Roof Replacement - Commercial Roofing

Roof Replacement:

Why do I have to replace my roof? Overtime the expected and remaining useful life of a roof system will come to an end. What are your options? First there are two; The first option is installing a new roof system. By first consulting your roofing professional he will help you to determine which roofing system is right for your building, since roofing systems and specifications vary. The other option involves installing a new roofing system over the existing roof system. However, building codes dictate if this can be done or not. Other things you would want to discuss with your roofing professional would the type of roofing system for your building, and the warranty types for your new roof system.

Before installing your new roof there are a few questions you need to ask.

• How many roof systems are in place?
  
• Can your roof system support the weight of another roof system over the existing.
  
• Is there adequate drainage and slope on the roof, or do these need to be added.
  
• How much of the existing equipment will need to be removed , replaced or re-installed?
  
• Will new curbs , Skylights , coping, edge metal, or other details need to be removed?
  
• What are your warranty options on material and workmanship?
  
• If your roof needs to be replaced will rotted or damaged wood need to be replaced?

 

What should I expect when replacing my roof?
As with any type of construction project there is always going to be minor inconveniences such as debris, noise, barricades, parking detours, alternate routes that need to be taken inside or outside the place of business due to construction. However as roofing professionals we are committed to cutting these minor inconveniences down to a bare minimum, by covering all equipment to protect all equipment form possible overspray, making sure any loose items on the roof are secure and tied down to prevent debris from damaging property, or injuring people, and keeping the worksite clean at the end of the work day, as well as the end of the project.


What are the challenges that roofing professionals must meet?

• Weather: Rain, Snow, Wind and other weather conditions can effect the time it takes to schedule, or complete a roofing project. A roofing professional must always be aware of changing weather conditions, heat, cold, rain, snow, humidity.
• Permits: In order to work on certain projects a roofing professional needs to be able to obtain building permits, and city business licenses. Many of these permits are based on square footage, the location and area of a project, etc.
• Safety: Some locations may require safety measures that must be followed. A roofing contractor must always see that his must workers have there personal protective equipment, fall equipment, and have been trained how to use all equipment, i.e. drills, skilsaws, and the kettle. For a roofing professional safety is a must, and in many cases save lives.
• Other Trades: Communication is the key in any construction project. A roofing professional must have open communication with all trades that also work on the roof. Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, etc. are all other trades that also can work on a roof. All penetrations made by these trades must be sealed by a roofing professional to insure the roof is watertight.
• Asbestos Abatement: Some older buildings are made with materials that containing asbestos. At one time asbestos was widely used in the construction of building and roofing materials , known for its fire retardant qualities it was ideal for making buildings resistant to fire. The drawback was that asbestos as it was later learned posed a real health hazard causing cancer of the lungs. For those reasons asbestos is no longer used, and any demolition of buildings or roofs containing such material must be licensed not only with the state . They also have to register with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in order to remove such hazardous materials.
  
  

Building ventilation systems, AC units, condensation lines, electrical conduits, communication cables (i.e. Cable T.V. connections). Not only are these obstacles, they can also be, depending on the workmanship , a source of continued maintenance expense. Commercial and industrial buildings with flat roofs require dependable protection from a roof system. Protecting not only people, but expensive equipment, machinery, inventory , or your existing roof cannot support a spray on roof system. Then choosing a long term, high quality roof system seems the only practical option.

When contemplating material options, one must consider the cost to not only INSTALL the new roof, but to OWN the roof after installation.
Installing a roof system that cut costs will obviously cost you less money to install. However many do not consider is the added expense for the required continuous maintenance to keep the roof from leaking. Not to mention the short life span of inferior roofing materials, and installation, some as low as five years, even with continued maintenance.

The thought of having to replace a flat roof on a commercial building every 10 years seems to be acceptable to most contractors, and therefore, building owners.

Reality is, there is an alternative! Installing a high quality roof, is actually less expensive, in a short period of time.
What would you say if you could have a 15 to 20 year roof system?
FC & Sons Roofing, Inc. has the quality workmanship to meet all of these challenges, but also give you a roof system that will save money and not nickel and dime you out of valuable expenses.