Welcome to Hastings Roofing Blog where we are going to take you through the commercial roofing process. As a business owner, you know how crucial it is to keep your premises safe and secure. A commercial roof plays a significant role in protecting your employees, customers, and assets. Whether you’re constructing a new building or replacing an existing roof, it’s essential to understand the commercial roofing process.
Commercial roofing is a task involving various steps, materials, and expertise. Hiring an expert roofing contractor is crucial to ensure your commercial roof is installed correctly, efficiently, and safely. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the typical commercial roofing process, including planning, assessment and installation.
What is Commercial Roofing
Whether it is commercial roofing or residential, they both serve the same purpose which is to protect a property. However, what sets them apart is scope of work, materials, installation and contractors. Commercial Roofing systems are built on single-ply material such as TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen, concrete, built-up roofing system, tar and gravel etc. While residential roofs are generally created with asphalt shingles or concrete tiles.
When it comes to commercial roofing there are a bunch of different options available for you to choose. From traditional built-up roofs to modern single-ply systems, each type of roofing material offers unique benefits and drawbacks. Selecting the right roofing materials for your commercial project depends on a variety of factors, including your budget, climate, building type, and intended use.
What Does The Commercial Roofing Process Look Like
You might have made a decision to finally begin the commercial roofing process on your site. Before you do that, spare a few minutes and read the following key points as these will be immensely useful:
Hire A Roofing Contractor
Roofing job demands professionalism, skills and expertise that can make your project a success. It isn’t possible if you gladly compromise on quality craftsmanship. Although you might be able to get a roof, it won’t last long. What if materials are of low quality or let’s say your contractor has chosen the right materials but installation hasn’t been done according to best practices. One way or another you will encounter something serious down the road. Surely, you wouldn’t want that, right? So you must hire a reliable contractor who is simply best at what they do. If you are able to onboard a professional company then rest of the steps in the process become easier.
Project Planning
Before starting any commercial roofing project, proper planning is crucial. A well-executed plan can save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Define your goals and expectations. What do you want your new roof to achieve? Are you looking for better insulation, improved energy efficiency, or increased durability?
Once you have established your goals, the next step is to create a budget. A commercial roofing project is a significant investment, so it’s essential to have a realistic budget in mind. It will be the driving force for the scope of your project and the types of materials and services you can afford.
In addition, you must identify any potential obstacles that could affect your project. For example, if you’re replacing an existing roof, you’ll need to consider the removal and disposal of the old materials. You’ll also need to factor in any zoning regulations, permits, or environmental concerns that may impact your project.
Assessing Your Commercial Roofing Needs
Perhaps, some of you think it’s as easy as looking up and saying “yep, there’s a roof up there.” But hold on to your hard hats, because it’s not quite that simple. Assessing your needs is a crucial step in the commercial roofing process, and it requires a bit more thought and expertise than just eyeballing it.
First and foremost, you need to take into account the type of building you have. Is it a tall skyscraper? A small mom-and-pop shop? A mid-sized office building? Each type of building will have its own unique roofing needs.
Next, you need to think about the climate where your building is located. Is it a hot and humid jungle, or a freezing tundra? Different climates require different types of roofing materials to ensure that your building stays comfortable and leak-free.
The primary function of a roof is to keep the elements out, but that doesn’t mean it can’t look good while doing it. You want to make sure that your roofing materials match the style and aesthetic of your building, because no one wants to be the owner of the eyesore on the block.
Select Materials For Your Commercial Roof
Your roof is more than just a layer of protection – it’s a symbol of your business and the values you stand for. Roof installation isn’t something that you anticipate within 5 years unless it is not maintained properly. Whether you are looking at residential or commercial roofing, it’s all about longevity. When you are in the phase of selecting materials; keep in mind this is a great opportunity to upgrade your site; switching to a more efficient material is definitely something we recommend to all our customers.
Asphalt
Classic choice, affordable and easy to install. However, they have a shorter lifespan and potential for cracking and warping.
Metal
Durable, long-lasting and environment-friendly; metal roofing is trendy these days and also offers a range of benefits that make it a popular choice. However, the industrial look of metal may not align with your business’s aesthetic or values.
Single-ply
Single-ply roofing is known for its durability and resistance to damage. Whether it’s extreme weather, harsh chemicals, or UV rays, they can withstand it all. Providing integrity and safety of your building. Plus, single-ply materials are light and come in different shapes and sizes.
Most commercial buildings have single-ply but asphalt and metal roofing systems are also used in different commercial settings.
Preparing For The Installation
Here comes the real bustle of having a new roof. Nonetheless, it is exciting. It is important to take the time out and prepare, minimize disruptions to your business and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Discuss the project timeline, any necessary permits or approvals, and any special requirements or considerations for your building. By having a clear understanding of the project’s scope and requirements, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and avoid any surprises along the way.
Make sure all valuables or equipment are moved out of the way and that the area around the building is clear of debris or obstacles. You may also need to make arrangements for parking, access, and safety precautions during the installation.
Remove the Old Roof Material
After all the initial steps have been completed; roofing team will step onto your building’s roof and start removing old and damaged material. How fascinating it would feel to see an old roof getting ripped off, one layer at a time. Making way for a fresh and sturdy roof to be installed. Watching the transformation of your roof from dilapidated to pristine would be a truly satisfying experience.
Prepare The Roof surface
When old material is removed completely, it is time to take care of roof decking. Any parts that need replacing will be replaced by roofers. A drip edge is installed which usually consists of metal; covering the edge of the roof to make sure there won’t be any leakage. Insulation is also a key part; a new layer of insulation will get to the top of roof decking. At last, the roofing team will install a membrane on top of the insulation resulting in a waterproof seal.
Installation of New Roofing Materials
All is now set well; your new roofing materials are ready to be installed. Depending on the type you have chosen such as asphalt, single-ply and metal. Roofing professionals will take all the necessary precautions to ensure that your new roof is what you wished for.
We are based in Minnesota, currently serving in five locations; give us a call and get yourself an awesome roof.
