Better Roof Management

Ongoing maintenance is critical to maximizing a retailer’s roofing investment, but it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Chain Store Age spoke with Dennis Kuhn, division VP of Let’s Roof, the recently launched roofing division of Let’s Pave, about the importance of expert roof management, including maintenance, repair and replacement.

By Marianne Wilson

What are retailers’ biggest challenges with regard to roof maintenance and replacement?

According to our retail clientele, there are two main challenges. The first involves misleading roof assessments. Whether scope bias, system bias or inexperience, retailers are not being given all the information they need to make a sound decision. That’s because many third-party companies lean toward replacement, regardless of the roof issue, as a way of reducing their own liabilities.

Also, many contractors are unfamiliar with new repair options or are limited in their service offering. When retailers are not presented with all the options —especially viable maintenance or repairs—they end up spending more than is necessary. Let’s Roof, however, is willing to present any roof solution that makes sense.

The second challenge is receiving ongoing support and service. Our retail clients have expressed overwhelming concern regarding lack of communication post job. Without this, they have no real insight into the performance of the work. The providers regarded maintenance as an afterthought, and they did not provide the same level of attention as during the initial re-roof or repair. In contrast, Let’s Roof manages the entire lifecycle of the roof, scheduling routine inspections and maintenance to get the maximum value from the asset.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of roof repair versus replacement?

The major differences between repair and reroof are exposure and cost.

With reroof, the advantage is low exposure. A roof system is at peak performance when it is new. In contrast, repairs could offer higher exposure. There are typically little guarantees that the repair will last long-term. That means retailers may have to consistently fight water intrusion through continued repairs and costs.

Reroofs can be expensive. They are more complex projects that may or may not include demolition of the existing roof system. In the current climate, the costs are continually growing and roof install lead times can be long. Comparatively, repairs can be done quickly and for much less money than a new roof system.

Let’s Roof is a proponent of a third option, which involves repair and maintenance. This strategy provides a much-lower cost alternative to reroof, with a higher success rate then a short-term repair.

How important are regular inspections when it comes to prolonging the life of a commercial roofing system? Regular inspections are very important. From our research, retailers understand proactive strategies, but scheduling and tracking maintenance is easier said than done. Let’s Roof simplifies the process. We can schedule and revisit the work to make sure it is performing —before there is a problem. Through our client portal, we also offer retailers 24/7 access to inspections and results.

What factors into the cost of a roof replacement?

Outside of roof size, system preference and complexity, we have seen additional effects from market conditions, material shortages and rising labor costs.

Because roof costs have been a moving target, understanding value is more important than ever for retailers. We feel starting with a true roof assessment is a must. From there, we can work through all options to find the best system and long-term management approach to get the most life out of the work, thereby creating value.

What made Let’s Pave decide to launch Let’s Roof?

As Let’s Pave has grown its services and client-base, our customers began to ask if we could help them with other services — including roofing.

From countless conversations with those portfolio managers, we found two major gaps related to roof assessments and ongoing service. Based on this feedback, we assembled a team that has worked for decades with some of the biggest and best roofing contractors and manufacturers in the industry. That experience, combined with two of our company’s core values — being easy to work with and disrupting status quo — has created a commitment to provide unbiased roof assessments, project performance, and lifecycle management that will improve commercial roof management.

What services does the company provide?

Let’s Roof provides complete lifecycle management of your commercial roofing portfolio. This includes:

• Assessing current roof portfolio conditions;

• Partnering on roof portfolio management, needs, and budgeting;

• Seamless roof project execution;

• Continued roof inspection and maintenance; and

• Client-focused, real-time reporting.