Commercial Roofing Basics

The main difference between normal residential roofing and Commercial Roofing is that the latter uses a flatter slope while the former uses a much steeper slope for the roof. People who need Roofing, usually approach companies which are specialised in dealing specifically with commercialised aspects of the same, called Commercial Roofing Companies. They professionally analyse the requirements of the customer and then accordingly take the best course of action.

The decision which makes all the difference to how effective the Roofing shall be is the building material chosen. If a material has high thermal absorption, then it does not allow the building to heat up thus mitigating the need for cooling. If not completely negating the need, it does save on cooling costs. Cost however, is just one criterion and cannot be used to judge the efficiency of the material. Important factors that determine the kind of roofing material chosen are dependent on the requirements of the space within the building. Ease of maintenance and durability rank very highly in the list of qualities desired in a Commercial Roofing material.

Commercial Roofing Companies usually start by using small tiles known as shingles as the basic building block for the entire roof. These tiles are placed in interlocked position on the roof to form a shield which then protects the building. The tiles are usually made of wood, clay, slate or asphalt. Asphalt which is covered with a layer of bitumen costs less but loses out in terms of longevity and maintenance issues. Wood is used very rarely for Roofing but looks quite attractive, while clay and slate are often popular choices considering their heat absorption properties. However, using clay and slate tiles works out very expensive as far as Roofing goes. They are also brittle and chip easily causing a lot of damage. Wood is very high maintenance and gets damaged due to constant exposure to water. It is also very vulnerable to attacks by insects such as termites.

There is one more category of Commercial Roofing, which may also be deemed as being more efficient than the others, called the membrane roofing system. These roofs often weigh less than conventional Roofing since PVC and rubber sheets are used as a building material. PVC has the ability to reflect sunlight and has the additional advantage of low costs as well. PVC also lasts long and is easy to maintain making Membrane roofing one of the most preferred methods of Roofing.

Thus Commercial Roofing Companies have to take all of the above factors into consideration, along with the specific needs and requirements of the building in order to decide which roofing material to select.

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Top 5 Tips For Hiring The Best Commercial Roofing Company

Having a top quality roof is one of the most essential construction processes for a house. Getting this done is not a work for any remodeling firm or construction contractor but is a task which should be given to a professional and commercial company. Whether it is roof installation, repair or any other kind of related work or service, you will need the help of a professional who can carry this task out with ease and expertise. But how does one choose a reliable company? Well, the following tips should be of help:

1. The first and most important tip for hiring a commercial roofing company is to do a background check or research on the various available options. During this research, you must try and find a company which has an impeccable track record, is trusted in the markets and has certified and experienced workers. Basically, the idea is to go for a trustworthy, reliable and high quality service provide for long lasting and effective roof repair and other services.

2. The next tip is to hire only that company which provides you several services and does not specialize in only one. For example, your roofing company must be able to repair, install, maintain and service your roof and also fulfill other roofing related requirements like solving leakage problem and suggesting solutions to other issues.

3. The roofing company should be willing to suggest numerous roofing options like metal, slate, shingle, asphalt and flat roofing etc. You should have many options of materials and qualities to pick from because the material of the roof is an important aspect which must not be compromised on.

4. For whatever material you choose, for example if you go for metal roofing, the company must offer several designs, patterns and style options. This is another important tip which will help you select the best roofing service provider or installation company.

5. Last but not the least, your commercial company must be willing to offer services of metal roofing etc. at affordable prices and only after a free estimation of cost. If the service provider does not offer emergency services, then you should probably consider some other option because this too is an important point which will help you in the case of unexpected leakage or random roof related problems.

Now that you know how to select a commercial roofing service provider, you must not waste any more time and try to contact one now. Make sure your service provider does not charge you more than the required amount and this can be done by comparing prices of a few companies.

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How Do I Choose an Honest Commercial Roofing Contractor?

It’s important to know what qualities to look for and what aspects of a roofing company are red flags indicating that you should not hire them. When you’re looking to add value to your commercial building by hiring an honest commercial roofing contractor, use this guide to make your decision a little easier.

What to Look for in a Roofing Company

When it’s time to hire a commercial roofing company, you should interview potential roofers in person. Seeing a proposal from different businesses will show you various roof installation methods, schedules and pricing options which will allow you to get a feel for their customer service approach. A reliable company would have knowledge on a past project and should be well informed on how to handle yours.

Finding a roofer that is located close to the property is a great idea. They will be more concerned about having a good reputation in your area which means they’ll do the job extra well. Ask them how many workers would be on the job, how much experience they have and ask to see their certificate of insurance. They should have worker’s compensation insurance and general liability. This is also the time for you to learn about the local laws on licensing of contractors.

Ask a potential roofer for references. If they’ve been in business for a long time, they are more likely to have previous customers that are willing to give them a good word for doing a great job. When you speak to references, find out if they were satisfied with the work and if the roofer stood behind its warranty. Then check the Better Business Bureau to see if they’ve had any serious complaints.

