When you own a commercial business—a retail shop, dining, warehouse, manufacturing, or something else—you are responsible for the roofing, just as you would be for the residential roofing of your home. Yet, when you have loads of business dealings happening, the roof is probably the least of your worries.
And the good news is that, when the commercial roofing is functioning as it should be and protecting your business and employees from the elements, you shouldn’t have to think about it. A little preventative maintenance here and there will keep your roof around for many years.
But when a problem pops up, what do you do? Commercial roofing may not seem as straightforward as shingles, but you can demystify a roof with just a little research. And guess what? Our team at RGB Construction has already done the work for you by compiling resources and facts about commercial roofing right here.
We have everything you need to know about commercial roofing, so let’s get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Commercial Roofing
You probably have a lot of questions about commercial roofing, especially if this is your first time considering a re-roofing or replacement. We have received hundreds of questions throughout the years and decided to add some to this list, so you can learn some terminology.
Check out the FAQ to see if your question has been answered. If not, give us a call. Our team is more than happy to assist.
How Do I Know When I Need A New Roof?
There are some visible signs of damage to the roof—a bubbling, puddling, interior water stains, sagging—that will clue you in right away. However, sometimes the damage is not obvious, so you will need a professional inspector to visit your facility. They will be able to assess the damages more thoroughly and tell you whether you need your commercial roofing replaced.
What Is Commercial Roofing Made From?
A majority of commercial roofs these days are made from a single-ply membrane system that is durable and energy-efficient. Some examples include TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin), PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride), and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer). TPO is rubber and is a blend of ethylene propylene and polypropylene rubbers. EPDM is similar, but it is derived from a mix of natural gas and oil.
Other options include:
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR): A semi-flexible roofing system that uses layers of felt or another fabric between aggregate and tar. The layers increase waterproofing and durability.
- Metal: Although the cost of metal may be high, the effectiveness makes aluminum and steel popular choices. They are also environmentally friendly.
- Uncommon Materials: While gaining popularity, green roofs, or those with more eco-friendly elements involved (such as solar panels or solar shingles) are less common than single-ply membranes and BUR. However, you can implement some up-and-coming technologies into your commercial roof, if you wish.
How Long Does A Commercial Roof Last?
Even though commercial roofs tend to use similar roofing materials, it does not mean that the lifespan is always approximated. The location of the business, sun exposure, weather-related damages, and so on can affect how long your roofing lasts. For example, a restaurant that discharges oils and other residues through the ventilation may have more damage than a building without such discharge.
That said, there are various materials that last between 10-50 years. EPDM, PVC, and TPO commercial roofing are all single-ply membrane roofing types that have a lifespan between 15-30 years. Spray Polyurethane Foam lasts between 30-50 years; Metal is between 30-45 years.
Is Re-Roofing Possible? Or Do I Need To Rip Off The Current Commercial Roof?
If there is presently a single roof on your building that is in adequate condition, you may be able to save money by installing a roof over the current one, rather than replacing the entire thing.
There are two factors that affect whether a roof needs to be completely replaced:
- The building already has multiple layers of roofing. Commercial buildings cannot have more than two layers of roofing, according to law. Too many layers will add weight to the roofing system and could place stress on the building’s structure.
- The current roof is unsafe. An unstable, damaged, or water-logged roof is going to need to be torn off and replaced.
How Much Will The New Roof Cost?
Since no two buildings are exactly alike, the overall cost of installing a new commercial roof can fluctuate. As with most things, certain factors contribute to a higher price, too. This includes:
- The size of the roof
- The condition of your existing roof
- Insulation type
- Membrane type
- Roof access
- Warranty type
- Method of installation
- Present damages, such as penetrations
How Do I Choose The Right Type Of Roofing For My Commercial Facilities?
Don’t think that just because you have a commercial property that commercial roofing is a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. You could potentially choose the wrong kind of roofing and end up with nothing but problems. The best way to figure out which kind of commercial roofing is correct for your roof is to discuss options with the professional roofer. They will know which roof type will best serve your business type.
So, now that some of your curiosity has been sated, it’s time to go a bit deeper into the world of commercial roofing. Check out the next five chapters of The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Roofing below:
Chapter 1: Careers in Commercial Roofing
Want to learn more about what goes into becoming a commercial roofer? This chapter goes into detail about what a role as a commercial roofing contractor entails.
Chapter 2: Commercial Roof Types: What to Know About Different Systems
There is more to commercial roofing than black vs white roofing. Materials and systems are extremely varied, and not all of them are going to work for you.
Chapter 3: All About Commercial Roof Installation
Ready to have your new commercial roof installed? Get the facts before the installation team arrives. In this chapter, we outline the process step-by-step, hopefully eliminating any questions or concerns you might have.
Chapter 4: Essential Roof Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is essential to prolonging the life of any roof. Learn some helpful steps.
Chapter 5: Is It Time for Replacement or Can Your Commercial Roof be Repaired?
Do you know when it is time to say goodbye to your current roof? We are going to explain some of the tell-tale signs to watch out for. Also, you will learn about different methods of repair, restoration, and replacement available.
Do You Need a Qualified Commercial Roofing Contractor?
RGB Construction has been serving New Jersey customers for over a decade. We have been consistently ranked as one of the best roofing contractors in the state, and we also have over 12 awards and certifications to back our promise of excellence. Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about commercial roofing. Whether you need a leak patched up or something much more extensive, we are here to help.
