Planning out your commercial roofing replacement isn’t easy when you’re doing it on your own. You’ll need to consider every single factor that relates to your project so you can be sure that it follows through smoothly. This is where you’ll need to work with a trusted commercial and residential roofing contractor, as they’ll guide you in every step of your roofing project so you understand how it’s being built.
Here at De Palma Construction, we know that choosing the right type of roofing for your commercial property is highly important. It can be overwhelming to choose the best system for your replacement, as there will be nearly endless options available to you. But that’s what we’re here for – to build the best roof for your commercial property.
Whether you’re an owner or a facility manager, a commercial roofing replacement is a big investment, so it’s important to deliberate all the important factors that affect your project. We’ve put together a list of what you need to consider:
Budget
When you plan out your roof replacement, you’ll need to determine your budget as it will help you prioritize your needs and preference. The budget will determine how much you can afford your roofing project, including who you’ll hire, labor costs, material costs, warranties, and insurance. Make sure to discuss the budget with your hired roofing contractor, as they’ll help you decide the best way to build the roof you need without going over budget.
Location
Don’t forget to consider your local climate, the weather trends, and the direction your commercial property faces. Each roofing system is practically unique because of all the geographic variations such as potential snow load, wind velocity, and annual rainfall that vary for each location. When you work with your hired roof repair and replacement contractor, they’ll even consider your commercial property’s roof orientation and surrounding objects such as nearby trees and buildings and how they’ll shade your new roof.
Roofing Details and Usage
Along with your roof’s orientation, your hired contractor will also input other details in planning your replacement project. This will include the shape, size, slope, edge, protrusions, deck, and rooftop access. For instance, you may be planning your new commercial roof with little foot traffic in mind. But if you’re anticipating more foot traffic, then additional structural walkways will be needed to accommodate it while keeping your roof intact.
A property that’s used as a school, hospital, retail, or office building usually has different roofing needs than one that’s used as a storage facility. Your trusted roof repair and replacement contractor may also determine what type of roof your commercial property needs to be based on how you’re using it.
While any type of business needs a roof that’s leak-free, you’ll want your new roof to provide additional comfort for your customers and employees. This can mean additional insulation and ventilation, but if your property is only being used as a warehouse, then having the basics covered should be sufficient.
Materials and Lifespan
It’s also important to consider the type of material you want for your new commercial roof. This can partly depend on how your building was built and which materials were used, such as wood, steel, concrete, and brick, as well the current types of HVAC and fire protection equipment you have installed.
Each type of roofing system will also have different lifespans, so it helps to know how long until your new roofing system will need to be replaced before you decide on that material. Some of the most common roofing materials include:
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Single-Ply Roofing – This is highly popular for both new and re-roof, low-slope applications. The membrane offers versatile installation options and provides superior, long-term weather resistance.
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TPO Roofing – This material is suited for nearly all commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. They’re durable, fire and wind resistant, flexible, and available in many colors.
Roofing Process and Local Building Codes
No matter what type of commercial roof you choose to build, there’s always going to be some kind of noise and disruption throughout the whole process. Make sure that those working on your property know about the renovations that will be done so they can prepare for the disruptions.
Your hired roofing contractor will also know about the local area’s building codes, such as weather preparation, which will help narrow your roofing options and ensure your roof complies with safety standards for your building. A qualified roofer will know the required building codes and help you meet them.
Energy Efficiency
Planning a full commercial roof replacement can be your opportunity to choose more energy-efficient roofing materials that will become more cost-effective later on. With a more efficient roof, you’ll get a better overall value by minimizing your HVAC usage and lowering your energy bills. You can consult with your commercial and residential roofing contractor about which roofing materials can improve your commercial property’s energy efficiency.
Maintenance, Renewability, and Recyclability
Don’t forget to consider which materials can be replaced with ease at the end of their warranty period. All roofing systems need regular maintenance, which will not always be covered by your in-house crew. This means you’ll need to work with your trusted contractor who can set up a preventive maintenance plan to ensure your roof is maintained properly.
You also need to consider how the materials can be recycled or down-cycled when your commercial roofing system reaches the end of its lifespan. For instance, if you plan to own and operate the commercial property for around 10 to 15 years, a full roof replacement is more attractive. But if you plan to own the building for 20 years or longer, we recommend investing in a roofing system that has a longer service life and warranty.
Only a trusted and professional roofing company will see to it that your commercial roofing project is completed successfully. With our good reputation and local references, De Palma Construction always makes sure to get the job done right the first time. Call us at (717) 638-1131, or just fill out our convenient contact form. Talk to us today!
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