INTRODUCTION Your roofing is your building’s first line of defense against the elements and natural hazards including rain, wind, snow, hail, extreme temperatures and even fire. Roofing systems are designed to be capable of withstanding many factors that can commonly cause damage. However, with age, and depending on the conditions your roofing is typically exposed to, an upgrade or total roof replacement will eventually be necessary. When you find the need to upgrade or even, perhaps, replace an old and damaged system entirely, you may find it useful to read up on the top three factors to consider to ensure a hassle-free and successful commercial roof upgrade.
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PART ONE Your Budget
When having improvement projects done on your commercial property, budget is typically at the top of the list of things to consider. More often than not, budget dictates how you will decide on the other aspects of the project. In terms of commercial roof replacement, you’ll have to think about two kinds of costs—initial and lifetime costs.
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Initial Costs: Materials and Labor If your commercial property is like many others, it must have a flat roof. On the average, it will cost you between $8,000 - $11,000 to install a flat roof on a 1,500 sq. ft. property. The exact cost will of course depend on a number of things, including the type and quality of material, as well as the complexity of the installation method used.
Flat roof materials are generally cheaper than those used on sloped roofs, which is one of the reasons why bigger commercial establishments often have flat roofs. To give you an idea, here are the industry averages for the most common flat roof materials:
● EPDM - $1.50 per sq. ft. ● TPO - $1.70 per sq. ft. ● PVC - $1.90 per sq. ft. ● Modified bitumen and rolled asphalt - $1.30 - $2.20 per sq. ft. 3
Note that these are just averages and that prices will vary from brand to brand. Keep in mind that the cheapest option usually won’t deliver on the quality you expect. High-quality materials are seldom cheap, so it makes sense to invest in top-notch materials that are likely to last longer. Lifetime Costs: Maintenance The roof material’s quality and durability, as well as how well it was installed, will affect how long it will last. These factors will also determine how easy it will be to maintain the roof. While it’s important to have a commercial roof inspected at least twice a year, it will cost you a lot less if the material and system you choose can resist damage better than others.
In the next part, we’ll take a look at another important factor to consider when choosing a commercial roofing system: the type of material itself. Stay tuned!
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PART TWO Your Materials and Design
Commercial roofs may look the same from afar, but there are actually a number of roof system types to choose from. Each of them offers its own pros and cons, but once you consider what your building requires, you’ll eventually find the type that’s right for you. For starters, let’s take a look at the most common commercial roofing materials available on the market today.
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Single-Ply Roof Membranes If you’re looking for something cost-efficient that will fit your budget, singleply roof membranes fit the bill. Proven to offer considerable durability and longevity, single-ply membranes are generally divided into two categories: thermosets and thermoplastics. � Thermoset membranes - Recommended for larger roof areas because their manufacture and application allows for minimal seams. This quality makes them more water- and moisture-proof. They are also reinforced with components that make them UV-resistant. The most common type of thermoset membrane is EPDM.
â—? Thermoplastic membranes - Although single-ply thermoplastic membranes have seams, they are hot-air-welded together to form cohesive laps. When the material cools down, it returns to its original form. Thermoplastic membranes are also reinforced with a layer of fiberglass or polyester. The most common examples of thermoplastic membranes are TPO and PVC.
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Metal Roofing If you have a smaller commercial establishment or if you are turning a house into a business, you might be considering a sloped roof. If you do, a metal roof can be your best choice. Metal roofs offer uncompromising durability and longevity, as well as cost efficiency from installation to maintenance. Metal roofs are also energy-efficient, thanks to their ability to reflect upwards of 80% of the sun’s heat. Because they come in different styles and profiles, metal roofs offer you a significant aesthetic advantage as well.
In the next part, we’ll discuss the important role that the commercial roofing contractor plays. Stay tuned!
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PART THREE Your Commercial Roofing Contractor
You’ve probably heard this before: your roof is only as good as its installation. No matter how high-quality, durable, and expensive your roofing material choice may be, if it’s not installed or applied properly and according to industry standards, it’s bound to fail prematurely. This is why it’s important that you carefully choose the commercial roofing contractor to hire and work with.
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By working with a reliable commercial roofer, you are assured of the following: ● They are experienced, trained, and certified to install your chosen roofing system. The more reliable roofing manufacturers certify roofers that pass their stringent requirements. These certifications give contractors the exclusive permission to offer, install and service the manufacturer’s roofing systems. Furthermore, before a contractor gets certified, they must be able to prove their track record and they must be fully insured. A certified contractor also commits to being trained by the manufacturer on a continuing basis, so they are likely to be cognizant of the best and latest techniques in roof installation. ● They have the right tools, equipment and safety gear. Because they undergo the necessary formal training to properly install your chosen roof system, a professional commercial roofer will have the items required for a smooth and safe installation.
● They offer and honor labor and manufacturer warranties. Reliable manufacturers back their products with extensive warranties, which require that the roof be installed by certified roofers. The roofers themselves also typically offer labor guarantees, proving their confidence with quality of their work and the products they offer and install. 9
How to Find a Reliable Commercial Roofer To properly determine if a roofer is worth working with, follow these tips:
● Ask for proof of business permits and contractor license. ● Ask for a list of customer references. ● Ask for proof of insurance. ● Ask for their business address and contact numbers. ● Ask for warranty details.
If you strive to educate yourself on the important factors to consider, replacing or upgrading the roof of your commercial property shouldn’t be too hard. Set a reasonable budget, choose the best material that’ll suits that budget and your property’s requirements, and hire the right roofer, and you’ll definitely make the most of your investment.
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Hinkle Roofing 639 1st Court, North Birmingham, AL 35203 205-324-8545 www.hinkleroofing.com