knowing your church is safe—and investing in a new roof is one of the best ways to create this sense of security.
Your roof protects your church from the elements and keeps your congregation warm, dry, and safe during worship. When you’re not in the building, your roof guards your valuable items, like your furniture, instruments, and technology, from water damage.
Christian Brothers Roofing Is Kansas City’s Church Roof Replacement Expert
If you’re ready to invest in a church roof replacement, call Christian Brothers Roofing.
During the replacement process, we treat you like family, and we treat your property like it’s our own. We have years of experience working with churches, and we’ve helped hundreds of property owners across Kansas City protect their buildings with durable roofing systems!
Learn more about our commercial roofing services to see the materials, brands, and roofing styles we can expertly install on your church.