Signs that a Roofing Company is Unethical

Beware of companies that offer a cheap bid to install your roof. You’ll end up getting what you pay for and have long-term issues with your roof that cost more in repairs than it would have to do it right the first time. Avoid a company that is out of the area or that come door-to-door to ask as a salesman. A referral or local company with a good reputation is a much safer choice.

A company that asks for money upfront is a bad sign. You should be in control and you shouldn’t have to pay until a final walk-through is completed, other than a deposit or non-refundable product.

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Choosing a Commercial Roofing Contractor For Your Business

Commercial roofing contractors in Portland need to consider the unique weather systems of the area, so it is best to hire a roofing expert with years of experience in OR. Choosing a commercial roofing company that offers generic services regardless of where their customers are located can lead to leaky roofs, higher energy bills and other problems. Know how to hire a reliable roofing contractor in Portland with the following guidelines.

Make Sure Your Roofing Contractor Is Local

The Internet makes it easy for commercial building managers to find local roof repair in Portland. It takes a few simple keystrokes to track down installation contractors with years of roofing experience.

When you contact roofing contractors, you should ask them if they are locally owned and operated or if they are based in another town. Many roofing companies from Portland will understand your building’s unique needs. The metal, tile, shingle and flat roofing products that work well in other cities will not necessarily give you the same quality in Portland.

Choose a Roofing Contractor in Portland With a Good Portfolio

With the right contractor in Portland, you can install flat, tile, metal and shingle roofing systems for your school, small business, retail store or manufacturing facility.

When you consult with professionals on commercial roofing in Portland OR, ask them about the materials they use. Some commercial contractors will display online catalogues that you can browse through for a better idea of their offerings. While this is helpful, be sure to speak with a roofing expert for some professional advice before deciding on the type of roof for your building.

Choose an Affordable Contractor in Portland

You need to find a roofing expert in OR who can give you the right services and products. However, you also want to make sure that the Portland contractor you hire offers competitive pricing.

Ask local contractors about wholesale discounts and whether your roofing job will qualify. Many companies are willing to include wholesale discounts in their price quotes because commercial operations like schools, manufacturing facilities and retail stores can give them plenty of business.

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7 Essential Tips for Commercial Roofing Maintenance and Protection

Commercial roofing is a critical but often overlooked part of successful business operations. A building’s roof shields it from the elements, helps to maintain a comfortable indoor climate, and protects the people and assets inside. Proper maintenance and regular inspections ensure that this important covering continues to do its job without having an adverse impact on profits.

Check for Problems After Extreme Weather

Surface damage caused by weathering or environmental hazards is usually most visible after heavy rain, high wind, or snowfall. Visual signs, such as standing water or bubbled materials, often signify trouble. Flashing, the material that protects the seam between the structure’s walls and its cover, should be inspected for loose or missing sections.

Schedule Regular Inspections

Biannual inspections are the best way to keep commercial roofing in optimal condition. A professional examination is recommended, although some building owners check for damage and then call their contractors for an in-depth diagnosis. In best practice, inspections are scheduled in early spring and late fall, just after the harshest seasons.

Stay Alert to Signs of Water Damage

Neglected repairs eventually manifest inside the building. Stained ceiling tiles and discolored walls may indicate deteriorated or damaged decking material, while bulges or cracks could signify more extensive damage. Discolored or rotting window frames also suggest moisture or water damage that may be roof-related, as do signs of mold on the inside or outside of the structure.

Keep Gutter Systems Clean and Clear

The gutter system carries water away from the building. Clogged gutters or drainpipes often prevent proper drainage, causing rain and moisture to accumulate in certain areas. Systems should be cleaned twice per year, although storms and high winds sometimes necessitate more frequent cleanings.

Elevate or Remove Nearby Trees

Overhanging trees pose several hazards. Dead or storm-damaged branches may fall, puncturing or scratching the roof. Trees also drop leaves, pine cones, sap, and other debris onto the surfaces beneath them, often contributing to deterioration. Property owners should regularly remove dead branches threatening their buildings and keep healthy limbs trimmed so that they do not touch the structure.

Ward off Summer Sun

Harmful UV rays may decrease the lifespan of traditional commercial roofing, and hot sunny days typically increase energy costs. Cool Roofs are cost-friendly solutions. Coatings and single-ply membranes offer protection to flat coverings, and pitched types benefit from light-colored tiles or coated metal. These products can decrease rooftop temperatures by 50 to 60 degrees during summer.

Invest in a Commercial Roofing Maintenance Plan

Many contractors offer maintenance packages to extend the life of a structure’s cover. These programs typically include regular inspections, as well as other preventive care services such as resealing. A maintenance plan provides peace of mind, and it makes it easy to detect problems early, minimizing unexpected expenses in the future.

The life expectancy of commercial roofing materials ranges from 25 to 40 years, or more. Proper maintenance, timely repairs, and the right preventive care are the most cost-effective ways to maximize the performance of a structure’s covering.

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