Understanding The Commercial Roofing Installation Process
- Step 1: Initial Roof Assessment and Consultation
- Step 2: Custom Roof Design and Material Selection
- Step 3: Obtaining Necessary Permits and Approvals
- Step 4: Preparing the Roof Surface
- Step 5: Installing Insulation and Roofing Underlayment
- Step 6: Installing the New Roofing System
- Step 7: Flashing, Ventilation, and Drainage Installation
- Step 8: Final Inspection and Quality Assurance
- Commercial Roofing In South Florida
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By choosing commercial roofing installation from a qualified roofing company, you are maintaining the long-term safety and protection of your commercial building. It is a good investment that can last 20 to 30 years – provided you work with a competent team of installers.
Why is it important to know what’s involved in the commercial roofing process before you reach out to a qualified team? Knowing about the roofing installation process can provide you with an understanding of what’s involved so you can make informed decisions along the way.
Looking for an easy-to-follow guide to help you during your commercial roof installation? In this article, we will give you the necessary steps from initial inspection to installation and finalization.
Step 1: Initial Roof Assessment and Consultation
A commercial roof installation is initiated by thoroughly examining the condition of the present roof.
At this point in the process, the roofer will ask you what your requirements are, if you have specific material requirements, what your budget is, etc. This initial assessment and consultation is an important step so you can find a roofing solution to match your needs.
Step 2: Custom Roof Design and Material Selection
Once the roof evaluation is complete, you will finalize the design and what materials to use. This step is where you will create a personalized roof plan that fits your structure. The following points are taken into consideration: the size of the building, the climate, and the overall architectural look. Whether you choose a flat roof system or metal roofing, you will work alongside the roofing company to choose the appropriate materials depending on durability, aesthetics, local building requirements, cost, etc.
Step 3: Obtaining Necessary Permits and Approvals
Before the commencement of installation you will need to get all necessary permits and approvals from your local city’s building department. This process usually includes sending plans and specifications to the local building department. By hiring a roofing contractor who knows the local regulations, you can speed up this process, having the correct permits means your roofing project complies with safety requirements and minimizes the risks of future problems.
Step 4: Preparing the Roof Surface
Properly preparing the roof surface is crucial to ensuring a successful installation. In the case of a project to replace an existing roof, the old materials have to be removed without damaging the underneath. This process involved tearing off the old roofing materials (shingles, membranes, and any damaged components). The roof contractor will also check the condition of your deck during this step and take a more accurate inventory of materials that are needed. If the roof deck is in bad shape, it will likely need to be partially replaced. as surface preparation is crucial when installing a new roofing system.
Step 5: Installing Insulation and Roofing Underlayment
Once the roof surface has been prepared, it’s time to lay down some insulation and underlayment. Insulation is a key component to achieving benefits like improved building energy efficiency and stabilization of indoor temperature. Roofing underlayment, which is installed over insulation, serves to keep heat from infiltrating the building and helps protect against moisture infiltration. It is the barrier that prevents water from coming into your commercial building and creating damage.
Professionally installed insulation and underlayment ensures your new roofing system is energy-efficient, climate-durable, and long-lasting.
Step 6: Installing the New Roofing System
Once the insulation and underlayment are installed, it’s time to install your new roofing system. This step in the processed varies depending on the type of roofing material selected.
A flat roof system will consist of laying down a membrane-based roofing product like TPO or EPDM, which have proved very durable and weather-resistant. This barrier roofing system requires the metal panels to be fastened to the roof deck, keeping them in place during weather changes. The roofing contractor will follow the installation guidelines established by manufacturers and good industry practices to ensure your roof is installed properly.
Step 7: Flashing, Ventilation, and Drainage Installation
It is essential to anchor down secondary aspects of the roof such as flashing, ventilation, and drainage systems. Flashing is essential for maintaining leak prevention and the life of your roof. Roofing ventilation systems are also typically installed to help control temperature and humidity within the roof structure — proper ventilation guards against mold growth and deck rot.
Additionally, the water system of the roof needs to be installed so that rainwater is drained off the roof efficiently. This can include installing gutters, downspouts, and drains that perform a critical function to protect the roof and foundation of the building from water damage.
Step 8: Final Inspection and Quality Assurance
The final step of the installation process is a thorough inspection to ensure quality. The roofing contractor will check the entire roof meticulously to ensure that everything has been done according to safety rules, local ordinances, and common practices. This inspection involves examining the roof for leaks, checking that flashing and ventilation systems are working as intended, and making sure everything is holding up properly. The contractor should also provide you with the necessary documents, warranties, and maintenance requirements to help you properly maintain your roof, which will ultimately protect this investment.
Commercial Roofing In South Florida
A commercial roof installation requires expert skills, planning, and attention to detail. By knowing what each of the steps entails, from initial evaluation to final post-inspection, you can help guarantee that your roofing project goes smoothly and that your new roof continues to function for many years. The roofing team at STS Impact Windows, Doors, and Roofing have years of experience in the roofing industry. By working with the right team and having a good understanding of what to expect, you can trust that your commercial roof will be a worthwhile investment for your business.
Give us a call today at 561-600-1018 for a free quote or contact us online no request is too big or small for our team – if it matters to you, it matters to us.