When it comes to adding a new roof to your commercial business, selecting the right roofing style is a significant decision since the materials you choose impact your building and energy efficiency.
Working with a trusted commercial roofing professional is the best way to ensure the new roof will match your building’s specifications and aesthetic.
Sadly, selecting the wrong roof could lead to years of headaches and costly repairs, so it’s crucial to hire a knowledgeable commercial roofing professional to find the best material suited for your property.
Factors to Consider Before Commercial Roof Installation
It’s important to look at all essential details before installing roofing because they need to benefit your commercial roofing needs. Since a new commercial is a significant investment, it’s crucial to consider all essential details to make sure you don’t have hefty costs down the line. Take a look at some great examples of factors to consider prior to commercial roof installation:
The Quality of the Existing Roof
Before you go any further, you’ll need to know the current state of your commercial roof, including:
- What type of roof is it?
- Are there any HVAC or fire mitigation systems used?
- Are there noticeable protrusions, like AC units, vents, or skylights?
- What’s the seasonal climate like?
- Are there local building codes?
- Are there any accessibility requirements to verify?
All of these details will impact installation and maintenance on your commercial roof, so they are essential to the decision process. While no one should ideally be walking around on the top of your building besides roofing contractors, it’s also vital to consider foot traffic when making your roofing selection for the safety of everyone involved.
If you plan on needing regular access to your roof outside of professional maintenance, it’s worth noting to your roof installation team. Standard single-ply roofing can be punctured by excess foot traffic, while metal roofing is more secure. Then again, metal roofing becomes slippery when wet, which poses a major safety concern.
Type of Business
Think about what purpose does your building serve:
- Is it a warehouse?
- Do you have multiple tenants in an apartment building?
- Are you a small business?
- Is your property for retail?
Any warehouse that doesn’t require temperature-controlled items may benefit from less intensive roofing. Conversely, a home or tenet building may need extra insulation to be more energy efficient. Restaurants, housing, and manufacturers all require a roofing system that can accumulate exhaust and ventilation systems.
The Location and Surrounding Area
Nearby trees, pests, or extreme weather can all impact your roof, which is why you should plan your roofing systems according to your commercial building’s location. For example, two buildings in two completely different areas will have diverse issues. A building surrounded by trees may be more covered from extreme wind and hail but prone to wildlife and clogged gutter systems. On the other hand, a building without any surrounding vegetation may need to worry more about the tensile strength and puncture resistance of extreme weather.
Your Budget
As any business owner knows, the budget usually determines the decisions, ensuring that you aren’t left in the red with any investment. Then again, when it comes to installing a new roof, this significant piece of your property is best not left to inexperienced contractors or cheap materials. While the initial price tag may be intimidating, the true value of a high-quality roof is immeasurable.
To get a better idea of the cost of your commercial roof, you will need to factor in yearly maintenance, longevity, repairs, and any warranties over the course of a roof’s life. Even though a specific roof may have a cheaper initial cost, it may translate to more repairs or replacements than other roofing styles.
Luckily, when you work with a distinguished roofing company, like Advantage Construction, they will supply you with the highest quality roofing materials and unparalleled roofing warranties to help you find the most cost-effective roofing style to fit your building.
Environmental Impact
The future of commercial real estate is geared towards eco-conscious capabilities. One way to do this is with top-tier roofing plans that include adequate ventilation and sufficient insulation to increase energy efficiency. Additionally, a commercial roofing system can be considered green if it incorporates recycled materials, can be recycled at the end of its life, can accommodate solar panels, or has reflective properties.
As a business owner, it’s a great idea to consider how reducing your carbon footprint can also reduce your expenses. Minnesota and many other states offer tax incentives for building owners to switch to a more environmentally friendly roofing system. Take this into consideration when making your selection, and you could save more than you expect.
Future Plans for the Building
Investing in new roofs requires thinking about the long-term plans of your building. Since commercial roofs can last anywhere from 15-50 years with proper care and maintenance, it’s wise to take into consideration how long you want to own your property. Owners planning to sell within the next decade could choose a less expensive roofing system, while those planning to keep the building for decades may select longer-lasting materials.
Remember, even if you are planning to sell soon, a roof is a great way to boost your property’s overall value. Don’t shy away from a better roofing system for your building because it could help you long-term.
Which Contractor to Use
Property managers and business owners can rest easy, knowing that you’ll have a simplified process with Advantage Construction. You’ll be assigned the same project manager from the first inspection until the final job approval so that you know who to turn to for all communication, questions, and clarity.
Our project managers will continue to thoroughly supervise crews and provide quality inspections to ensure all buildings are up to code and OSHA compliant. Ask to install a Total Protection Roofing System to get the extended warranties and added benefits of our roofing system.
Metal Roofing Vs. Shingles
Since Minnesota experiences extreme heat and cold, property owners could greatly benefit from a flexible roofing material like shingles. Then again, if a commercial building is more susceptible to heavy snow and hail, metal could be a great choice instead. Ultimately, all commercial roofing systems are designed to function in various climates and weather conditions, so you thankfully won’t be limited in your options.
Let’s break down the benefits of each roofing material so that you can get a better idea of what to expect:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are generally made from a galvanized metal. These materials are incredibly durable, long-lasting, and an excellent choice for energy efficiency. You can choose from various designs and metal types, including:
- Steel
- Tin
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Seam standing metal
- Zinc
These high-quality metals are also lightweight, reducing the chances of structural damage, which means fewer repairs throughout its lifetime. Additionally, metal roofs are environmentally friendly, have a high fire rating, can withstand extreme weather, and are highly energy efficient.
Asphalt Shingles
There are many reasons why asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material today. From its durability to its ability to withstand intense UV rays and inclement weather, asphalt provides the versatility desired by many commercial roofing systems. There are so many benefits to asphalt shingles, such as:
- Easy installation
- Affordable
- Readily available
- Less expensive repairs
- Recyclable
- Withstand extreme weather conditions
Click here to learn more about the benefits and disadvantages of each material choice.
Handling Commercial Roof Damage
As every Minnesotan business and homeowner knows, severe weather can damage even the sturdiest roof over time. Since many commercial buildings are taller than residential properties, it may be harder to spot problem areas. For this reason, it’s best to schedule annual inspections and keep an eye out for any issues. Common causes of roof damage include:
- Hail
- Strong winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Heavy snowfall
- Skipping regular maintenance
- Ice dams
- Constant humidity
- Inadequate insulation in your attic or top floor
- Defective gutters
Have you recently experienced significant roof damage due to severe weather or other issues? You are in good hands with the team at Advantage Construction. Since we have extensive experience handling commercial roof damage, we can help you identify problem areas, make repairs, and even help you file an insurance claim.
Choosing the Right Roof for Your Commercial Business
Finding the right roof for your commercial business shouldn’t have to be a daunting experience. When you work with Advantage Construction, our experts will help you find the best roofing material for your specific needs. Since we are one of the few Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractors in Minnesota, you can rest assured that you’ll receive unparalleled roofing services and warranties on your commercial property.
We provide commercial roofing for condos, townhome associations, multi-home dwellings, and commercial properties. Our skilled contractors don’t just stop at expert roof repairs and replacements; we will ensure adequate ventilation, attic insulation, and gutter placement for optimal energy efficiency and performance. Connect with our team today to get started.
