New churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship pop up frequently in the Grand Canyon State. But the average church or religious facility is a staggering sixty-seven years old.[1] Usually, the oldest parts of a building are no longer in use or have been significantly updated over the years. But even if that’s the case, the average church roof or other place of worship roof has seen much more than its share of wear and tear.
Water leaks promote mold growth and create wet spots. But a poor-quality roof is not just a health and safety hazard. It’s also a cost concern. Damaged roofs don’t reflect or absorb heat properly, allowing the heat to radiate into the usable space and drive up cooling costs. Perhaps more significantly, visitors who see damaged roofs believe the mosque or other facility doesn’t respect its members.
As outlined below, the affordable roof repair or replacement process for Arizona churches is much different from the process for another commercial building, at least in some ways. In other ways, the process is similar. The most important factor involved is always selecting a roofing contractor sensitive to all the congregation’s needs, including the ability to provide cost-effective and long-lasting solutions and service that doesn’t unduly disrupt serious religious activities.
Self-Assessment
If your church has a long-serving facilities manager who diligently keeps accurate records, the self-check process might not be more than an email string. In other cases, church leaders must do some digging.
- Material and Roof Type: Pastors and other congregational leaders often aren’t aware that not all roofs are the same. They might have wood or metal shingles, and different building parts might have different materials. The building’s slope (sharp-angled or relatively flat) is also a consideration.
- Age: A good roofing contractor often determines what repairs are necessary based on little more than the roof’s age. For example, a wood shingle roof generally lasts about twenty years. If the roof is approaching the end of its usable life, minor problems might be just a prelude to things to come. Proactive and extensive repair or replacement work is probably a good idea in these cases.
- Roof’s Condition: We mentioned maintenance records above. A roofing contractor needs to know the history of any leaks you have. How long have they been present? What attempts have been made to fix them? If prior efforts didn’t work, the contractor must try something else.
- Longevity: Churches are generational facilities that remain in place for decades or centuries. Furthermore, knowing that the church doesn’t change much is a great comfort in an ever-changing world. Wood roofs are inexpensive, but as mentioned, they require frequent replacement. Therefore, a longer-lasting slate or metal roof might be a better option.
Speaking of cost concerns, which are front and center for many churches, the high ceilings mean naturally high cooling costs. An unnecessary increase could be financially crippling. Additionally, if these roofs leak, the interior damage is much worse and more expensive to repair.
On a final cost note, insurance may cover some of the repair or replacement cost, usually depending on the cause of the damage.
Options for Affordable Church Roof Repairs in Arizona
Steep-sloped roofs that are characteristic of many Arizona churches usually require one of the following roofing materials:
- Slate,
- Copper metal,
- Synthetic slate and other composite materials,
- Standing seam metal, or
- Asphalt shingles.
Asphalt/wood materials are last on this list for two main reasons. First, the usable life is less than twenty-five years in most cases. Second, installation is labor intensive, and steep roofs are somewhat unsafe.
If your church building is historic, a combination of slate and copper might be the best choice. This combination is sturdy and long-lasting.
Standing seam metal is a close second. This material offers excellent aesthetic appeal at a reasonable price and can last for more than a half-century. Furthermore, down the line, a roofing contractor can often coat or repaint it instead of replacing it.
While an asphalt shingle roof won’t last nearly as long, it may still be a consideration and is a good option when the cost is vital. Commercial application asphalt shingles are typically under manufacturer warranty for up to forty years.
Contact Our Phoenix Area Roofing Professionals
At Four Peaks Roofing, we do whatever it takes to install your new roof on time and under budget and ensure we provide you with affordable church roof repairs in Arizona. To start the process, go online now or call us today.
Source:
[1] https://churchanswers.com/blog/how-old-is-your-church-and-does-it-matter/
