One of the most common questions we’re asked by building owners across the country is, “What are the most important things to consider when installing a new commercial roof?”

Owners want to make good decisions upfront as bad decisions are costly. The right choices at the start of a project will significantly pay off for many years. Read on to discover the top three things to consider when getting a new commercial roof.

Installing New Commercial Roof The Right Way

When you’re considering installing a new commercial roof, there are a few things to keep in mind. The commercial roof lifespan can vary depending on location, design, materials, and craftsmanship. When considering the budget and cost, how long the roof will last is foremost in everyone’s mind. 

The three most important things to consider on any roofing (or construction project, for that matter) are:

  1. Proper Design
  2. Proven Materials
  3. Professional Craftsmanship

When you have these three legs of the stool well taken care of, your roof will last longer. Plus it will cost less and you’ll avoid legal issues.

Tip #1: Ensure Proper Design For A Long Lifespan

A well-thought-out design ensures you are following the local building and energy codes. It also includes preparing the structure, walls, and details for the roof replacement. It answers important questions, such as:

  • Is there a proper slope and enough drainage to rid water from the roof?
  • What specifications will meet wind and fire insurance requirements?
  • Have we met the energy code, or do we want to exceed it to reduce utility bills?
  • Are there structural concerns to address?
  • Can we remove rooftop units that are no longer in use?
  • What about increasing productivity for those in the facility? Is there an interest in daylighting?
  • How can we make the roof more sustainable and resilient? Are there good options for reflective surfaces, vegetative areas, or solar energy panels?
  • Do we meet OSHA safety requirements?

In the design phase of your project, answers to these and other questions will lead you to the best solution – one that should meet short and long-term needs. In some instances, you may decide to get a third party to help you make these decisions and explore your options. We’d be glad to refer you to qualified, experienced roof consultants. These consultants have served many of our other clients with excellence.

Tip #2: Choose Proven Materials

You have a wide choice of materials and brands to select from as you go through the design process. Matching your material selection with existing conditions is vital. This ensures compatibility, durability, and performance requirements will be beneficial. 

The different material types and roofing systems offer various features and benefits. It’s important to choose the ones that align with your specific needs. Material selection includes:

Major manufacturers have come a long way in providing all the components from insulation to the membrane and accessories. This allows you to work with a single provider for most or all the products you need. There is also an array of options that incorporate increasing levels of robust materials and redundancies. In some cases, you can even get up to a 30 year no dollar limit warranty on material and labor. 

 

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Roofing is a significant investment. That’s why selecting a manufacturer with proven performance is vital. And that means not only providing quality materials but also backing them up with warranty services… just in case.

Tip #3: Use Experts When Installing A New Commercial Roof

Having the proper design and selecting proven materials isn’t enough. Hiring professional installers is key as they are the experts and will know how to meet specifications, codes, and warranty requirements. 

Keep in mind your roofing products come to the site like a giant jigsaw puzzle. That includes many membranes, insulation, fasteners, plates, adhesives, sealants, and more. Unfortunately, it is too easy to take short cuts and cover-up mistakes or subpar installations. 

For example:

  • Using the wrong fastener, or using too few. That results in part of the roof blowing off, long after the contractor has left the job. 
  • Completing final details with incompatible products. These products may work at first, but cannot pass the test of time. 

Unfortunately, today’s environment includes labor shortages, and subcontracting is on the upswing. That’s why you want to ensure your installation crew is experienced and knowledgeable. Also, by using a financially sound roofing contractor like Nations Roof, you can rest assured you’re getting professional craftsmanship backed by more than 15 years of experience.

Tip #4: Increase Your Roof Life with Preventive Maintenance

Finally, to save yourself even more money, invest in a preventive maintenance plan. This will keep your roof in tip-top shape for years to come. Find small concerns and address them before they become big expensive headaches.

Follow these guidelines when you are in the market for a new roof so you make a wise investment that ensures your roof will last. Your investment protects your valuable customers, employees, operations, and inventory. So, choose the best. 

You can’t go wrong when you choose Nations Roof. 

Nations Roof: #1 For Installing Commercial Roofs

When you choose Nations Roof, you’re not just choosing an award-winning contractor — you’re choosing honesty, quality, and safety. We’re one of the largest commercial roofing contractors in the country, with service in all 50 states. Our experienced and reliable team is here to handle your roofing and maintenance needs. Whether you’re a small business or large corporation with buildings across the nation, you can count on quality materials and a highly-trained crew. 

Whatever your commercial roofing needs — from roof replacements to emergency leak repairs, we’ve got you covered. We look forward to serving you.

Contact us today