Food takes about six to eight hours to digest, from when you swallow it until it leaves your body in feces. The same is true for commercial roofs. Commercial property owners should look for signs of damage to their building’s roof, such as uplifting or blistering, to know whether a repair or replacement is necessary.
Cost
The cost of commercial roof replacement is a major factor for business owners. Getting a new roof will require a large investment of materials, labor and time. Choosing the right roofing material and hiring an experienced Louisiana roofing company can reduce these costs. The type of roofing material, the size and complexity of the facility, local contractor rates, and labor prices are a few of the variables that might affect the cost of replacing a commercial roof. Additionally, the pitch or steepness of the roof will impact labor costs as it requires extra safety precautions and longer periods to complete a steeper project. Flat roofs can be particularly costly to replace because of the multi-layered substrate. Older buildings may have BUR or MB (Modified Bitumen), which are much harder to remove than PVC, EPDM, and TPO single-layer membranes. The cost can also increase if the flat roof has structures that need to be upgraded during this process. Replacing a flat roof over a critical building area, such as a manufacturing or storage room, will also cost more. It can be expensive because it will require a temporary cover or equipment relocation during the roofing process. Additionally, the cost of a warranty can also impact the total cost. Typically, the higher the level of coverage and protection, the more expensive the warranty will be.
Time
The roof replacement timeline depends on a variety of factors. For example, the square footage of the building can significantly impact construction time. A larger roof requires more installation time, especially for large retail centers or outdoor malls. The roofing material also plays a role in the installation timeline. Choosing a different roofing material can add a week or two to the overall construction timeline. Metal roofing takes longer to install than shingle roofing, for example.
In addition, the location of the building and any codes that need to be met can influence the timing as well. For instance, if the roof replacement meets specific environmental or health regulations, crews may need to work outside normal business hours. Ultimately, commercial business owners need to know how long their roof will be out of commission. This way, they can plan accordingly and ensure their businesses stay open during the renovation. Whether that means putting up tarps or moving business operations to other locations temporarily, companies must prepare so they can minimize their downtime. It will allow them to stay competitive during the renovation process and avoid lost revenue while waiting for their new roof to be installed. Then, they can reopen their doors once the job is completed and continue their business as usual.
Materials
The success of your roof replacement project depends on your choice of materials. Different roofing materials offer other benefits and can also impact how long it takes to install a commercial roof. For example, shingle roofing is easy to install and provides a range of design options. However, it’s important to check the condition of your shingles regularly. If they are curling, cracked, or displaying other signs of damage, it’s time to call a professional. It will help prevent further issues and save you money in the long run. Another popular choice is flat commercial roofing systems. These are often installed in larger retail stores, warehouses, and industrial buildings. These types of roofs can be covered with single-ply membranes, built-up systems, or reinforced coating applications. However, the lack of gravity makes it difficult for these systems to shed water properly. It can result in moisture accumulation and harm your building’s structure.
Consider having your commercial roof re-roofed rather than completely replaced if it is towards the end of its useful life and does not have significant water or storm damage. Re-roofing is much faster because you don’t have to tear off the existing materials. A commercial re-roof can take as little as two weeks, depending on the size of your commercial property and the type of roof.
Safety
Commercial roofs protect the integrity of a building, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. However, weather or other issues can sometimes cause a commercial roof to require a replacement instead of a repair. For example, if your roof has severe damage, poor insulation, or ponding water, it may be time for a commercial roofing overhaul.
The size of your roof is another factor affecting how long it takes to install a new roof. Larger buildings typically require more invasive construction and materials than smaller structures, so they can take longer to re-roof. Inclement weather can also prolong the process. If it rains while a roof is replaced, the crew must wait until it’s dry enough to work again. It can add a day or two to the overall completion time.
Try to schedule your commercial roof replacement during off-peak times. It will help avoid disruptions to your business and reduce the impact on your daily operations. For example, it’s better to do a re-roofing during the winter when production is lower so that the roofers can get more done in less time. Moving your company or store to a different location during the construction period is also helpful in satisfying customers. Keeping pets indoors during the roof replacement is also a good idea. Hammering and strangers can stress dogs, cats, and even hamsters, so you should find a place for them to stay while the roof is installed.
