Posts tagged with "commercial roof"

Commercial Roof Replacement: What to Expect

When your Missouri commercial building sustains damage or its roof ages to the point of requiring replacement, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors can help you. In this blog, we’ll consider the process of commercial roof replacement, including the planning phase, installation, and inspection.

Commercial Roof Replacement Timeline

The total commercial roofing replacement project takes about two weeks, but most of that consists of planning. The planning phase typically takes one week, during which time you collaborate with your roofer to plan important aspects of the job. Once work begins on the roof, the project moves quickly. An experienced commercial roofer installs a replacement roof in three to four days, barring weather or other delays.

Prepare Your Business

Meet with your contractor to gain an understanding of the scope of the project and prepare accordingly. Coordinate with your contractor to minimize business downtime. Let’s consider the scoping, waste planning, and safety considerations that go into a roofing job.

Scoping

Your commercial roofing professional evaluates the current roofing system and recommends the top replacement choices. Because manufacturers consistently improve materials, the ideal roof for your commercial building might differ from what you have now. The roofing contractor also helps you put together a timeline for the project, including any time you’ll to shut down business operations for the roofing work.

Debris and Waste Removal

Your roofing contractor needs access to your building’s dumpsters so the work crew knows where to stash the day’s trash. You will need to designate areas for debris collection so workers can drop roofing materials during the tear off process. Work with your contractor to schedule daily pickups by your waste management company or another contractor so debris doesn’t pile up and ruin your curb appeal.

Safety Review

When you hire an experienced commercial roofer like Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, you benefit from a safer process. Our Missouri business complies with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. We use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems, plus adhere to stringent ladder usage guidelines.

Replace the Roof

Once you finish the planning phase, work moves quickly and efficiently. Your roofing service begins by removing the existing roofing materials. The foreman inspects the decking next; if it requires no repairs, work commences on the roof replacement.

The work crew installs the new roofing materials, including a layer of felt underlayment to protect the structure from moisture and rooftop insulation to reduce energy costs. Your commercial building’s new roof might consist of:

Metal panels
Single-ply membranes (TPO or EPDM)
Built-up roofing.
Consult with your roofer to choose which material best suits your building.

The roofing team seals the roof to prevent leaks. They use specialized tapes, adhesives, and caulk to seal seams and joints. The lead contractor inspects the flashing and the overall installation before allowing the work crew to apply sealant or other coating materials to waterproof the roof.

After the final clean-up of the job site, the roofer conducts a final inspection. When the roof passes inspection, the crew goes home, and you resume business as usual in a building with a spiffy new roof that enhances your curb appeal and impresses your customers.

Contact Us Today

When your Missouri business needs a replacement roof, call Shelby Roofing & Exteriors. Founded by Pat Shelby in 1983, we’ve provided top-notch commercial roofing services to Southern Illinois and Missouri ever since. Call us today.

Don’t Let Flat Roof Puddles Become a Major Headache: Tackle Standing Water Today!

Standing water on a roof is a common problem that occurs when water accumulates and does not drain properly. This can be caused by several factors, such as clogged gutters, poor slope or pitch, or damaged shingles. Standing water on a roof can cause serious damage to the roofing materials, leading to leaks, and can also provide a breeding ground for insects and mold. As such, it is important to address standing water promptly to prevent further damage to the roof and home. Here are several ways to deal with standing water on a flat roof.

1. A Waterproof Membrane

This is a layer of material applied to the surface of a flat roof to prevent water from penetrating the building. The membrane can be made from various materials, including rubber, PVC, or TPO. It is applied in a continuous sheet to cover the entire roof surface and should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper sealing. This method is very effective as it also provides a barrier to keep water from seeping into the underlying structure, whether it is a residential or commercial roof.

2. A Drain System

A drain system is a network of pipes, gutters, and downspouts that collect and channel rainwater away from a flat roof and into a designated area. The system should be installed with sufficient slope and capacity to handle the amount of water expected during heavy rain events. The installation should also include protection against clogging, such as screens or filters, to ensure that the water flows freely and does not build up on the roof.

3. A Slope

A slope, also known as a “crown” or “pitch,” is a slight incline built into a flat roof to promote the flow of water toward the edges and away from the center. The slope should be gentle enough to avoid standing water but significant enough to allow rainwater to drain effectively. This can be achieved by adding insulation or other materials to raise the level of the roof in the center.

Standing water on a flat roof can cause various problems. When not properly managed, it can seriously threaten the integrity and safety of the building. That’s why it’s essential to take steps to prevent standing water from accumulating on a flat roof. Hiring a roofing contractor with experience in flat roofing can assess the specific needs of your roof and recommend the best course of action. Furthermore, they can ensure that the installation is done correctly and meets local building codes and regulations of St. Louis.

Undetectable Problems That Could Ruin a Commercial Roof

Commercial roofs are especially expensive to replace. While people tend to keep a vigilant eye on their commercial roof, there are a few problems that you can miss even with a regular moderate-level inspection. Many people don’t know how important maintenance is for commercial roofs. They tend to plan on making repairs as needed, but even light maintenance will dramatically improve the durability of your roof. Don’t wait till you notice a problem to contact a commercial roofing professional. And make sure to schedule periodic high-level inspections. These problems can destroy your roof, and they are nearly impossible to spot.

Hail Damage

Many people check the perimeter of their roof after hail storms for debris and obvious damage. But hail can leave nearly invisible damage, and it’s extremely important to have someone take a close look from on top of the roof after hail. The hail can cause tiny punctures that will seep water in undetected. It may thin shingles or nearly puncture your roof materials and cause a leak in the near future that will contribute to rot. It can also damage the membrane of the roof, especially in cases of prolonged or heavy hail. You won’t always spot holes or missing shingles right away, but a close-up inspection can reveal a roof that won’t function for much longer.

Tree Damage

Trees are usually a welcome sight on business properties. However, you should be very attentive to tree debris that will make its way onto the roof and into the gutters. Animals love to travel over roofs from trees as well. It’s important to keep your roof free from nests, nuts, extra leaves, pine needles, and sticks. The roof can acquire invisible rot and mold underneath organic matter, and you likely won’t notice until a roof replacement is your only option.

Shelby Roofing and Exteriors provides repairs and installation for all kinds of commercial roofs. With over 35 years of experience from our headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, we have the knowledge and skills to keep your building in great condition.