While residential and commercial roofing are very different, they are both equally important when it comes to understanding the best materials to use, potential risks, and the slope. In essence, knowing how to patch a leak on your roof at home doesn’t mean you’re ready to do it on your commercial building.
In fact, it is not recommended to conduct any repairs yourself as it is dangerous and often more complicated than it looks. So instead, here are some things that you should know about your commercial roof so you can make informed decisions.
- Find the right roofing material
- Hire a professional
- Maintain the roof
- Listen to your roofing contractor
- Don’t put off your roofing inspections
- Your roof is complex
- Your roof is not flat (even though it may be called flat)
1. Find the Right Roofing Material
Commercial roofs are significantly larger and much more complex than residential roofing. So you don’t want to invest in the wrong material by choosing something you don’t need. Choosing the wrong one can also be expensive.
Simply put, doing research on the pros and cons of each material will pay off in the end. However, one type that has been popular among many building owners is a metal roof. It can be a little more on the expensive side, but it’s durability will pay for itself, protecting your building’s interior and assets with less risk for significant damage.
2. Always Hire a Professional
Working with a roofing contractor may sound expensive at first, but their suggestions and experience will cost a lot less than paying for frequent repairs and early replacement services. Even if the building only has a small leak, it may be worse than it looks, and allowing someone with no experience to inspect the roof will only make matters worse.
Working with a professional can also prevent additional damage to the interior building materials as well as assets. Just make sure that the company you choose is licensed, experienced, and insured to protect your best interest.
3. Maintain the Roof
Paying to have roof maintenance can sound like an unnecessary expense, but having to pay for overdue repairs can be very costly. Having frequent inspections and addressing small repairs right away can avoid breaking the bank down the road.
Working with a professional contractor with years of experience can set up a Maintenance Program with you that can include inspections, small repairs, suggestions, and an estimate and timeframe for your next replacement.
4. Listen to Your Roofing Contractor
Maybe some companies are out to scam property owners, but others who are trained and have years of experience know that telling the truth is in both parties best interests. One such contractor includes Reliable Roofing, with years of experience, training, and insured up to $6 million, they will show you any problematic areas and suggest repairs if needed.
However, if you decide to take your chances, saving the little money now will have an expensive consequence in the future.
5. Never Put Off Your Roof Inspections
Putting off your roofing inspections is just as risky as not scheduling them, because ultimately, they are not being done. Or even if you do hire someone to do them but use the cheapest option, they may not address all of the signs and end up being costly in the long run. A professional roof inspector must be familiar with all roofing materials, components, and signs of damage in order to identify them.
6. Your Roof is Complex
Commercial roofing involves more than just a single layer of building material that covers your building. Today, many buildings contain a number of layers that contain a number of equipment in order to protect the property from rain and severe weather conditions. This includes an intricate system of insulation, air ducts, drains, waterproofing, flashing, fastenings, the decks, and of course, the roofing materials themselves.
These equipment and materials were not only strategically installed to prevent leaks, but also to lower energy costs. A good tip to keep in mind is that if anyone only inspects the surface of the roof and calls it an inspection, you will need to find another professional, because there is certainly more to it than that.
7. Your Roof is Not Flat
Just because they call it flat and it looks flat, it’s not. Commercial flat roof has a slight slope to it that allows for proper drainage. So the roof scuppers must be clear and clean in order to safely carry water away from the building. Otherwise, the water crushes the insulation, creating low spots, and eventually ponding and leaks. Another reason that roof maintenance is crucial.
Ultimately, you can never take chances with commercial roofing. Especially because the structure is more complicated than having a flat or sloped surface, putting off inspections or choosing to ignore recommended repairs is a big mistake.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor For Your Commercial Roof
Finding a qualified roofing contractor that will identify all signs of damage and is familiar with your building’s material can be a challenge. But note that experience, training, and insurance is key to keeping your building in good condition without breaking the bank to do it.
Check out Reliable Roofing, a company that not only contains these qualities but offers a number of services for commercial buildings, including roof maintenance, inspections, repairs, replacements, and more. Our professionals also work with some of the best roofing manufacturer’s in the industry, including John Mansfield, Firestone, Owens Corning, IKO, and more. So when you move forward with the repairs or replacement process, you can have the peace of mind knowing that these materials are durable and your building is well-equipped to withstand Midwest weather.
Reliable Roofing is available at (815) 981-9898 in the Chicagoland area to provide commercial roofing services of all types. We also provide free estimates. Give us a call and our professionals respond within 24 hours.