If you own a commercial building, you surely know that a new roof is possibly the most expensive “maintenance” item you will ever have to invest in over the life of the building.
Commercial roofing on a large building is expensive, so of course, when it’s time to replace a roof you want to be sure of getting an expert job, and the right installation.
Use these tips when the time comes to replace the roof on your building, and when it does, be sure to hire a qualified commercial roofer to do the job.
Review Roof Design First
Before you start thinking about the materials and costs for a new commercial roof, look at the design of the rooftop with an experienced contractor first.
Using the old installation as a guide, the roofer can find problem areas that should be corrected and design fixes that can be made before the installation is done.
The goal, when investing in a new commercial roofing, should be to find ways to increase the lifespan of the installation so it is a more cost-effective investment.
One often-overlooked way to do that is to go back to the basic structure and see if it needs any changes, whether that is to increase drainage, prevent water pooling in areas, prevent leaks in vulnerable places, etc.
Choose The Best Materials
The next step in getting a great roof that will last and give you more than your money’s worth is to choose the best materials possible.
There is a wide selection of materials that a commercial roofer can put on a building and naturally, the less expensive they are, the more often they need replacing.
BUR and modified bitumen are some of the least expensive and most widely used materials on large buildings, but also the ones that need replacing or start to have problems sooner.
Metal and shingles may be an option for buildings with sloping or pitched roofs.
A membrane commercial roof costs more but will be a more cost-effective choice based on the durability of these materials.
Develop A Preventive Maintenance Plan
The best way to get a full life, or longer, out of a major investment like commercial roofing is with preventive maintenance.
That maintenance will differ depending on the type of roof installed.
Part of your roof replacement project should be to discuss maintenance with the contractor and put together a preventive maintenance plan to provide necessary care at the right times before problems can develop due to neglect.
Hire The Right Commercial Roofer
The key factor for getting a roofing installation that is worth the money paid, and that lasts up to and beyond its expected service life is a correct, precise installation.
Always hire a skilled commercial roofer who has a thorough knowledge of the specific product you choose to install, and the training and experience required by the manufacturer to do it correctly.
Poor workmanship, wrong techniques, and simple lack of knowledge about a roof system can spell disaster as it ages, leading to the premature need to replace what should still be a serviceable installation.
Take Precautions When Having A New Commercial Roof Installation Done
The roofing system over your commercial building is its biggest, most expensive, and most important component.
When the time comes to replace it, avoid settling for the cheapest commercial roof you can find.
Instead, contact a reputable and experienced commercial roofer to inspect the building, discuss design flaws, materials options, and maintenance with you, and then provide a professional installation that will last.