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Commercial Roofing Installation Process: 7 Essential Steps
Introduction
Getting a new roof for your building costs a lot of money. But it helps keep your place safe for many years. It protects your workers and your stuff inside.
This guide will take you through every step of Commercial Roof Installation. You will learn what happens at each stage from the first check to the final cleanup. You will also find tips on how to choose the best people for the job. Picking the right team means you get strong work that lasts.
Most roof jobs take one or two weeks. It depends on how big the building is. It also depends on the weather. Now we will go through each step. This will help you know in detail about Commercial Roof Installation.
Table of Contents
ToggleWhat is Commercial Roofing Installation
Putting a new roof on a business building is called commercial roofing installation. This can be for places like offices, stores, warehouses, or factories. It is not the same as putting a roof on a house. Business buildings are bigger and their roofs are usually flat or not very steep.
When workers put a roof on a business building, they use special stuff. Some of it is called TPO EPDM and metal. These things stay strong for a long time. They also work well in rain and heat.
You cannot use the same stuff as house roofs. This job needs people who know what they are doing. They also need tools that help them do the work right.
Business owners get a new roof when the old one leaks or breaks. A new roof keeps water out and helps save money on bills. It also makes the building look nice and clean. People will see it and think the place is well cared for.
The 7 Essential Steps of the Commercial Roofing Installation Process
Step 1: Initial Roof Assessment and Consultation
The first thing to do is check the roof. Our trained worker visits your building to inspect the roof. We search for broken parts, leaks, or any other issues that might be wrong.
We ask what you want and how much money you are willing to spend. We measure the roof and take pictures of the damage. This helps us make a good plan for the job.
We also discuss the materials you can choose from. We tell you what each one is good for. This meeting typically lasts one to two hours.
Step 2: Custom Roof Design and Material Selection
Next, our worker creates a customized roof plan specifically for your building. We think about how much money you want to spend. We also consider the weather in your area and how the building is utilized. The plan shows what materials will be used. It also shows how water will drain and how the roof will be put on.
Popular commercial roofing installation materials include:
1. TPO is a kind of roof that helps save energy.
- 2. It keeps buildings cool and uses less power.
- 3. EPDM is strong and lasts a long time. It does not break easily.
- 4. Metal roofs last for many years. They stay strong and look nice.
- 5. Flat roofs are used on modern buildings. They look simple and work well.
Our roofing contractor helps you choose the best option. We tell you how much each material costs. We also tell you how long the roof will last. We will explain how to take care of it. This helps you choose the best roof for your building.
Step 3: Getting Licenses and Approvals
Before the roof work starts, you need special papers. These papers are called permits. They show that you are allowed to do the roof work. These come from the local office that checks buildings. Our contractor handles this for you. We send in the roof plan and pay the fees.
It can take one or two weeks to get the permits. These papers make sure the roof is safe and follows the rules. Good workers know what the rules are and help get the permits faster.
Sometimes you also need approval from other groups, like building managers. Our worker talks to them and handles that too.
Step 4: Get the Roof Ready
First, we carefully remove the old roof pieces. Then we check the base to see if anything is broken or rotten. If we find any issues, we address them. We clean the whole area so it is ready for the new roof.
This prevents problems later and ensures the roof is installed correctly. If the building has damage, we fix it now. We make everything strong before installing the new roof.
Step 5: Add Insulating material
Insulating material keeps the building heated in winter and cool in summer. We use foam or other material to stop heat from escaping. This helps lower the energy bill.
Then we add underlayment. This keeps water out. We put it over the insulation but under the top roof layer. It helps prevent leaks and extends the roof’s lifespan. Some roofs also get a coating. This protects from the sun, rain, and wind.
Step 6: Setting Up the New Roof
Now it is time to put on the new roof. The way we do this depends on the roof you choose.
If you choose a flat roof, we use big sheets called membranes. We roll them out and seal the edges. We use glue or heat to make the sheets stick together well.
