If your commercial building is safe on the exterior, you can easily focus on what is on the exterior. Large commercial buildings, government buildings, schools, and hospitals require extensive planning, technical installation, and precise application to ensure that their commercial roofing can stand against the threat of natural elements and harsh weather conditions.
Commercial roofs vary vastly from residential roofs. It is like comparing a car to a truck. Commercial roofing uses materials that have specific applications, installation, and maintenance that depend on your business and building type. Let discuss commercial roofing, repair, replacement, and professional service.
What is Commercial Roofing?
Although residential and commercial roofing systems serve the same purpose of protecting your property, they are different in materials, application, and installation. For instance, a commercial roofing system may be concrete, a built-up roof system, singly ply membrane, modified bitumen, tar and gravel, or other commercial roofing material. A residential roof may be made from concrete tiles or asphalt shingles, depending on the climate.
You can easily choose the right type of material for your residential roof based on the climate in your area. However, there are many options for commercial roofing systems, which means you need to do your research and hire a reputable roofing company that offers commercial roofing services, including roofing inspections and installations.
Popular Common Commercial Roof Styles
When planning for a new commercial building, you must consider the roof slope because it can make a huge difference in budget, aesthetics, and function. The three most popular commercial roofing systems are:
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are the most common type of commercial roofing style. They require fewer roofing materials and are very quick to install. This budget-friendly roofing style is commonly used for large shopping centers, warehouses, and box stores.
Low-sloped Roofs
Low-sloped commercial roofs look almost flat but have a low pitch. They are usually found in industrial buildings and apartments. They may look flat except for the soft slope that makes them unique.
Pitched Roofs
Pitched roofs are usually used in residential homes but can be used for commercial structures to give them a beautiful appearance even from far away. They look more elegant compared to low-slope and flat styles of roofing. They are usually less commonly used in commercial buildings because they cost more, but many still use them today.
Types of Commercial Roofing Systems
Once you know the style of roofing your building needs, you also have to choose the right roofing system for your business needs and budget. The most popular types are the following:
Metal Roofing
Metal commercial roofing systems are one of the most popular commercial roofs. You can choose from various styles and materials, including corrugated galvanized steel, metal tile sheets, stainless steel, silicon-coated steel, corrugated galvanized steel, zinc, copper, tin, aggregates of aluminum, and a lot more.
Metal roofs have high fire-resistant ratings and are highly durable. They usually come with protective layers to reduce sunlight, moisture, and other natural elements. Metal roofs are a good option if you are looking for an attractive and sustainable roofing system.
Built-Up Roofing Membrane
Built-up roofing (BUR) is the standard asphalt roofing system for commercial structures. It consists of multiple layers of tar and gravel to enhance its durability. It is a cost-effective and durable system ideal for the low-slope roofing style.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
The modified bitumen roof or mod-bit roof is a commercial roofing system made up of layers of bitumen and reinforced roof fabrics. It is a two-ply system fastened to rooftops with maximum stability and protection. Modified bitumen roofs offer improved tensile strength and are easy to maintain, making them an excellent option for flat roofs.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin and Poly Vinyl Chloride Roofs
TPO and PVC roofs are ideal for hotels, restaurants, and similar businesses that emit oils from their ventilation system. The roof membrane is a lightweight material resistant to UV rays, bacterial growth, chemicals, and punctures.
Thermoset or EPDM Roof
Thermoset or EPDM roofing is an easy-to-maintain, versatile, and durable option for commercial roofing. It is made out of a single-ply membrane that is easy to install and is highly resistant to ozone, ultraviolet light, solvents, alcohol, and acids. It also has reflective properties that can help reduce the energy cost of cooling systems.
Green Roofing System
For environmental and sustainability reasons, green roofs have become quite popular over the years. This environmentally-friendly system is not only aesthetically pleasing but can improve the water and drainage management system in your building. If you want your commercial building to look nature-friendly, this is an excellent option to consider. The only downside is the high maintenance required to keep it in top condition.
Commercial Roofing Aspects
There are three main aspects of commercial roofing that you need to consider. These are:
Commercial Roof Installation
When you have a new commercial building or consider roof replacement, you need commercial roof installation services. The cost will depend on the material, labor, and installation difficulty. It is crucial to hire a reliable contractor with the right resources and experience to get things done right.
Roof Inspection
After the installation process, it is crucial to have a regular roofing inspection for your commercial roofing system to ensure that it is in good order. The examination will probe the membranes, vents, decking, gutters, downspouts, flashing, and drainage systems. Regular inspection has two functions: to identify issues with the roofing before it causes significant problems and to prevent potential damage to the roof.
Commercial Roof Maintenance
Proper and regular maintenance is essential to ensuring that the commercial roof reaches its maximum life expectancy. Maintenance involves treating leaks, tears, and water damage, preparing the roof for every climate or season, getting the roof material in good condition, and repairing issues with the flashing and HVA systems.
Signs that Your Commercial Roof Need Repair
You can easily let slip a small seam on your roof because it hardly even matters. Nevertheless, if these minor issues cause significant problems in your commercial building, you may need to have a roofing inspection and repair as soon as you can. Some of these signs include:
Clogged Drains – Rooftop drains get clogged occasionally, but when they allow water to accumulate in large quantities, they may cause water damage issues. Have them inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Open Seams – Seams are very vulnerable, and when they are available, they let water leak inside the building. You cannot afford to have water damage whatever is in the interior of your structure. Call a technician to repair the seams quickly.
Sagging – When your roof sags or has low spots, there may be a structural issue that you need to check right away. The integrity of your building may be at stake.
Punctures can be caused by ageing, fallen tree branches, or intense storms. The holes can have various sizes depending on the damage. Call a storm damage roof repair company right away.
