Roof replacement process
For commercial structures, roofs vary and there are regulations and requirements to be met, especially with commercial roof replacement. Why are commercial roof replacement and building regulations more intense today than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago? Because there are more buildings per square space and more humans. So, regulations and restrictions have to keep up with the population.
As a commercial building owner, you may have questions and with our piece today, we’re going answer some basic questions, like how do I know if my commercial roof is bad? Well, a sure indication would be there is rain coming in like a faucet turned on, but there are other things to be aware of before it gets that bad.
We offer the following list of things that will tell you that you’re in need of either commercial roof replacement vs reroof. Reroof is the less expensive option for a commercial structure, but your roofing contractor will advise you if it is possible on your particular structure. How can you avoid the need for commercial roof replacement or reroofing? Regular maintenance and follow through with any repairs that are needed. Indications that are telling you that commercial roof replacement is a must:
- Mold: This is telling you that there is water damage coming from the roof, HVAC system, or plumbing. This is a microorganism that will continue to grow because there is moisture inside your building now and ignoring t will only allow it to spread. Mold spores can cause and create health issues to your employees, guests, and vendors by compromising the indoor air quality and will keep your building feeling humid.
- Water Stains: A roof leak is indicated by brown and yellow spots on the ceiling which could indicate your roof has suffered storm damage. Roof leak water stains can also happen from malfunctioning HVAC equipment, excessive foot traffic on the roof, or if there is any plumbing on the roof.
- Rainy Days and Obvious Leaking : As we mentioned earlier, if there is rain coming in from the ceiling, then there is obvious a roof leak. This doesn’t mean a commercial roof replacement is a must though. Your roofing contractor can advise you if a re-roofing job will be sufficient in getting the leak stopped and how long it will be before a new commercial roof replacement is a must.
How do I know when my commercial roof needs to be replaced?
In a lot of cases, commercial roofing issues require repair. However, there are times that commercial roof replacement is the only option, and those times are:
- Roof Membrane Damaged: A roofing contractor can inspect the roofing membrane and tell how much damage has been sustained. If there is balding on the membrane or 25% or more wind damage, the roof is in a vulnerable state for more damage from future rain. A commercial roof replacement will be the only option.
- Roof Deck Wear and Tear: The roof decking is a key component to any roof and when it has sustained any damage, the roof is in a compromised situation and a commercial roof replacement will be needed.
- Water Infiltration: A roof inspection will include checking the building’s interior. Any sign of water damage on the ceiling or walls are typical indicators that your commercial roof isn’t protecting your property or employees from elemental damage. This is often cause by a bad roofing membrane and the inability for the roofing to protect the structure from water.
- Poor Insulation: Finally, if your commercial roof replacement and insulation have both weakened or aged it is time to have commercial roof replacement and new insulation installed.
Does a new commercial roof increase property value?
Any time you can make a property improvement, it is adding to your investment, and a new commercial roof replacement is one of those improvements. It will give you a long-term ROI with saving on the utilities, and should you decide to sell the structure later, potential buyers will be more willing to pay top dollar for the property.
How long does a 30 year commercial roof really last?
Typically, a residential or commercial roof replacement will give you up to 15 years of lifespan. In an area where the climate changes from one extreme to another, a 30–year roof will give you up to 12 years of lifespan.
These lifespans can be longer with proper maintenance and upkeep , but there are something that will affect a commercial roof, requiring a new roof replacement sooner. Among those things are:
- UV Damage: The sun is out more than it isn’t, and those UV rays are one of the biggest factors that affect commercial roof replacements.
- Granule Loss: This is commonly known for residential roofing with asphalt roofs, but commercial roof have granule topping too and when heavy rain, hailstorm, and high winds can turn the granules or gravel loose on a commercial roof just like asphalt shingles on a residential roof.
What if you need a new commercial roof replacement in the winter, is that possible? Yes, commercial roof replacement in winter is possible, depending on the temperature. This is something that your roofing contractor can advise you. There are extra precautions and commercial roof replacement assistance they can implement that will protect your property, employees, guests, and vendors, while still providing you quality work. Call 214-295-5500 today for your roof replacement needs.