What Happens When Your Condo Building Needs a New Roof?
It’s easy to take your condo’s roof for granted when it’s in great condition, but when it requires repairs, it’s time to give your roof some thought. Realizing your condo building needs a new roof means you’ll need to do a bit of research to determine who is responsible for repairs and what options are available.
Checking in with your condo association, your attorney, and ultimately, your covenants, conditions, and restrictions document will give you a full understanding of who is responsible for which maintenance projects.
Communication between unit owners and the condo board is essential at this time, to ensure everyone is on the same page with responsibility, costs, and permitted roofing styles in the area.
Save yourself time and money by carefully researching roofing in condo buildings before beginning a roof replacement. Read on to learn more about what you can expect during your renovation project.
Things You Should Know About Condo Roof Replacement
1. Check Your Condo Association Rules to Determine Who is Responsible for Costs
Rules regarding roofing in condo buildings differ depending on your particular situation. For the most detailed information, unit owners will want to refer to the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (also known as “CC&Rs).
These documents will help you determine which repairs you are responsible for, and which ones your condo association is required to pay. Some typical roof scenarios include:
- You could be responsible for replacing the roof above your individual unit
- Your association may pay for the entire roofing cost
- Your responsibility could be a portion of the roofing costs
2.There are Multiple Roof Options for Condo Buildings
You may be surprised to learn that there is a huge variety in roofing styles. Choosing a condo building roof involves planning and research. Depending on factors like budget, weather, and style preference, different roof styles have unique benefits.
For commercial properties like condos, heavy duty roofing materials are a strong option due to their durability and long-lasting materials. Condo roofs can be constructed of materials like:
- Asphalt Shingles (Budget-Friendly)
- Metal Roofing (Good for Snowy Areas)
- Low-Slope Roofs (Help Prevent Pools of Water)
Discussing the pros and cons of various roof types with your roofing company can help you choose a roof style that perfectly complements your condominium’s look.
3. Opt for a Roofing Company with Experience
When considering your roof options for condo building, don’t be tempted to simply choose the cheapest company. Not all roofers are experienced with complex roof projects such as condos, so be sure to do your homework when looking into companies.
Signs of reputable roofing company include:
- A Free Roof Inspection
- Multiple Roofing Styles
- Good Reviews
If you’re responsible for performing repairs on your unit, be sure to check in with your condo board to determine what building materials, colors, and services are and are not allowed. Many boards have strict rules that govern exactly which types of products you can have installed.
4. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions
The longevity of your condo building roof depends a lot on the climate of your area. Some styles of roofs do better in particular climates. Consulting a roofing expert will help you determine which style is the best fit for your area.
For example, if your condo is surrounded by several trees or receives a significant amount of snow each year, they may recommend metal roofing. Metal roofing in condo buildings is a convenient option because leaf accumulations can be simply hosed off in the fall. Snowfall melts easily away and doesn’t cause as many moisture concerns as asphalt or wood-based roofing materials.
5. Regular Roof Maintenance is Essential
The easiest (and most cost-effective) way to prevent future roofing issues is to keep up with regular roofing maintenance. Hiring a professional to perform a thorough inspection of your condo roof can help address problems even before they occur.
A quality roof inspector can spot potential problem areas, such as water leaks, loose shingles, or issues with gutters. Addressing relatively minor concerns such as these immediately will keep the damage from spreading. Unchecked, even a small water leak can create conditions for mold and mildew, while loose shingles are a sign of a compromised roof protection.
By performing regular roof maintenance, it will be decades before your condo building needs a new roof.
Does your Catalyst Condo Management Ltd property need a new roof? Do you own a unit and have questions about how to proceed with roof repairs? Contact us directly. We’re here to assist!