Broken Fasteners – Roofing components are fastened or screwed to the deck. When these fasteners are damaged, they may have open holes in the decking, which will allow water to leak inside the building. These are easy to fix, but you have to act quickly to prevent significant leaks from occurring.
Spike in Energy Bills – A roof in perfect order will provide good Insulation and keep your interior temperature comfortable. However, when your energy bills keep spiking, it could signify issues with the roofing. Air can quickly come in and out of the building. It can cause the HVAC to work overtime and cause energy spikes.
Signs Your Commercial Roof Needs Replacement
Repairing your roof is one thing but replacing your entire roof is an entirely different decision that you need to consider only if necessary. There are instances when it is more economical to replace the whole roof than to keep having frequent and costly repairs. For this decision, you may have to ask a professional contractor to determine the condition of your roof and provide you with a well-informed recommendation. Some of the usual signs for replacement include:
Ageing – If you have an old building, you may also have an ageing roof. The typical lifespan is around 25 to 50 years, depending on the material, the maintenance, and other factors. If the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, do not wait for major problems to happen. Get it inspected and replaced.
Old Decking – Whenever water gets into the decking, it will cause it to age and get damaged. It may not be easy to spot issues with the decking, but you may generally see wear and tear when you inspect it. Get the decking and membrane replaced.
Damaged Membrane – The roof membrane is not impervious to natural calamities. Constant exposure to strong winds, storms, and sunlight will eventually damage it. If you leave it unattended, water can seep into the building and cause massive water damage.
Water Infiltration – Watermarks or stains are signs of water infiltration coming from the outside. It may compromise the interior structures and cause materials to rot. If you see significant water leak signs, you may need a roof replacement.
Broken Shingles – If you use asphalt shingles or any other type of shingles, check for splits, cracks, and other signs of damage. If only a few shingles are affected due to calamities, you can have them repaired. However, if a majority of them are damaged, consider replacing them.
Blistering – When moisture is trapped inside the Insulation, it will create blisters that gradually damage the roof. If you see visible signs of significant blistering, call a roofing company to check the level of damage.
Poor Insulation is essential in maintaining comfortable temperatures inside your commercial building. When your interior spaces are too cold or too hot, it may cause the HVAC to overwork and spike your energy consumption. The culprit may be poor Insulation on the roofing. It is more economical to replace the entire roofing to enhance Insulation.
Repair or Replace?
It depends on the condition of your roof. You have to weigh the options based on cost, the integrity of the structure, and other factors. Remember that an entire replacement project will cost a lot of money upfront. Nevertheless, it may be more economical in the long run.
If you are unsure of your decision, the best thing is to ask a professional roofing contractor or get a full inspection. A thorough examination will make the decision a lot easier for you. It may expose some issues that you may not know are present.
The rule of thumb is to get an expert’s recommendation. Also, if the repair price exceeds more than 50% of the replacement cost, consider getting a new commercial roof that will last longer than a repaired one.
Why is a New Commercial Roof Beneficial?
Installing a new commercial roof can be a pricey investment, but it will pay off in the long run. Here are some of the benefits you have to consider when getting a new roof:
Safety – A damaged or ageing roof can result in a disaster if not addressed early. Investing in a new one will not only protect the people inside the building but will protect you from legal liability in case your old roof collapses.
Energy Efficiency – New materials have better insulation properties and higher energy efficiency. You will save money on energy costs and have a comfortable interior atmosphere for everybody.
Storm Resistance – New roofing materials and installation techniques can make your commercial building more resistant to storms and harsh elements of nature. When you put your money into a new and highly durable commercial roofing project, it will last longer than your previous one.
Benefits of Hiring A Commercial Roofing Contractor
If you plan to repair or replace your commercial roofing system, it is advisable to hire a roofing contractor who has worked with commercial roof installation for commercial buildings. Remember that residential roofing is very different from commercial property roofing. Hire excellent roofing contractors to provide you with the following benefits:
High-quality Roofing
Doing patch repairs for many years can be a waste of money if a new roof can solve your problems. Commercial roofers can give you the best roofing recommendations for your building and not one that will end up having frequent repairs. New roofing materials have more excellent durability than other options in the past. A reputable contractor will be able to provide you with the best solutions that will stand the test of time.
Less Downtime for Your Business
A qualified and experienced contractor can save you downtime on your roofing project. A contractor can efficiently finish a project with appropriate materials and resources within a given schedule. If you have a tear in your roof, you cannot afford to lose business. Every time your building or part of your building closes for repairs, you lose money. Hence, be sure to have a good business relationship with your contractor so that whenever a storm damages your roof, you can rely on a professional to patch things up right away.
Minimize Unnecessary Expenses
A damaged roof can cause water leaks and poor Insulation. You have to deal with water damage and increased energy consumption. A contractor can apply sprayed polyurethane foam or the best roofing solution to stop water leaks and fix insulation issues. If you suspect a rise in energy consumption or see visible water leaks, call a qualified contractor to resolve the problem quickly before it worsens.
In Need of a Roofing Contractor?
You can depend on Elysian Construction for quality workmanship on your roofing needs. We use the best materials to provide the best commercial roofing service. We are based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and service other areas. Check out:
Bloomington Storm Damage Roofing Contractors
Maple Grove Storm Damage Roofing Contractors
A word of warning. Always do your due diligence when working with a contractor. Never allow an unlicensed contractor to work on your commercial buildings. For better workmanship and better roof, always work with reputable companies.
We hope you learned everything you need to know about commercial roofing in this article. There are many more topics to cover, but the information provided above gives you ample knowledge about commercial roofing. If you need commercial roofing services, go ahead and give us a call.