Choosing the right commercial roof is an important decision for any owner or manager of a commercial building because it can affect its overall safety, energy efficiency, and longevity. The best way to make sure you have the right roof for your building is to find an expert in commercial roofing, because he or she will be able to look at every factor to make a confident and informed recommendation.
While a recommendation from a trusted professional should carry a significant amount of weight, you still have to make the final decision. Choosing the wrong roof can cause years of expensive headaches. That’s why you need to have some understanding of what type of materials are suitable for your building.
Here are some factors you should consider as you choose the right commercial roof installation.
#1: Building Material
The kind of materials you choose for your commercial roof installation will depend on your building’s structure, the amount of foot traffic it must endure, and the outside climate. Traditional membranes and metal roofs are some of the most common types of commercial roofing materials. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is also a great choice for commercial roofing installations, but it’s more expensive than most other options.
If the property is in an area that experiences a great deal of hot weather, you should think about getting a breathable, watertight, and flexible material. A metal roof or some other type of reflective material would be good if it’s in a place that must endure high winds or heavy snowfall. If it’s located in a humid climate, you should consider using a more flexible material (such as EPDM). Also called ethylene propylene diene monomer, EPDM is a synthetic rubber that’s relatively cheap and easy to install. The downside, however, is that it will only last 10-15 years.
#2: Installation and Maintenance Costs
The cost of repairing, replacing, or maintaining a commercial roof will vary from building to building, and it can depend on a number of factors. Because commercial properties are larger and have lower slopes than residential homes, their roofing needs will differ. So, the type of roofing material you choose can affect the overall cost.
Before you buy a new roof, make sure you look at the cost and weigh it against the benefits. And you should do it for every material you’re considering. While some may cost more up front, they could last for decades. They may even pay for themselves in energy savings. You want to think about the longevity of the roof you’re considering and how easily it can be maintained, because there can be an advantage to not having to replace your roof every few years.
The labor costs for installing a new roof can vary significantly (depending on the materials and the complexity of the project). Asphalt and tile shingles will be less expensive than metal roofing sheets, but the materials used in pitched roofs will cost more than what’s used in a commercial flat roof. It may be cheaper to install a flat roof than a pitched one, but a more complicated design could be more expensive in the long run. A flat roof is also easier to maintain than a more complicated gable or hip roof.
#3: Your Future Plans and Needs
You want to keep your future plans in mind as you choose the right type of roofing system. Some materials (such as mastic asphalt) can last up to 50 years, while others may not last as long. A good commercial roof should meet both your current and future needs while also being cost-effective.
#4: The Roofing Contractor
A lot of things have to be considered as you choose a commercial roofing system, which can include the following:
- Building code requirements.
- Location.
- Design.
- The building’s physical makeup.
- The materials being used.
- Construction.
A commercial roofing contractor should think about the direction and shade being provided by surrounding trees. Warranties also have to be considered, as well as the amount of time a project will take. Roofing contractors need to have insurance coverage in case they get sued. Inflation, possible labor and material shortages, as well as financing costs need be considered as well. If you’re not sure how much money you can spend, make sure you get a quote from several companies to get an idea of how much it will cost.
If you want to get a roof installed on your commercial property and are looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with B. Ramirez Roofing.