If you pick a metal roof, we use metal panels. We place them on the roof and use strong tools to hold them down. We also use sealants to keep water out.
We follow all the rules from the company that made the roof materials. This helps the roof work well and keeps your warranty safe.
Step 7: Flashing Ventilation and Drainage Installation
The last step is to add the final touches to the roof. We put flashing around the edges and near vents and machines. Flashing prevents water from entering weak spots.
Good airflow prevents water from gathering and keeps the roof from becoming too hot or too cold. We put vents in the best places to help with this.
Water must go away fast. So we add gutters, drains, and pipes. These move water off the roof. This keeps the roof strong for a long time.
Key Factors For a Successful Project
Many factors contribute to making a roof project a success.
- 1. First pick workers like us at House Makeover who know what we are doing. We have the right papers and insurance. You can request to see the jobs we’ve done before.
- 2. The weather is important too. Most roof work happens when it is dry. It is smart to plan your project two or three months early.
- 3. Planning your money helps you avoid problems. Request a clear price list from us. Good materials may cost more initially, but they save money in the long run.
- 4. Talking is important. Choose workers like us who explain things clearly and straightforwardly. We keep you informed about what’s happening while we work.
Signs That You Need to Replace Your Commercial Roof
Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need commercial roof replacement:
1. Fix Roof Damage
Fix cracks, breaks, or holes fast. Replace any missing parts. If you see water stains on walls or ceilings inside, it means the roof is leaking and needs fixing right away.
2. High Energy Bills
Along with roof degradation, if the bill increases, the roof may not be performing its insulation function effectively. Older roofs become weaker with age, which can lead to increased heating or HVAC bills.
3. Increased Repair Costs
If you are spending more than a particular amount on repair costs, then there is a chance that your roof is significantly damaged and the repair work you are paying for is not worth it. You will save more if you replace it. Not to mention that you will receive a guarantee for the roof not to be damaged for many years.
4. Roof Age
A general estimate for the lifespan of a commercial roof can be somewhere between fifteen and twenty-five years. If the roof is around that age or close to it, then planning for a new one is a prudent idea to save you the stress of sudden leaks that can inflict greater damage.
5. Ponding of Water
If water is present on the flat roof for more than two consecutive days after a rainfall, there is a likely chance of some drainage issue.
How We at House Makeover Provide the Best Commercial Roof Installation Services
At House Makeover, we know that putting a roof on a business building is a big job. Our team in Houston has finished more than three thousand roof jobs in Texas. We start each job by checking the roof for free.
Our workers are trained and use the best materials from trusted companies. We take care of all the papers and talk to the local offices. We also help keep your roof safe after it is built. We give a five-year promise for our work.
If your roof leaks, we fix it anytime, even at night. What makes us special is that we finish on time and stay within your budget. We work when it is best for your business, so we do not get in the way. We also help with payment plans if you qualify.
Conclusion
Putting a roof on a business building takes good planning and skilled workers. There are seven important steps to follow. This helps the job go well. Pick workers who know what they are doing. They should use strong materials and give a good warranty.
Your roof keeps everything inside safe. Getting a new roof from experts saves money over time. It stops big repairs and helps your business stay open.
Want to protect your building with a new roof? House Makeover can help. Our team in Houston will check your roof and make a clear plan. You can call us now to set up a free visit.
FAQs
Most roofs take one to two weeks to finish. Big buildings take more time. Bad weather can slow things down. Waiting for permits can also make it take longer.
TPO and EPDM work well for flat roofs. They are strong and help save energy. Metal roofs last the longest. But they cost more. A roofing expert can help you choose the best one.
It usually costs eight to fifteen dollars for each square foot. The price depends on how big the roof is. It also depends on what material you use. Workers in your area may charge different prices.
Yes, you do. Most places ask for a permit before the work starts. A good contractor will handle the paperwork. They will make sure everything follows the rules.
Check your roof two times each year. One time in spring. One time in the fall. This helps you find small problems early. It keeps your roof working well for a long time.