Reap the ripe rewards of a roof replacement! Roof replacements comprise more than 90% of the roofing market. A new roof can keep your commercial building safe, spotless, and beautiful.
But you shouldn’t start removing commercial roofs just yet. If you want to make the most of your replacement, you need to avoid a few commercial roof replacement mistakes.
What should prompt you to order a roof replacement? What kinds of materials should your roof have, and how can you avoid air circulation problems? What should you never do when replacing or fixing your roof?
Answer these questions and you can have the perfect roof on your office building in no time. Here is your quick guide.
Waiting to Get Your Roof Replaced
Commercial roofs can last for decades. But exposure to UV rays, wind, and debris can wear your roof down far sooner than that.
Before you decide on a roof replacement, you should ask a roofer to inspect your roof for you. They can see if you need to fix any structural problems first, and they can help you decide if you need a new roofing material.
If the roofer tells you to get a replacement, you should get one as soon as possible. A sagging or leaking roof can collapse, causing significant structural damage to your building. It’s okay to spend time looking at different types of commercial roofs, but you should make your decision as soon as possible.
Not Removing Your Old Materials
Your roofer may suggest that you place your new roof directly over your old one. This may sound like it is saving you time and money.
In reality, placing new materials over old ones adds a lot of weight to your roof. You may not be able to seal the top of your building properly, which can allow water to leak in and hot air to leak out. If your old materials are leaky or broken, you should remove them entirely instead of covering them up.
You can find an identical replica of your old commercial roofing system. Ask your roofer to take photographs and samples of your old roofing materials so they can find them again.
Using the Wrong Material
Most people install metal roofs because of how long they last. Yet there are a few types of metal you can have as a roofing material. Many modern businesses like galvanized steel for its sleek look and durability, but you can select aluminum and copper as well.
If you want to improve your air quality and protection from the elements, you can develop a green roof. You can grow a number of plants on your roof, including flowers and small trees. Your roof should be accessible and flat so your plants have access to sunlight.
A built-up roof contains layers of tar and gravel. This type of roof is cheap and easy to repair, but it may only last 20 years. You should consider placing coatings or sheets over your roof as an extra layer of protection.
You can have shingles on your roof, though shingled commercial roofs are becoming less common. Consider getting metal sheets instead, which you can paint to resemble shingles.
Not Installing Ventilation
Regardless of what material you have, your roof should have good ventilation capacity. If air cannot circulate properly through your building, you may have issues with air quality and mold.
Your roof should have intake and exhaust vents so the HVAC system can circulate air. It is okay if the vents are located to the sides or center of your roof, as long as you can seal the vents properly. Make sure no water can slip in through the gaps between your vents and the roofing materials.
Your system should have filters to remove particulates from the air. If your filters are becoming clogged on a regular basis, pieces of your roof may be chipping off and entering the air supply. Order an inspection to make sure this is not occurring.
Not Installing a Leak Barrier
A leak barrier is a surface or layer that goes underneath your roof and prevents leaks. It can also help protect your roof from falling debris.
You can install a coating over the top of your roof to protect against water and heat. Find commercial roofing contractors with specialties in installing coatings.
Even if you have a leak barrier, you should install a drip edge. The edge will redirect water away from the top of your building and into your gutters. You should also make sure your gutters are working properly and can funnel water away from the structure.
Attempting DIY Repairs
If your roof develops a leak, you should install plywood boards or another barrier to prevent water from coming in. But you should not go on your roof and try to fix the problem yourself. You risk injuring yourself or making the leak bigger.
Call a roofing professional and start the roof replacement process. If you’re not familiar with choosing a roofing contractor, you can talk to one of your clients or someone else in your office building.
Avoiding Commercial Roof Replacement Mistakes
Commercial roof replacement mistakes may surprise you. Do not wait to get your roof replaced once it starts to sag, develop holes, or shift. Do not leave old materials on your roof or stack materials on top of each other.
Prioritize materials that will last for years and protect your roof from sunlight and water. Make sure you have good ventilation and a leak barrier that covers your entire roof.
If the roof replacement process is still confusing, you should consult with expert roofers. Allied Xteriors helps Louisiana property owners with their commercial roofs. Contact us today.