the commercial property owner's starter guide to roofing

MANAGE YOUR PROPERTY BETTER: A STARTER GUIDE TO COMMERCIAL ROOFING


PART 1Choosing the Right Roofing System

As a commercial property owner or building manager, it is essential that you know the basics of commercial roofing to make the right decisions when needed. We’ll be beginning this starter guide with a discussion of the points you have to take into consideration

when choosing a roofing system.


CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING SYSTEM

SO, HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ROOF?

Consider the following:

• Budget. Costs will always be a major factor in your decision because you’ll always have to work with a budget. Just keep in mind that the budget you set will determine which options will be available to you so be open to making adjustments to ensure you get what you need. You may have to make a compromise to meet your budget but working with the right roofing contractor will ensure that you won’t skimp on quality.

• Roof Type. Many times, property owners and building managers don’t get a say in the kind of roof they’re dealing with because they might not have been around yet when the property was originally built. Even so, it is important that you get to know the roof you currently have so you can act accordingly regarding its care. Take the time to assess the pros and cons of other commercial roofing systems as well because that will help you in choosing a replacement should you be due for one. Flat or low-slope roofs are common choices for commercial roofing so those options are a good place to start.


CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING SYSTEM

• Roof Material. The roofing material you choose should be guided by the purpose and characteristics of your building. If it is a low-slope structure, for instance, then it would be best to go over materials that are best suited for low-slope roofs for optimum performance. Don’t forget to factor in local climate as well since the roofing material you choose can not just protect your property but also help turn it more energy-efficient.

• Life Expectancy. You’re going to want to have the longest-lasting roof, of course, but remember that those that last the most are also usually the most expensive. This means assessing how much you want to invest in a roof. For sure, an expensive roof will be worth the investment if you’ll be sticking around for a long time. If you’re not thinking long term, then a more affordable roofing option will be suitable.

In the next part, we’ll be talking about the installation process so you’ll know what to expect after finding the right commercial

roofing for you and your property.


PART 2The Installation Process

Getting a roof is a significant investment so it’s important to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you’re due, and a part of that involves understanding how the installation process is carried out. You don’t necessarily have to be around when the actual installation happens but knowing what it entails

may help give you peace of mind.


THE INSTALLATION PROCESS

WHAT TO EXPECTExact installation processes may differ depending on your roof’s design and the roofing material that will be used. Generally, however, you will experience roof deck preparation. Prepping your roof for an installation is crucial because it ensures that everything is done right starting at the beginning. The kind of preparation to be made will depend on the current state of your roof. For roofs generally in good condition and would allow roofing over, simply cleaning the area may suffice. If you have existing damage, preparations will involve removing your old roof first and replacing underlayment (if needed) on top of the usual cleaning before a new roof could be installed. If you’re opting for heavier roofing material than what your property previously had, then reinforcing or adding structural supports may be in order.

AN IMPORTANT REMINDERIf you have tenants currently occupying your property, don’t forget to inform them of the roof work you will be doing. It is likely they will be unaffected by the process (unlike in the case of a residential installation) but there will still be some noise and that may affect their activities for some days. Make sure you inform your tenants in advance too to give them ample time to prepare for contingencies come installation day. Be very clear as to how long the installation will last. Make sure that your contractor adheres to the agreed-upon schedule as well because disruptions cost business so you wouldn’t want to drag the installation out.

Given the role that a contractor will play in installing your commercial roof, it is important that you find the

right one. Head on over to Part 3 to learn more!


PART 3Hiring the Right Contractor -

Qualities to Look for, Questions to Ask

Finding the right contractor to do your roofing installation will determine the success of your project. No matter how prepared you are for the installation or how great your chosen roofing system is, these would not matter if you don’t

get the right contractor to do the job.


HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR - QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR, QUESTIONS TO ASK

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR AND QUESTIONS TO ASKTo assess certain qualities, you can ask a roofing contractor you’re interested in the following questions:

☑ How long have they been in the industry?☑ Do they specialize in commercial roofing?☑ How many projects have they completed in your area?☑ Are they connected to any trade associations?☑ What kind of training do their staff undergo?

☑ Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?☑ Do they have a federal tax identification number?☑ Do they have a permanent business address with a working phone number?☑ Can they provide you with certificates of insurance (should be current) that cover worker’s compensation and liability?☑ Do they use manufacturer- warrantied materials?☑ Do they offer warranties for the installation itself?☑ Do they follow local and state building and safety regulations?☑ Do they use quality, state-of-the-art equipment?

• Expertise

• Credibility


HIRING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR - QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR, QUESTIONS TO ASK

• Track Record

Aside from simply getting answers to these questions, take into consideration as well how a roofing contractor talks to you. You’re just making inquiries at this point but how they deal with you during this phase will give you an idea on the level of customer service they are capable of. Not to mention that building good rapport is important. You need to be able to talk to your roofing contractor, after all, if you want to ensure that you’re satisfied with your commercial roofing installation.

• Price

☑ Can they give you samples of their previous works similar to the project you want done?☑ Can they provide you with multiple references?☑ What’s their Better Business Bureau rating?

☑ How does their rate compare to others?☑ Can they match estimates?☑ Are you getting value for your money?


INTEGRITY ROOFING AND EXTERIORS309 Small St., Suite 1 Harrisburg, IL 62946

Local: (618) 294-8503Toll Free: (888) 879-5910

www.integrityroofingandexteriors.org

http://www.integrityroofingandexteriors.org

the commercial property owner's starter guide to roofing

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