How to Prepare For Your Commercial Roof Repair

When your building needs commercial roof repair you need to act fast. Roof leaks can be hazardous, not to mention cause equipment damage. And even minor roof damage can lead to major problems – which could mean a whole new roof installation.

Once you notice a commercial roof leak (or other issues like blisters, ponding, or blocked gutters and damaged downspouts), there are a few steps you need to take to get your repairs done right.

Step One: Find a Reputable Commercial Roofing Contractor

If you don’t already have a company you turn to for regular roof maintenance then the obvious first step is finding one.

This may seem simple, but not all roofers are cut from the same cloth. Shoddy workmanship can lead to more damage that threatens the lifespan of your existing roof. The leak may reappear, and if moisture gets caught under the new roofing material, it can rot the substrate of your flat roof. This can lead to sagging and the need for a complete commercial roof replacement.

You want to make sure you’re partnering with a high-quality roofing company with years of experience working with roofing commercial properties.

This means doing research. Look at reviews. Look for accreditation. And if they’re a part of respected trade organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association, then reach out to those roofing companies to ask about their work.

Questions to Ask Before Getting Commercial Roofing Services

To ensure you’re partnering with a good roofing company, you should come prepared with a few questions to ensure your flat roof is in safe hands:

• • Are they insured and do they carry workers’ compensation?
  • Do they have a portfolio of previous work you can check?
  • What safety certifications do they have, and what commercial roofing systems are they certified to work with? While some roofing contractors can handle modified bitumen or built-up roofing, TPO and PVC might not be their strong suit.
  • Do they offer a warranty on repairs?
  • Do they handle permits?

Step Two: Get a Roof Inspection

Once you find a roofing company you can trust, have them conduct a full inspection of your flat or low-slope roof.

They’ll talk you through the extent of repairs needed, whether it’s to patch some punctures in the roof membrane, apply a waterproofing roof coating or initiate a complete re-roofing project.

Once you know the extent of the damage and work out an estimate of the costs, you’ll have a clear idea of your roofing project’s next steps.

Step Three: Check If You Need a Permit

Many places require a building permit for commercial roofing projects – sometimes even for repairs. This will depend on the scope of work, building codes, zoning regulations, and even the type of roofing material used. (ex. Eco-friendly materials like metal roofs might not require the same permits as other roofing materials.)

Some jurisdictions only require a permit if you are replacing the entire roof; others won’t require a permit if you’re not repairing the roof deck, working with a small amount of square footage, or just placing new material over a single-ply membrane. It’ll all vary depending on where the property is located.

A reputable roofing company should pull the permit for you if your roofing project needs one. The permit application will require detailed roofing plans, specifications, and engineering reports that they’ll put together. If a roofer is dodging talks about permits, then you may not be working with a reputable company. You can always check if a permit is required by calling your local building and construction department.

Get Started BEFORE There’s a Problem

Repairing even a small leak can be a big pain. Repairs can take a long time to schedule, which means your office building could be dripping for a while – especially when you don’t have a trusted commercial roofing partner already in place.

It’s best to be proactive about your roof’s health. Regular roof maintenance from a roofing partner can help you catch problems early and solve them before any real issues occur. Getting two roof inspections per a year can save you a ton of headaches (and money) later down the line.

If you’re managing multiple commercial properties, you may have your hands full juggling too many details already. Remembering which roof needs to be inspected when you’ve got so much going on just isn’t a top priority.

We get it – which is why we handle that for you with our roof asset management program. You’ll never have to wonder about the condition of your roof, which drastically cuts down on the chances of surprise leaks.

Don’t Let a Leaky Roof Slow You Down

Even a small leak can cause big disturbances to your operations – but it doesn’t have to. If you find the right roofing company, you can make the commercial roof repair process a breeze from step one.

TEMA moves swiftly whenever there’s an issue, assessing any damage and helping you get the permits you need so that you can get your repairs done ASAP. If your roof is suffering from major damage, our 24-hr emergency services get a technician to you ASAP.

No matter where you are, you can partner with TEMA to make your roof repair a breeze. Cut down on downtime and start being proactive about your property’s roof – contact us today.