Choose an experienced commercial roofing contractor.
If you are a business owner (or building or property manager), it’s important that you understand that there are significant differences between a residential roofer and a commercial or industrial roofing contractor. While we certainly mean no disrespect to our residential roofing friends, as both are physically demanding jobs, industrial roofing requires a different set of skills and knowledge.
If you own or manage commercial properties, please don’t make the mistake of hiring a commercial roofer that does not have the expertise, experience, or equipment to replace the roof on your commercial buildings.
Here are the skills required for a commercial roofing contractor:
A commercial roofer needs to be knowledgeable about the roofing materials used for commercial establishments.
A professional commercial roofing contractor understands the wide range of roofing materials used on low slope roofs.
The main difference between residential roofing and commercial roofing is that commercial roofing contractors have experience installing and replacing roofing materials on commercial, industrial, retail, and office buildings. These materials and the installation process are different from the asphalt shingles often used on the steep slope roofs of homes.
The roofing systems vary from single-ply systems, modified bitumen, built-up systems, and coatings that can prolong the life of an old roof. While commercial roofing contractors know how to lay shingles, they also have to be familiar with the more complex and wide variety of materials used on these types of roofs.
A roofing contractor needs to be aware of the unique challenges of commercial buildings.
Commercial roofs often have heavy equipment sitting on top. Depending on the nature of the business, the roof system may need to withstand harsh chemicals, grease, and traffic. The roofing material must also be professionally installed to seal around smoke stacks, air flow systems, and external piping in accordance with strict manufacturer specifications and details to meet the requirements of an extended warranty
Besides withstanding the heavy materials that stay at the top of the roof, a commercial roof also needs to stand up against extreme weather conditions. The “flat roof” needs to include a low slope so that standing water is removed so it doesn’t damage the roofing materials or the structure of the building.
Commercial roofing contractors have experienced crews that have been trained in handling these materials and the know-how to maintain your roof to get the most service life from it.
A commercial roofing contractor needs to be extremely familiar with safety rules that are important on construction sites.
Working on a roof can be very dangerous! Even though working on a level surface of a large building may seem easier than working on a pitched roof, there are many obvious and not-so-obvious dangers. Roof heights, skylights, overhead cranes, tools, and equipment are just a few of the dangers regularly encountered.
Commercial roofing contractors should always have a site-specific safety plan for access and production on the roof. Never take safety for granted! Be sure to have a properly insured, experienced commercial roofing contractor with a safety culture that anticipates risks and minimizes them
A commercial roof company not only has to keep the employees safe for their own business, but they need to keep the hundreds of others on the premises safe as well.
Contact Nations Roof for Your Local Commercial Roofing Needs
Are you looking for a local company with a lot of experience in commercial roofs? Whether your building has a metal roof, single ply roof, or other new roofing materials, contact Nations Roof. We can install a new roof, inspect problem roofs, or complete a full replacement or commercial roof repair job.
Call (678) 718-4292 to discuss your industrial roof needs with a knowledgeable staff member.
