As a business owner, maintaining your commercial property should be a top priority to ensure its functionality, curb appeal, and value. An essential aspect of any commercial building is the roof—it protects your investment from the elements and keeps operations running smoothly. However, roofs require periodic inspections, repairs, and eventual replacement. Finding a reputable commercial roofing contractor to handle this vital task can seem daunting with so many options to consider. This article provides an overview of the most common commercial roofing services to help you understand your needs and make an informed choice when selecting a contractor. With proper roof care and maintenance, your building will continue serving you well for decades to come.

Roof Inspections: The First Step for Commercial Roofing

To properly maintain a commercial roof and maximize its lifespan, regular inspections are essential.

Hiring a Professional Inspector

It is highly recommended that commercial building owners enlist the services of a licensed and certified roofing contractor to conduct biannual or annual roof inspections. Professional inspectors have the proper training, safety certifications, and equipment to thoroughly evaluate all aspects of your commercial roofing system.

What a Roof Inspection Entails

A comprehensive roof inspection will assess:

1. The roof membrane and flashing for signs of damage, punctures, tears, or seam failures.
2. The condition of roof drains, scuppers, and gutters to ensure proper drainage and no clogs.
3. The structural integrity of the roof deck and supports under the roofing system.
4. The proper functioning of rooftop equipment like HVAC units, exhaust fans, antennas, etc.
5. For any debris, dirt, or ponding water on the roof that could lead to leaks or roof damage.
6. The general weathering and aging of the roof, noting any areas that may need repairs or replacement in the near future.

Benefits of Routine Inspections

Regular roof inspections allow for the early detection of problems and needed repairs to prevent costly damage down the road. They also provide building owners documentation and a clear picture of the overall condition and remaining useful life of the commercial roofing system. By catching issues early and performing preventative maintenance, building owners can maximize the lifespan of their roofs and avoid emergency repairs or replacements. Routine inspections are a key part of any comprehensive commercial roof asset management plan.

Commercial Roof Repairs: Fixing Leaks, Damage, and More

Commercial roof repairs encompass fixing leaks, damage, and general wear and tear to maintain the integrity of your building.

Minor Repairs

For minor leaks or holes in the roof, roof cement or sealant can be applied. These quick fixes are temporary but can prevent further damage until a permanent solution is implemented. Cracked or damaged roof vents, skylights, etc. should also be repaired or replaced to prevent leaks.

Emergency Repairs

In the event of major roof damage from severe weather, fallen trees, or other incidents, emergency roof repair may be necessary to prevent collapse or further damage. Temporary tarps can be installed, debris removed, and holes or tears patched. Permanent repairs should then be made as soon as possible.

Roof Replacement

If your commercial roof is aging or damaged beyond repair, replacement may be required. This involves removing the existing roof, inspecting the underlying structure, and installing a new roofing system. Options include single-ply membranes, built-up roofs, metal panels, shingles, and more. Properly replacing a roof helps ensure decades of protection from the elements.

Regular Maintenance

To maximize the lifespan of your commercial roof, schedule regular inspections and maintenance. This includes cleaning gutters and drains, clearing debris, sealing or re-sealing seams and penetrations, and fixing minor damage. Well-maintained roofs can last significantly longer, saving you money in the long run.

With prompt repairs, quality replacement, and consistent maintenance, your commercial roofing system can provide many years of dependable protection for your business or property. Be sure to hire only licensed and insured roofing contractors to perform any roofing work.

Roof Replacement: Installing New Commercial Roofing Systems

When it comes time to replace your commercial roofing system, you have several options to consider based on your building’s needs and budget.

Single-Ply Membrane Roofing

Single-ply membranes like TPO and PVC are popular, affordable roofing solutions for commercial properties. These thermoplastic membranes are applied with heat or solvent welding to form a continuous surface that is both durable and weather-resistant. Single-ply roofs require little maintenance but typically need to be replaced every 15-30 years depending on the material.

EPDM rubber roofs are another type of single-ply membrane made from ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, an extremely durable synthetic rubber material. EPDM roofs can last 20 years or more with proper installation and maintenance. These roofing systems are resistant to temperature extremes, UV radiation, and ozone, making them suitable for harsh climates. However, the dark surface of an EPDM roof may increase cooling costs in warm weather.

Modified Bitumen Roofing

For a longer-lasting roofing solution, consider modified bitumen roofs. These roofs combine asphalt and polymer materials to create a pliable, weather-resistant sheet. The bitumen is modified with additives such as Atactic Polypropylene (APP) or Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) to improve longevity and durability. Properly installed, modified bitumen roofs can last 20-30 years. They require annual maintenance to ensure maximum lifespan.

Building a New Roof

In some cases, installing an entirely new roofing system is necessary. This may involve removing existing roof materials down to the deck and replacing damaged decking and insulation before installing a new roof. Re-roofing provides an opportunity to upgrade your roofing material, increase insulation, and make other improvements to meet current building codes. However, re-roofing is typically the most expensive option and may interrupt business operations during construction.

Roof replacement is a major undertaking, so consult a reputable commercial roofing contractor to determine the best solution based on your needs and budget. They can properly assess your existing roof conditions, recommend appropriate materials, and install a high-quality, long-lasting roof to protect your commercial building investment.

Conclusion

As you have seen, commercial roofing services encompass a wide range of options to suit your business needs. Whether you require emergency leak repair, roof replacement, or regular maintenance and inspections, professional roofing contractors have the expertise and experience to handle it. They can assess your current roof, determine the optimal solution that aligns with your budget, and implement high-quality work to maximize the lifespan of your new commercial roof. With the right contractor, you’ll have peace of mind that your business and everything inside it will remain protected from the elements for years to come. The next time your commercial roof needs attention, refer to this list of services to determine how a professional can help.

Looking for quality commercial roofing services? Roofing Recovery is one of the outstanding roofing contractors in South Florida with superb quality, customer service, and extensive experience. Call 954-799-4069 to request a quote today!