What Is Commercial Roof Replacement?

Roof maintenance should be at the top of any commercial property owner's to-do list.

Lack of proper roof maintenance can lead to faster wear and tear for any type of roof, and replacing an entire roof can be very expensive.

But even with proper maintenance and roof repairs, no roof will last forever, and it will eventually be time to replace your entire roof.

If you think it may be time to replace your roof, reach out to a trusted professional to see if a commercial roof restoration is possible before you consider complete roof replacement.

In the article below, we will go in-depth about commercial roof replacement.

What is Commercial Roofing?

Commercial roofs and residential roofs both serve to protect the property underneath them.

But they differ regarding the materials used to build and install them.

Commercial roofing systems are typically single-ply, concrete, modified bitumen, built-up roofing system, tar and gravel, and more.

Depending on weather conditions, residential roofs are typically made of asphalt shingle, metal roof, or concrete tiles.

More options are available for commercial roof systems compared to residential roofs, so building owners will need to research and choose a reliable contractor who offers commercial roofing services.

Aspects of Commercial Roofing

Commercial Roof Installation

The installation method of a commercial roofing system can vary greatly depending on the roofing material, pricing, labor hours, and installation difficulty.

Always hire a reliable commercial roofing contractor who will get the work done on time and within budget.

Commercial Roof Inspection

A commercial roofing system inspection will include the examination of the problem areas.

These areas generally include the roof membranes, decking, vents, flashing, gutters, downspouts, and drainage pipes.

These inspections help prevent future roof damages, identify any problem areas early, and prevent costly repairs.

Maintaining Commercial Roofs

In addition to inspection, proper maintenance is critical to extending the life of a quality roof along with inspections.

Routine maintenance should include cleaning debris from gutters, treating leaks, tears, or water damage, repairing flashing and roof HVAC systems, preparing your roof for the seasons, and ensuring the roofing material is in excellent condition.

What is the Life Expectancy of a Commercial Roof?

The life expectancy of your commercial roof will depend on the type and materials used to build it.

For example, an EPDM flat roof can last for about 30 years, PVC roofs can last for nearly 20 years, and TPO commercial roofing has around 15 to 20 years.

The longevity of a roof also depends on how well it's maintained.

Commercial Roof Replacement Timeline

Whether your commercial roof needs to be replaced due to old age or disrepair, it’s natural to wonder how long it will take.

Commercial roof replacement can be an immense undertaking that may disrupt your business operation.

The actual timelines differ from building to building and roof to roof.

The timeline is influenced by many factors, like:

The Roof's Size

The size of your commercial building obviously influences the length of the roofing job.

It takes longer to clear away and cover the square footage of a large roof compared to a smaller one.

Replacing your commercial roof involves tearing off, repairing, and preparing the roof deck.

Then it involves the installation of the new roofing materials.

The Weather

No matter how big or small your roof is, the weather can bring any commercial roofing project to a screeching halt.

During the wet season, roof replacement will take longer because the surface tends to be slippery and a severe danger to roofers.

Rain will also affect the integrity of the installation process.

Scorching summer heat can force roofers to take frequent breaks.

Any roof replacement project can be delayed by high winds, rain, snow, or hail.

Dry, warm weather is ideal for complete roof replacements.

If your roof has already been removed and the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can use a sturdy tarp to protect your exposed roof until the weather clears.

Damages To The Structure

Under your roofing materials is the underlayment, sheathing, or roof decking.

Damage to any of these structures can be discovered when the old roof system is ripped off.

Repairing these damages may be as simple as fixing a small area or as complex as removing the entire deck and rebuilding the supporting framework.

If your sheathing or decking is water damaged or covered with black mold, the roofers will remove and replace them, extending the length of the project.

Delays can also be caused by trips to the lumberyard or waiting for materials to be delivered.

Design Complexity

Commercial roofs come in various sizes and shapes, affecting the complexity of installation.

It’s much easier to install plain, flat/low-sloped roofs than roofs with various angles.

Your roof may also have special features to take care of, like valleys, vents, HVAC units, solar panels, etc.

Taking care of them will require more time and attention.

The height of your roof can also add time to the replacement project.

Replacing the roof of a 15-story building will take more time than a 3-story building.

Contact The Best Roofing Company Today

For over 15 years, our roofing crew has provided Northeast Ohio residents with the highest quality roofing services available.  

With a customer-first approach, we treat your home as our own, ensuring it gets the care and attention it deserves.

We also offer the most extended warranties in the industry as a CertainTeed certified roofing company.

We are also insurance specialists.

If your roof was damaged due to a storm, high winds, or heavy snowfall, we can start the insurance process for you.

To see how Ohio's Best Roof Replacement Contractors can help you with your roof replacement, click the button below. 

References:

https://www.integrityroofers.com/a-complete-guide-to-commercial-roofing/

https://reddiamondroof.com/blog/commercial-roof-replacement/

https://temaroofingservices.com/commercial-roof-restoration-vs-commercial-roof-replacement/