Investing in a new roof for your property is a big step. Make sure to ask yourself some crucial questions before you proceed.
If you are in the market for a new roof, then you will know the amount of preparation required before making a final decision. This would include inspecting the roof, deciding on your budget, finding trustworthy commercial roofing contractors, and finalizing the schedule before you can proceed. There is a lot that goes into it and it’s easy to overlook important steps in this process. Before you end up confused, make sure to ask yourself the right questions. As a commercial roofing company, All Roofs Inc. would like to help guide you through this process and to make sure you know which questions to ask.
These are some of the crucial questions to ask before you commit:
- Is this, beyond a doubt, the best roofing system for my property?
To decide which commercial roofing system is the best fit for your building, there are numerous factors to consider. Some of the important factors you need to keep in mind are:
- Roof traffic (especially applicable to a flat roof construction – what foot traffic is expected?)
- Local weather conditions
- Drainage requirements
- Existing or future solar panel installations
- Insulation requirements
When you know exactly what your needs are in terms of the above factors, you can discuss it with your appointed commercial roofing company. Together you can find the best roofing solution available for your building. Alternatively, you can search online for commercial roofing companies near me if you have not yet appointed a contractor.
- Is it necessary to tear off the current roof?
This is another important question and is followed by another consideration. This would be to find out what plan your appointed commercial roofing company has in place to dispose of your existing roof to prepare for the new roof installation. Do you have many tenants in your building? If so, you need to take into account how a roof tear-off can affect them. This would particularly apply if there were issues with noise or even toxic materials. Don’t forget to budget for a tear-off as this will significantly add to your new roofing costs. For the environment conscious property owner, the idea of keeping the old roof out of landfills will be an additional deciding factor.
- Is my new roofing system sustainable?
Many property owners today want to move gradually towards making their properties more environmentally friendly. The need to replace a roof is therefore an opportunity to make a big step towards this goal. Sustainability refers to the capability of systems and processes to endure. A roof that is sustainable would be one that will endure for an extended period of time, whilst simultaneously reducing energy costs. A major benefit of going with a sustainable roofing system is not only the knowledge that you are kind to the environment, but also that you will save on energy costs in the long run.
- Could a cool roofing system be the best solution for me?
If you would like your new commercial roofing system to reduce your energy expenses, improve insulation, be kind to the environment, and regulate the roof and inside temperature then perhaps a cool roofing system may work for you. A good example is the Fluid Applied Reinforced Roofing (FARR) system.
FARR systems can be installed directly over pre-existing roofing systems and are renowned for their durability. Tenants will not be negatively affected by fumes and installation can occur fast. This system keeps the roof cool, which in turn lowers energy expenses.
- Is my final roofing choice a tried and tested solution?
With so many innovative roofing technologies available, you’ll want to ascertain whether the product you’ve chosen has a solid track record. For instance, FARR systems have a successful track record as demonstrated by its FM 4470 Class 1 approval and its UL Class A ratings. This indicates that the systems have the highest level of fire resistance and have undergone extensive testing for resistance to fire, hail, water damage and foot traffic.
- Is the manufacturer involved with training and rating of commercial roofing contractors that install their product?
For your final commercial roofing choice, it will be in your best interest to find out whether the manufacturer trains and certifies roofing contractors to install their products according to their specifications. System and workmanship guarantees are usually only available when using manufacturer’s certified installers. To ensure a quality installation, backed by a solid guarantee, make sure to ask your preferred commercial roofing company about their certifications.
- What is the biggest risk likely to affect your roof?
Considering your local climate can help you make the best choice in commercial roofing. What would be the biggest risk to your roofing, or which extreme weather conditions does your roof need to withstand? If your building is located in a hot and dry area, you will want roofing with high UV protection. Or you will require a roof that guards against leaks and water damage if your area is humid and sees a lot of rain and snow. Fortunately, the FARR systems roofing solution can protect your building from all extreme weather conditions.
- What type of maintenance will my chosen commercial roofing require?
Finding out about the flat roof maintenance requirements of your new system is another crucial factor to consider. Regular maintenance can start costing you way more than you anticipated. An easy to maintain commercial roofing solution will help you to budget accurately for your roof’s entire construction costs. Here is where FARR systems, installed by All Roofs Inc., again outshine multiple other solutions, as it is a durable and high performing commercial roof that requires very little maintenance.
- What could be the cause of a new roof failure?
When choosing a new roofing system for your property, you should think about any problems that could arise later. Does the area where the property is located see a lot of hail? If so, consider the hail ratings. Is your building at risk of fire damage? If so, find out more about the roofing system’s fire resistance. Areas with lots of rain could cause numerous problems with a roof, like ponding, leaks, and mold growth. Make sure to choose a roofing solution that has excellent drainage and resists excess water damage and deterioration.
For professional advice and assistance with any roofing related queries, contact All Roofs Inc. Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the roofing selection process.
