Out of all the projects for your commercial building, a roofing install can take a significant amount of time and money to complete. During this event, you want to keep your employees, visitors, and other people in the loop about the project’s progress. By having a timeline for your project, you can keep everyone happy as they hear hammering and nail guns throughout the day. If you are planning an installation for your commercial roof, here is a general timeline for the project.
What Can Affect the Project Timeline?
When planning a commercial roofing project, there are a few variables that you will want to consider. Before you start the installation, a roofing inspection can help point out any issues you may encounter. Your contractor should be able to give a specific timeframe for the project barring any undiscovered problems.
However, some other factors can affect the completion time of your project.
Roof Style
Your commercial roof’s style can also impact the project’s time. Those roofs with various heights, intricate designs, and complex angles will require more materials and extra labor to get the job completed. Along with that, some roofing options can take longer to install. With those gables or cupolas, you can expect added time to complete your project.
Square Footage
As you probably already know, a larger roof will need more time for installation. Outdoor malls and retail centers could need several months to complete the project. A roof replacement can take about a week for those smaller buildings if there is no damage to the structure.
The square footage of the building also plays a role in how long it takes to remove the existing roof. In many cases, a professional roofing crew can remove about 3,500 square feet of old roofing materials. With a large mall or retail center, that might mean about two to three weeks on the schedule.
Roofing Materials
Your current roofing materials will play a role in the time factor for your installation. Shingles are the most common material to install, and they take up the least amount of time to remove. If you are using these materials for your roof, you can expect the project to finish in about a couple of days.
However, metal roofs take a significant portion of time for an install. Since there needs to be specialized equipment to remove and install the panels, it might take over a week or two to finish the project.
Roof Damage
For those roofs with existing damage, it can lead to an extended time on the install. When there is damage, there is a chance that the building structure has been affected. Small cracks can lead to water damage. A dent in the plywood could mean a sagging structure. With any type of damage, that will have to be repaired before a new roof is installed.
Other Things To Consider
Regular inspections of your roof are vital. Throughout the year, the roofing system’s durability must be checked. Whether you are noticing problems or not, you will want to have a professional come out and inspect the area. There could always be underlying issues that might weaken the structure. At the very minimum, you should schedule a detailed inspection at least once a year.
Don’t forget that the weather can take its toll on your commercial roof. Hail, wind, and snow can cause significant damage to your building and the roof. After a nasty storm has ripped through your area, it might be a great time to call a roofing contractor to check for signs of damage.
Check Your Warranties
With most commercial roofing systems, there is a 10-year warranty. However, depending on the specific manufacturer, the coverage can vary. A warranty will protect the quality of your commercial roof and business. When you have a commercial roof installed, there are two warranties that you may need for your records. First, the manufacturer’s warranty will cover any defects found in the product. The second warranty covers the workmanship of the contractor. It will protect you from any damages caused by the installation.
However, not all aspects of the work are covered, and you need to review these policies. If you don’t maintain the roof, then that could lead to a voided warranty. Many of these warranties are valid for one to two years. After that, you would be responsible for any repairs. In all these cases, you will be provided with a certification to add to your records.
Typical Commercial Roof Lifespan
When it comes time to replace your commercial roof, the contractor will be able to provide you with a few options. At this time, they can tell you which materials last longer than others. The typical lifespan of a commercial roof will all depend on the types of materials.
If you plan to install a shingle or single-ply membrane, those materials can last for about 30 years. However, a tar and gravel commercial roof will have a lifespan of 40 years. Spray polyurethane foam roofs can remain durable for 50 years. If you want a roof that will last the test of time, it might be best to choose a metal roof. These materials can last for about 60 years or longer.
With all these things to take into consideration, you have a general timeline for your project. The size, material types, and other factors can all play a role in the completion time. However, a fast installation time does not always mean longer durability. Some of those longer projects include the installation of materials that can last for several decades.
Let Us Help With Your Commercial Roof
Now that you understand the timeline for a commercial roof, you want to find a reliable contractor to install it. At RGB Construction, we can help you find the right materials for your next roof. Along with that, we can give you an expected project time for the installation. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please give us a call at 856-264-9093.
