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Quality commercial roofing is a vital investment for most if not all businesses. Without a steady roof, the commercial structure would be useless and render the business unprofitable. The kind of roof a commercial property has plays an integral role in the overall health of the building and the longevity of the roof itself. It not only protects your investment from harsh weather conditions but from thieves and burglars.
Commercial roofing installation and repairs are complex in comparison to residential roofing, and for that reason, seeking professional help should not be an option. With a wide range of products available on the market, it’s critical to install a quality commercial roofing system and maintain it properly. That will save you money and time in the future. Below are a few roofing tips every commercial owner should know.
Repair or replace?
Like every other system, commercial roofs undergo wear and tear over time. That can be due to factors such as degeneration or varying weather conditions, including hail and storms. It is advisable to hire a professional commercial roofing contractor who can scientifically test and analyze the condition of the roof and advise on the best option. If the cost of repairs is reasonable and the roof can survive its original service life expectancy, then a simple repair would be ideal. However, if the repair costs exceed the cost of installing a new roof, you should go for the replacement option.
Regular roof inspections
A roof inspection is a critical part of maintenance and a key factor for a long-lasting roof. To extend the life expectancy of commercial roofing, property owners should invest in preventative maintenance practices, including regular roof inspections, moisture surveys, asbestos analysis, core analysis, and condition assessments. It is advisable to schedule roof inspections by an expert at least twice a year and after a significant weather event. The professionals can detect and fix damages, including damaged fascia and soffit, blocked drains, sagging gutters, and ponding water resulting from a storm. They can also clear debris away from drains hence preventing water from sitting for long. That reduces the risk of roof leaks commonly caused by a heavyweight on one part of the roof for a long time.
Industry-leading manufacturer
Commercial roofs come in many forms and come in different materials. When choosing the appropriate manufacturer to work with, look for something within your budget, and focus on durability and weather performance over price. Factors such as location, surrounding environment, and any extraneous variables such as animals and foliage determine the longevity and impact on the integrity of the roof over time. Some manufacturers offer warranties and support, and it is wise to go for the best warranties, levels of support, and backing. Other factors to consider before choosing products from a particular manufacturer include state-of-the-art production process, the record of accomplishment, detailed design solutions, and the quality of the products.
Reputable roofing contractor
Having a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor is a dream come true for many commercial property owners. Some of the factors that property owners should consider before hiring a roofing contractor include their credentials such as insurance coverage, operating license, and manufacturer certificates to ensure the safety of your property. Also, it is crucial to know how long they have been in the business, the response time for an emergency repair, their experience, and the brands they represent. Most importantly, hire a commercial roofing contractor with a local presence as they will be available as soon as you need them, saving you time and money.
Cost is crucial
Getting the right value for money is paramount for any commercial property owner or manager in Dallas, TX, and beyond. When it comes to commercial roofing, there are many things to consider other than the initial cost. Property owners can opt for a roofing system that is expensive to install but requires less maintenance or a cheap one to install but significantly costly to maintain. Mostly, the low-installation cost option appears attractive. However, that may be problematic in the future as they are not only expensive to maintain but also tend to have shorter life cycles, resulting in frequent repairs and replacements. For a greater return on investment, you should consider a roofing system with the longest life cycle.
Roof overlay
A roof overlay involves installing a new roofing system over an existing one. While this may seem like a logistical nightmare, some commercial property owners view it as lucrative savings and more protection for their investment. The old layer is not torn off but safely sits under the protection of the brand new layer, saving on money otherwise used for labor and landfill fees. However, the existing roofs must be healthy and strong enough to take on the new system, and you should eliminate wet areas to increase the lifespan of the overlay.
Green roofing
Another trend that has become popular over the years is green roofing. They are perhaps the most versatile kind of commercial roof around today as they present a sustainable option for commercial properties. Green roofs reduce building energy consumption by cooling and providing shading, thermal mass, and insulation hence saving on energy costs. They also act as a rainwater buffer, purify the air, and encourage biodiversity while simultaneously managing water and drainage. Other benefits include longevity as they last twice as long as conventional roofs and can add beauty and value to buildings. However, the installation cost is slightly higher than the traditional roofs, and they require extra maintenance. But the benefits outweigh the costs!
Contact the professionals!
If you are a commercial property owner in Dallas, TX, and wondering whom to trust with your roofing system, worry no more. Choosing a professional roofing company such as Longhorn Commercial Roofing will save you some bucks. We are a group of certified and well-trained roofers handling multiple commercial roofing jobs, including installation, repairs, and replacements. Give us a call today or visit our office to book an appointment and get value for your money.
