Ensuring that your elementary school, middle school or high school has appropriate and safe facilities is paramount, especially when buildings may be in need of roof replacement.
Like it or not, certain decisions can hinder the whole replacement process.
In this article, we will explain the 6 most common roof replacement mistakes that can be made when choosing a new roof for your school. Read on to find out exactly what to do (and what not to do) when deciding on the best option for your school and the children in it!
1. Not Setting a Clear Budget For Your Roof Replacement
Funding for school districts varies from state to state (and even school by school), but every school will receive an allotted amount to spend on the school and its students every year.
A new roof needs to be clearly factored into the budget.
Get an understanding of how much the project will cost and stay within your budget. Spiraling add-ons and upgrades will leave you with a project that ends up costing you more than anticipated (and will directly affect the educational needs of the students at the school).
2. Making a Decision Based Only on Price
Budgets are always a strain on educational resources and schools, however, only looking at the numbers, and not factoring in the quality of a contractor or company, can spell disaster in the long run.
Often, contractors that offer rock bottom rates will aim to cut corners and compromise the quality of the roofing service they provide.
The result? Earlier than normal roof maintenance, repair and (eventually) replacement. Problems may pop up YEARS before the end of the roofing system’s expected lifespan. Even worse, you could be putting your students and staff in harm’s way if the roof is poorly built.
Make sure to use a commercial roofer that has reputable testimonials (and an extensive portfolio) from a number of different sources before embarking on a relationship or a contract.
3. Not Considering Cooperative Purchasing Contracts
Cooperative purchasing contracts are a great resource for local schools when it comes to keeping in line with budgets.
In recent years, many school districts have chosen to pursue cooperative purchasing because it can keep costs down while also maintaining a high standard of work for the amount of money spent.
It not only impacts the bottom line but it also saves the time and energy that would be used researching the best possible materials and contractors for the job.
Competitive pricing and transparency are often two of the major benefits of cooperative purchasing that can be realized for a school system.
4. Not Factoring in Time of Year for Roof Repair or Replacement
Roof replacement or repair for a large building or project can take several days (or weeks) to do from start to finish. This may mean disruption to your regular school day with classrooms being out of action or whole areas being unsuitable for children to use.
Think about scheduling your roof repair or restoration during school holidays or summer break, when disruption to regular school days won’t happen.
Proper planning also ensures that contractors are able to complete the job without the extra health and safety risks of children being on site.
5. Using a Company That Doesn’t Have Experience in Large Roofing Jobs or Projects
Repairing a roofing system on a small property isn’t the same as building an entirely new elementary school roof.
Some contractors may be excellent with small roofing repairs but may not have the experience necessary to deal with massive projects that take a considerable amount of expertise to organize and deliver.
The scale of a project that involves fitting out a school or school district with a new roofing system might be a step too far for smaller companies. Smaller contracting companies have more limited resources (in terms of labor and tools), which can result in the job taking longer to complete.
It may also mean that the overall finish isn’t as good.
6. Not Thinking About Moisture Protection
It will depend on what type of material you choose for your roof, but make sure to ask your contractor about moisture protection.
The roof on school buildings, while typically a flat roof, can come in a diverse range of styles and designs.
In the summer, proper ventilation is required to ensure that the roof is kept cool. And, in the winter the humidity needs to be kept in check so moisture problems don’t develop from the inside.
Roof Replacement Mistakes: Where Can I Find Out More?
When it comes to school roofing replacement, it’s important to find a reputable roofing company that’s going to ensure a quality job and a long-lasting roof. This is especially important when budget constraints can hurt the quality of the roofing contractor you get.
Make sure to consider these points before coming to a decision about repairing or replacing your roof.
If you’re struggling with acquiring the necessary monetary resources for your elementary, middle or high school roof replacement, remember to consider a cooperative purchasing agreement that can help cushion that budget.
Ready to get the ball rolling? Work with an experienced commercial roofing contractor for your school reroof. TEMA Roofing has experience working with numerous industries, including several local school systems, to complete roofing projects of any scope. Get a new roof for your school today!
