An extremely vital part of a building, the roof is responsible for protecting the occupants and interior belongings from unfavorable weather conditions, such as hail storms, rainfall and snow, as well as keeping the exterior look of the building cohesive and aesthetically pleasing. If your commercial or industrial establishment needs extensive roof repairs or a completely new roof, there are a lot of important things to consider before taking on the actual construction task. These considerations will not only maximize the benefits you will receive from a new, well-built roofing system but also help maximize its service life, allowing you to save on future replacement costs.
A reputable roofing contractor from Sacramento shares some of the most important things to consider when replacing a commercial roof.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Commercial Roof
One crucial thing to do before you dial phone numbers of local roofing contractors on your mobile is to determine whether your commercial building actually needs a new roof. Most common signs to look for are:
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It has been 20 to 25 years since the existing roof was installed.
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The roof or ceiling is leaking from multiple different areas.
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Shingles are cracked, broken or missing.
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The roof is sagging.
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There is a prevalent mold problem in the building.
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Moss is growing on the surface of the roof.
It is important to note that a recent spike in energy bills can also be traced back to a damaged roof. It is often a clear indication that the building is not energy-efficient and, in fact, leaking treated air out through the roof.
Things to Consider When Replacing Your Commercial Roof
If any of the aforementioned signs sound familiar to you, then there is a good chance that you need to ring a roofing contractor for a brand new commercial roof. Unfortunately, some business or facility owners are not too certain where to begin when it is time to replace the roof. If you find yourself in the same situation, start by taking the following factors into account:
1. Find a reliable roofing contractor to work with.
Getting rid of an old, down-at-the-heels commercial roofing system and replacing it with a strong, weather-resistant roof will not be a cakewalk. It is something that roofing companies do not take lightly. Most, if not all, commercial roofers have undergone rigorous training and testing to possess qualifications, meet industry standards and become certified. All of these things allow them to bring excellent craftsmanship to meticulous customers. So, when you need a commercial roof replacement in Sacramento, be sure to do sufficient research and look for a licensed, certified and insured contractor to provide the foolproof services that you need.
2. Choose high-quality roofing materials.
On the market, there is a broad range of materials that can be used to replace commercial roofs. Since roofing technology has come a long way over the decades, building owners have numerous options that perhaps did not even exist before their buildings were first built.
Asphalt shingles are traditional and still widely used in North America, says a local roofer. Slate is another popular, durable and long-lasting roofing material to consider. Modified bitumen roofing, which offers enhanced tensile strength, a feature that is beneficial for flat roof types that encounter regular foot traffic, has also been used successfully in the United States. However, a great percentage of business owners are opting to install metal roofing on their buildings, thanks to its incredible durability and longevity.
There is also an ever-rising demand for incorporating sustainable energy into the construction and renovation of roofs. Now, it is commonplace to have solar panels installed during new roof installations, minimizing the energy required to heat and cool properties of various sizes.
3. Think about the budget.
Do not step into a big, expensive project such as a roof installation without determining your budget first. Knowing your budget will help you prioritize the unique roofing needs and therefore avoid overspending on nonessentials. Remember that not all commercial roofs are made the same. For instance, the average cost of built-up bituminous flat roof replacement is $3.50 to $6.50 per square foot, while for metal roof replacement, the average cost falls in a much higher price point, ranging from $7 to $12 per square foot. An excellent move to do is to talk with several roofing contractors and ask them for estimates to help you decide on how to go about a roof replacement within your budget restraints.
Of course, there are times when building owners do not have enough cash on hand to purchase a new roof from a high-rated roofer right there and then. Considering how expensive roof replacement can be will prompt them to look over their finances and cut unnecessary expenses in order to save up for a worthy investment.
4. Anticipate loud, repetitive noises during construction.
You need to accept from the get-go that there will be loud drilling, hammering and banging noises when the roof is being replaced. Be sure to inform your employees about the project and warn them about the noise and inconvenience it will bring before the installation team visits the site. This will grant them enough time to draw plans, like organizing office items to be able to work from home productively. It is also a good idea to let your neighbors know that there will be construction going on to avoid confusion.
5. Ask about roof removal.
When looking for a certified roof repair and replacement contractor to work with, be sure to ask them about the ins and outs of commercial roof removal, particularly whether or not they will handle the removal of your old roof. In general, it is best to throw out the old roofing material instead of having new shingles placed directly over it. If the roofer fails to remove the old material — and therefore skips thorough inspection that occurs after — and there happen to be soft, spongy or rotten areas in the underlayment, you will fail to maximize the advantages of a new roof. A swift band-aid solution can lead to larger and more costly problems in the future.
6. Ask about the material disposal.
Do not forget to ask the roofing contractor about how they are planning to get rid of scrap materials from the commercial roof. In an ideal situation, the roofing crew will bring in a container or a dumpster rental to the site to store shingles and other materials that are bulky and heavy. Find out where the crew will place the container as well as the standard course of action in the event that they accidentally cause damage to the driveway or other areas around the building.
Contact Us for Roof Installation and Repair Services Today
A successful and inviting business needs one valuable asset — a well-designed and skillfully installed commercial roof. Turn to Roof Recovery, the premier source of roof repair, replacement and maintenance solutions in the Sacramento area, for all your commercial roofing needs. Our top-rated professionals are committed to providing the comfort and efficiency employees and customers need through industry-leading products and outstanding workmanship. Call us today at (916) 675-3848 or fill out our contact form to request a free, no-obligation estimate. We look forward to working with you!
