Commercial roofs are not at all comparable to residential roofs. The risk is greater, the systems are more complicated and the cost of failure is far more than repair costs. From retail strip buildings to warehouse, office buildings to industrial buildings, your roofing choices impact operations, energy bills, liability and so much more.
Commercial Roofing Systems are another type of roofing system.
The commercial market is dominated by flat and low-slope roofing, and there are different types with varying installation methods, maintenance schedules and performance characteristics, including TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, built-up roofing (BUR) and metal panel systems. A contractor not used to doing a lot of shingle work will not have the equipment, training, and material sourcing facilities to do commercial jobs well.
Scale and Project Management have an impact.
Commercial roofing projects are significantly bigger in size, have a much shorter turnaround time, and must be coordinated with other projects that are already underway, like HVAC, electrical or waterproofing. Ideal contractors can provide you with a project manager, a timeline for the installation that is divided into stages and won't disrupt your tenants or operations, and regular updates on project progress. If you're searching for a roofing company Phoenix for your commercial property, make sure they have a commercial division, not just a few commercial projects from time to time.
The following are the drainage and load-bearing considerations.
The most common cause of premature failure of commercial flat roofs is ponding water and it must be engineered appropriately for proper drainage. Building load (rooftop HVAC units, solar panels or foot traffic during maintenance) should be considered when deciding on the material to use, and during a deck evaluation before any work is done.
Energy Performance and Building Codes
Commercial buildings have their own more stringent energy codes than residential buildings. Different cool-roofing codes may apply to different occupancies and jurisdictions, as may different insulation R-values and fire ratings. By hiring roofing services Tucson AZ professionals that know the local commercial building codes, you can rest assured that your project will pass the first inspection and meet any local energy incentive programs available to you.
Maintenance Contracts: A Smart Business Decision
Commercial roofs enjoy a lot of advantages from a maintenance contract, whereas, residential roofs do not share this benefit quite as much. These proactive and twice-annual inspections, drain cleanings, seam inspections and minor repairs can double the life of a commercial membrane. Inquire about any service contracts from the potential contractors that include response times for emergency calls.
ROI Perspective for Property Owners and Managers
A commercial roof that is well specified and properly installed is a capital asset. It can be included on the financial disclosure of your home, document maintenance history for insurance claims, and increase the value of your home when sold or refinanced if properly underwritten with good warranties, both manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties. The key difference between savvy commercial property owners and reactive commercial property owners is the way they think about their roof.