Sometimes you’d be thankful just to have a roof over your head. Failing or damaged commercial roofs cost owners millions in losses every year, and that’s not their only consequence.
A well-maintained commercial roof can last decades, but sometimes catastrophes happen, or poor construction causes a roof to fail early. Also, and we can all be honest here, sometimes metal roofing systems are simply not well maintained.
We’ll discuss some of the re-roofing and slope build-up options you have and what to expect during your project, but for now, let’s pivot to why you should repair your damaged commercial metal roof as soon as possible.
Consequences of a Leaky, Damaged, or Otherwise Failing Metal Roofing System
“Liability” is what most of our clients tell us they’re worried about, and for good reason. Whether you own or lease your property, a roofing issue can cause your business damages and revenue loss and leave you open to legal liability.
The main types of damage caused by a failing roof are:
Water and Structural Damage
Mold and Mildew
Increased Energy Costs
Safety Hazards
Decreased Property Value
Unknown water trickling through a building for decades can damage it beyond repair. In fact, a major focus during proper building design and construction involves moving water (in all its various states) through a building in pre-determined “paths.”
Water in unintended places also creates mold and mildew problems. Mold can cause health issues for your building occupants and can damage your building, especially wood-framed structures.
Increased energy costs from a damaged roof, which is part of your building’s protective envelope, can cost a business thousands before they are discovered. Improperly installed and sealed flashings and trim leave openings that can also cause condensation, freezing exhaust pipes, and worse.
We’ve all heard a story about someone slipping and falling from a roof leak, and how they later settled for quite a bit of money. Don’t let that business be yours.
Safety hazards eventually result from failing commercial metal roof systems that can have amazingly disastrous outcomes. These damages also greatly decrease your property value.
What can you do about it? Depending on your existing roof, we can either re-roof your building or correct a flat roof with a slope build-up roof system.
Let’s learn more about these options.
Commercial Re-roofing and Slope Build-Up Roofing Solutions
Ancient humans used mammoth skins, the Greeks started replacing thatch with tile sometime after 700 B.C., and in modern times we’ve mastered ways to re-roof a commercial building without tearing the whole thing off and starting over.
Commercial re-roofing can involve doing just that (tearing your entire roof off), but most often it is more cost-effective, energy-efficient, material and labor efficient, and easier on the owner to re-roof.
When a client chooses Cedar Falls Building Systems to re-roof a commercial building, we install a new, weathertight roof over the existing roof structure, and you don’t even have to stop business below.
Slope build-up roofing solutions are used when a low-slope or flat roof is causing pooling or other water management issues. Creating a more ideal angle for your particular roof, a slope build-up roof will divert water, and your drainage problems, down your gutters… where they belong.
5 Steps to a New Metal Roof: The Re-roofing and Slope Build-Up Process
Knowing what to expect when their building undergoes a re-roofing removes a lot of our clients’ biggest worries. During our meetings and consultations, we explain to clients the 5 basic steps they can anticipate for their project.
Inspection
Tear-off
Installation of Underlayment
Installation of Metal Roofing Panels
Finishing Touches and Project Closeout
During the inspection phase well thoroughly scrutinize your existing roof for a few things: the ability for it to support a re-roofing project, the current slope of your roof, existing or needed roofing ventilation, and code compliance.
Once we’ve determined your building meets all structural and regulatory requirements, we can start tearing off the old roofing materials. We’ll dispose of these materials properly and recycle the materials we can.
After we’ve removed all adhesives and fasteners and cleaned and prepped the roof, we’ll begin laying down what is called an “underlayment.” This layer acts as a secondary layer of protection against water getting in if your metal panels fail.
Underlayment also improves the overall energy efficiency of the building by reducing heat loss or gain through your roof.
Next, we’ll begin installing your metal roof panels. The devil is in the details, as they say, and a careful, accurate installation by an experienced builder makes all the difference.
For instance, as a Butler Builder®, we’ll use products like the specialized MR-24® Roof Clip in your roof — products unavailable to some other builders. Careful selection of your builder is the most important factor in a successful project that lasts decades.
After we install the metal roofing panels, we’ll add all the finishing touches for your customized new metal roof. Flashing, trim, and other accessories like skylights will be sealed for water tightness.
We’ll fully inspect our own work and begin closing out the project — and you can begin enjoying a roof that can last you more than 50 years.
Other builders may approach a project differently or use different materials. How should you choose your roofing contractor? There are a few important things you can research about a roofing contractor.
Choosing a Commercial Metal Roof, Re-roof, or Slope Build-up Construction Contractor
For the best results on your project, consider a contractor’s experience. Learn about their team’s knowledge of and experience with similar projects, and roofing in general. Their reputation can also help you learn more about how they operate as a business.
Online reviews, references, and testimonials are a great way to gauge professionalism. These reviews can also give you insight into the quality of work your chosen company produces.
Legitimate companies will be fully licensed and insured and will be comfortable being asked about it. Extra certifications and training for safety and best practices are also available for skilled metal roofing contractors.
A good safety record should be an unbreakable demand for your project. A safe project is also done carefully and accurately — and that’s exactly what you want for your roof.
Considering a Commercial Re-roofing or Slope Build-Up Construction Project? </H2>
Regardless of how your roof received damage or why your building needs a new roof, a re-roofing project is often the most efficient and effective way of getting one.
When your project is complete, the watertight seal your new roof forms will protect your building from damage and your business from loss and liability. The amazingly refined metal roof systems we use also allow you to continue your business as we replace your roof and they will usually increase the energy efficiency of older buildings.
There’s no way around it: you need a roof over your head.
If you have leaks or other concerns about your commercial roof, contact us today for a consultation by email at info@cfbsi.com or call 715-235-3541. We’ll get you covered.