Avoid These Common Commercial Roofing Mistakes

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Having a commercial roof installed or even repaired is a capital-intensive project that must be done well to avoid repaying for it in the future. However, some mistakes exist, and most commercial roofing projects experience challenges, as discussed below. To help you steer clear of these mistakes in your next commercial roofing project, continue reading.

Lack of Reference and Reviews

One of the worst things you can do when hiring a commercial roofing contractor is to neglect to verify their references and reviews. A contractor may tell you that he can build you a house with all the amenities you have ever desired; however, until you talk to people who have dealt with the contractor, it may be challenging to know the truth. When asking for references from previous commercial projects, ensure they are from recent projects and are within your project size and type.

Also, check the customers’ reviews to identify any signs of dishonesty, such as a lack of communication or partially completed projects. It will pay to do your homework in evaluating commercial roofers before you hire them so that you do not regret your decision later.

Ignoring Permit Requirements

One can knowingly engage in a re-roofing project without having the proper permits and get into serious trouble later. First, most jurisdictions demand that commercial roofing require a license for a good reason: to ensure the plan complies with the code and safety standards. Beginning construction without a permit could mean you may be forced to strip off and redo sections that did not pass the inspection process.

Second, if roof is installed, and no permits are issued, then the amount of coverage for the property will be affected. The last thing that one would want is to realize, after a disaster, that the insurance claim was turned down due to non-issuance of permits. Be sure to get all the licenses that you may need for the successful completion of the project.

Failure to Inspect the Roof Decking

One of the most common problems for commercial roofing systems is the lack of proper inspection and /or reconstruction of the roof deck under the top layers of the roofing system. The roof deck also gives the support or base for roofing materials such as the EPDM or TPO membranes. Hence, if the deck gets damaged through water damage or aging, then any roofing material on top will be at risk.

When planning to do a tear-off and re-roof, ensure the deck has been assessed for damages. Look for signs of wear or any unsound areas that must be taken care of immediately. It may add to the expenses now but will save you from unnecessary losses due to leakage in the future.

Ignoring the Tapered System

In the case of flat commercial roofs, it is crucial to have an appropriate tapered insulation system for drainage and water shedding. In many cases, crews will take shortcuts in the sloping method, which causes ponding water across the roof. Water accumulating on the roof surface is very damaging and could result in early roof leaks.

It is essential that your commercial roofing system have a specified tapered system that has enough slope for effective draining. It is practical to have a professional perform a drainage analysis, first, on large roofs. Tapered insulation, though, is more expensive than regular insulation, but when done, the results are excellent with roofs that have extended life.

Choosing the Wrong Materials

There are various types of commercial re-roofing, and these have their advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the wrong materials may allow the roof to wear out and fail much earlier than if the correct materials were used for the climate or environment you have. For instance, when designing buildings with a built-up roof, when there are fluctuations in hot or cold weather, the materials tend to crack. A ballasted EPDM system in windy areas results in blow-offs.

Always seek advice from a commercial roofing contractor about the type of material to be used depending on the climatic conditions and the use of the building. Never allow a contractor to sell you on using materials they are most comfortable with if the materials are not suitable for your region. Make sure that you get the right system the first time.

Failed Attempt at Saving Money By Using Low-Quality Components

In the same vein, attempting to save money by employing low-quality roofing material is one of the biggest and most fatal blunders of commercial property owners. You may think you have a good deal, but cheap and substandard materials provide a poor-quality roof that will not even last five years. You then find yourself paying for another roof after a much shorter duration than the 20+ years it should have lasted. In commercial re-roofing, it is always advisable to use quality and long-lasting materials from reputable manufacturers. This relatively small expenditure over the many years of use compensates for any additional first expenses.

Ignoring Regular Maintenance

The final standard error contributing to the early failure of commercial roofs is negligence in the regular maintenance and inspection of the roofs. Commercial roof systems are exposed to many forms of wear through weather conditions, accumulation of debris, foot traffic, and mechanical equipment, among others. It has been discovered that in the absence of regular maintenance, issues are only seen when there are huge losses due to leakage.

Preventative measures should include having the commercial roofs checked at least twice a year and after any severe weather event. Do not let minor issues become significant problems that lead to costly repairs, replacements, or damage below the roof. Indeed, a bit of time and money invested in maintaining roofs regularly goes a long way.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A commercial roof is one of the most exposed and costly to repair or replace among all the building components. Some mistakes include not verifying references, not considering permits, insufficient deck inspection, improper slope and drainage, wrong material selection, purchasing low-quality materials, and no maintenance.

It is best to take the time to get the commercial re-roofing or repairs appropriately done because even though it may be costly, it will save on future pricey mishaps. Penny wise but dollar foolish regarding commercial roofing brings businesses to a point where they are repeatedly forced to pay the price. Do not fall into all of these pitfalls; with proper planning, choosing your contractors carefully, investing in suitable materials, and finally, making the maintenance of roofs a priority, your pocket and your nerves will be grateful in the future!