How To Communicate The Need For A Commercial Roofing Budget To Executives

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Budgeting is a fundamental step in responsible building management. A budget ensures that you’ll have sufficient funds to cover your facility operations and maintenance, and knowing that you’re prepared for the unexpected allows you to rest easy.

At Mid-South, we understand that it can be challenging to communicate the value of a proactive roofing budget to your team, especially during a difficult financial climate when executives are already reevaluating business plans. The reality is that failing to plan will be more costly in the long run, so it’s essential to convey the value of including and adhering to a budget right from the start. Here are a few steps to consider to help you effectively communicate the appropriate budget this year.

Assess the current state of your roof

It is highly recommended that you conduct a comprehensive assessment of your roof’s current condition and history. A visual inspection by a roofing professional will yield useful information, such as the roof’s overall condition, approximate age, size, and type of roof system. Each of these factors can play a role in determining how roofing crews will safely access and maintain your roof. It’s also advisable to locate your roof’s warranty information to determine the amount of remaining coverage. Having a solid understanding of the current state of your roof system will give you the information you need to collaborate with your commercial roofing team and prepare for your roof system’s future.

Communicate with your commercial roofing team

There are four main categories that you should  address when planning your roofing budget: 

1. Scheduled inspections 

2. Routine and preventative maintenance

3. Roof repairs

4. Reroofing 

The best commercial roofing teams and consultants will recommend a roofing budget based on your company’s immediate needs balanced with the most realistic projected lifespan of your roof system. After the roof’s initial assessment, Mid-South will weigh the roof’s age versus its remaining warranty coverage. We’ll recommend a maintenance and repair program based on any deficiencies that require immediate action. We’ll also help you predict when to anticipate a complete roof replacement. If your budget changes, we can help you compare the cost of addressing an issue now versus the potential financial repercussions of waiting until later.

If you manage several buildings it’s even more necessary to anticipate potential roof system issues and accurately track warranties. It’s important to consult with a competent commercial team like Mid-South Roof Systems. Our thorough knowledge of the systems of all major roof system manufacturers will help us keep your roof systems in warrantable status. 

Preventative vs. routine maintenance

The terms “preventative” and “routine” are often used interchangeably to refer to maintenance, but they are actually two very different approaches to upkeep.

Preventative maintenance is for roofs that are between one and five years old. This process involves visual inspections and the proactive addressing of any areas that might cause concern.

Routine maintenance should occur with roof systems that are beyond five years old. This approach involves repairing small issues before they become major problems. Routine maintenance extends your roof system’s lifespan and helps you get the most out of it.

Understanding What to Expect from Your Roof Maintenance Plan

Setting expectations for your roofing maintenance plan is a good starting point in the budget planning process. At a minimum, your commercial roofing crew will need to keep your roof system clean and inspect your roof for signs of aging. By monitoring the speed of your roof’s deterioration, the team can also help you anticipate major repairs or routine maintenance that will reinforce your existing roof and prolong its lifespan. 

 Roofing professionals can make informed predictions based on your roof system’s age, condition, and materials. As in all areas of life, however, you should expect the unexpected. It’s prudent to set aside an amount to cover roofing emergencies. 

Communicating the roofing plan to your superiors

After clearly communicating the need for a roofing budget with the decision-makers in your organization (which should include the four main categories above plus an emergency fund) it still may not be approved. If this happens, Mid-South can get creative. As your roofing partner, it’s our job to work with you to provide a solution that works best for your company. In the past, we’ve found short-term, incremental solutions to address larger issues. But safety is always first at Mid-South. So if there’s an issue that simply can’t be ignored for safety reasons, we will stand firm in our maintenance and repair recommendations.

The Mid-South Difference

We’ve been in the commercial roofing business for over 30 years, and we’ve had the opportunity to build long-standing relationships with all of the major commercial roof system manufacturers. During the budgeting process, you might be curious about getting a second opinion or consulting with a third-party resource. In that case, Mid-South can coordinate with a representative from your roof system’s manufacturer to visit the property and offer their expert advice. The manufacturer’s input can be a great help to arriving at the best solution to extend your roof’s lifespan while addressing immediate needs.

Our goal is to establish a lifelong partnership with our clients. We will intentionally nurture ongoing relationships by keeping tabs on your roof’s warranty and communicating alerts accordingly. If your warranty is close to expiring, we’ll proactively contact you to look at your roof and assess the initial workmanship.

Make sure a roofing budget is included when planning for the year ahead. Get in touch with a member of Mid-South today to start the conversation about planning your roofing budget.

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