A roofing contractor preparing for a commercial roof installation.

Preparing for Your Commercial Roof Installation

When planning a commercial roof installation, commercial building owners need to follow several key steps to ensure the process runs smoothly. Failing to prepare properly can lead to costly delays or poor workmanship, potentially resulting in repairs or even a complete redo.

From selecting the right roofing contractor to understanding roofing materials and preparing the job site, careful planning not only protects your investment but also helps maximize the lifespan of your new roof.

We’ll guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you’re fully prepared for your commercial roof installation.

Step 1: Understand Your Roofing Needs

Before starting a new roof installation, it’s important to assess the current condition of your existing roof. Are you certain that a full replacement is necessary, or could a restoration save your commercial roofing system?

The best way to determine if a complete commercial roof replacement is required is by scheduling a roof inspection with a reputable roofing contractor. They can assess whether the roof is salvageable or if a replacement is the best option.

A roof inspection uncovers potential issues such as water damage, failing fasteners, substrate problems, and penetrations that must be addressed before installing a new commercial roof. The contractor can also provide an estimate for the cost of replacement.

Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Roofing System

Selecting the correct type of roofing material can make or break your new roof installation project.

Commercial properties use different materials and techniques compared to residential roofs, so it’s important to choose the right system based on your property’s needs. Some of the most common types of commercial roofing systems include EPDM roofing, TPO roofing, PVC roofing, built-up roofing, and metal roofing.

EPDM Roofing

EPDM roofing is a highly durable rubber roofing system that is commonly used for low-slope roofs and flat roof applications. Known for its cost-effectiveness and easy installation, EPDM offers excellent weather resistance and flexibility.

TPO Roofing

Another popular roof membrane, TPO roofing is valued for its energy efficiency and reflective properties, which make it ideal for warm climates. It provides substantial waterproofing and is generally easy to install and maintain.

PVC Roofing

Known for its fire resistance and durability, PVC roofing is a great choice for flat roofs. It performs well under extreme weather conditions, providing long-lasting protection.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

Modified bitumen roofing is a flexible, multi-layered system commonly used in built-up roofing (BUR) or modified bitumen applications. It is favored for its longevity and its ability to withstand harsh environments, making it a durable option for commercial roofs.

Metal Roofing

Known for its exceptional longevity and strength, metal roofing is a highly durable roofing material suitable for a variety of climates. It offers excellent resistance to high winds and other extreme conditions.

Standing seam metal roofs, in particular, are ideal for commercial applications due to their sleek, modern appearance and excellent waterproofing capabilities. Metal roofs are also among the most energy-efficient roof options, potentially saving you money on energy bills and even earning you a tax credit.

Consider Lifespan and Maintenance

When choosing the type of roof you want to install, consider the lifespan of the commercial roofing material. For instance, asphalt shingles typically last around 15-20 years, while TPO and EPDM can last 20-30 years.

Metal roofing has one of the longest lifespans, often lasting up to 50 years or more. Proper roof maintenance can further extend the lifespan of your roof, ensuring it performs well for decades.

Step 3: Prepare Your Job Site

Once you’ve chosen the type of roofing material, it’s time to prepare the job site. When your commercial business is ready, it minimizes potential disruptions and downtime during your roofing project.

Clear the Roof Deck

Remove any obstructions on your existing roof, such as HVAC units, vents, or satellite dishes, to give the roofers access to the entire surface.

Secure the Job Site

Keep the area around your building free from debris or items that could interfere with the installation. Let your contractor know about any specific building codes or safety regulations they need to follow.

Coordinate

If you have tenants or employees working on the premises, make sure they know you’re starting the commercial roof installation process. It may be necessary to adjust work schedules or restrict access to certain areas during the installation.

Check the Weather

Schedule your installation during favorable weather conditions. While commercial roofers are equipped to handle various climates, it’s ideal to avoid periods of heavy rain, snow, or high winds, which could delay the process.

Time for the New Roof Installation

Once these steps are completed, it’s time to install your new commercial roof. While the commercial roof installation process varies depending on the type of roofing material, there are some general steps you can expect across all systems.

1. Removing the Existing Roof

If your existing roof needs to be replaced, the crew will remove the old materials while taking care to protect the underlying roof deck and substrate.

2. Roofing Material Installation

Your roofing contractor will begin installing the selected roofing materials, starting with a waterproof roof membrane or underlayment, then applying the new surface material (e.g., EPDM, TPO, PVC, modified bitumen, or metal roofing).

3. Waterproofing and Fasteners

Special attention will be given to ensuring waterproofing and attaching materials securely with appropriate fasteners. Proper sealing around penetrations, such as vents or pipes, will also be completed.

4. Inspection and Finishing

Once the roofing project is complete, the contractor will perform a final inspection to ensure there are no issues with the installation. This is also a good time to discuss warranties with your contractor, ensuring you understand what is covered and how long it will last.

Post-Installation Care

Once your new roof is installed, ongoing care and regular inspections are crucial to maintaining its longevity.

Implementing a roof maintenance plan includes routine checkups at least twice a year or after severe weather. Routine maintenance keeps small issues from becoming larger issues that require costly repairs.

For business owners with multiple properties, it can be difficult to keep track of what needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and the budget for each property. A comprehensive roof asset management program like TEMA Total Care helps you manage inspections, repairs, and roof conditions across buildings from one central, user-friendly platform.

Getting the Best Commercial Roof Installation

There are only a few steps you need to take to get ready for your new roof, but each step is essential. If you don’t know the condition of your roof, you can’t pick the best material for it. If you don’t pick the right material for your building, you could end up replacing it sooner rather than later. Prepping the job site makes sure the commercial roofing project moves as swiftly as possible, minimizing your downtime.

There’s one more thing you need to get the best commercial roof installation possible – a quality roofing company.

Partnering with reputable commercial roofing contractors ensures that work is done right the first time. And they can help you navigate the process, from the initial inspection to picking the right material and prepping the job site.

Our team provides a range of roofing services tailored to your needs including commercial roof repair, restoration, and installation. We work with a variety of types of commercial roofing systems and materials, including single-ply membranes, metal roofing, and built-up roofing, ensuring you have the best roofing solution for your building’s unique requirements.

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