9 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Materials
A safe and well-maintained roof is an essential element of any building’s structural integrity. A well-built roof guard the building’s interior from extreme weather, makes it energy-efficient, and even helps with fire prevention.
A roof of a building is created to last for years; thus, it is critical to select the best quality and highly-durable roofing material. But, when it comes to choosing the right type of material, many of us forget its importance and compromise the quality by opting for cheap and substandard material. Am I right?
Whether you are undervaluing roof material’s importance or just want to save a few bucks by using second-rate material, you are inviting a variety of problems such as standing water, blisters, and gaps in flashing that can impact your roof’s condition.
You might be happy to save a few dollars now, but in the long run, you will end up spending your savings on massive repairs. If you don’t want to face major financial issues later, you need to be sure you’re getting the right type of material for commercial roofs.
With that in mind, check out our handy guide of factors to consider when choosing a roofing material.
The Existing Roof and Building Structure
If you are planning to replace or repair your building’s existing roof, you need to consider the roofing material used in the existing roof structure along with the physical structure of the building. The existence of HVAC systems, vents, skylights, and other facilities in the roof area may also impact the installation and flat roof repair options.
One more thing to consider while thinking to repair or install a commercial roof is how long you are planning your business to operate from its current space. For instance, if you have a future plan to expand the building, the flat roof will eventually need to be extended as well. Using different materials on the expansion may look odd, thus, it is better to consider any plans when selecting a roofing material for your flat roof repair.
Location and Surrounding Area
You should plan your roofing system according to the location of your commercial building. Yes! You need to!
A building may do better with a puncture-resistant material with high-tensile strength, in case, branches fall during a storm or heavy rain. Similarly, if you are in urban surroundings, you may benefit from a reflective material that evades heat absorption or contributes to the city heat island effect.
Each location may have diverse building code requirements. But nothing to worry about! You can hire a commercial roof repair contractor who understands these factors better and will come up with the best roofing solution for you.
The Commercial Roof Repair Cost
Cost is obviously a major factor when you’re selecting a commercial roofing material. Durable, high-quality building materials are costlier but last longer. Several things can impact the costs of commercial roof repair such as materials used, labor costs, and warranties.
Luckily, when you hire a commercial roof repair company, they will supply you with premium quality roofing materials and unmatched roofing warranties to help you find the most affordable roofing style to perfectly suit your building structure.
Type of Business
When choosing the best material for flat roofing in your commercial building, just think about what purpose your building serves:
- Are you a small business?
- Is it a warehouse?
- Does the building have different business houses?
- Is your building for retail?
A warehouse having temperature-controlled items may require less intensive roofing whereas a building with different business houses may need extra insulation to be more energy-efficient. Restaurants, manufacturing units, hospitals, and other commercial buildings require a roofing system with an exhaust and ventilation system facility.
Energy-Efficiency
When you are searching for flat-roof repair options, you’ll find a variety of energy-efficient materials in the market. Picking one of these types of roofing materials could save you money on your hefty energy bills.
The future of commercial real estate is geared towards eco-friendly abilities. The best alternative to do this is to use top-tier flat roof repair plans that incorporate adequate ventilation and insulation to increase energy efficiency. For instance, if your commercial roof is made of a reflective material, you won’t need to use a cooling system as much in extremely hot weather.
Additionally, a commercial roofing system that incorporates recycled materials or can be recycled at the end of its life, can be considered green.
Maintenance & Longevity
When you’re choosing material for flat roof repair, look into how much maintenance it will need. Some roofing materials such as metal need low maintenance, are long-lasting, and are a fantastic choice for energy saving.
High-quality metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, and tin are also lightweight, reducing the chances of structural damage which means fewer repairs during its lifetime.
Furthermore, metal roofs are eco-friendly, highly energy efficient, and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Weight
Planning to add a new roof to an existing structure? Thinking to build it from scratch? Well, in both options, the weight of the roofing materials needs to be considered. The building structure must be strong enough to withstand the weight of the roof.
Additionally, buildings tend to lose strength over years. This can be an especially relevant thought if your building structure is older.
Style, Functionality, and Aesthetics
When you’re considering flat roof repair options, you also need to consider the style and functionality of your building. Roofing materials come in diverse styles and textures. When you choose a roofing material, it should match the roofing style and shape of your building as well as the surrounding area.
Roofing improves the aesthetics of your buildings, so again while choosing consider this factor as well.
Pick The Right Commercial Roof Repair Company
Business owners and property managers can have peace of mind knowing that they’ll have a simplified roof repair process. You can assign the roof repair project to a commercial roof repair contractor from the first inspection until the final job approval. In this way, you’ll know who to turn to for all communication, queries, and clarity.
You not only want a trusted roof repair company with experience but also need experts that will explain all flat roof repair options and make recommendations depending on your needs.
Conclusion
There are multiple factors to consider when you’re picking materials for your commercial roof repair. You’ll need to balance factors such as cost, aesthetics, energy efficiency, repair, and longevity.
Whether you are selecting materials for commercial roof repair, a new roof installation, or a roof replacement, finding the right commercial roof repair company is critical. Professional roofing experts can aid you to weigh your options to get the right balance that works for you.
AUTHOR BIO
John Dillard works as a Marketing Manager for JeffCo & Beyond, a commercial roof repair company in Colorado that specializes in flat roof repair options and roof coatings. He also offers no-obligation roof damage assessment and estimates for commercial roof repair costs in Winter Park.