The Cost of a Commercial Roof Replacement

The Cost of a Commercial Roof Replacement

Without speaking with you or looking at your roof, a professional roofer couldn’t tell you the exact amount it would cost to replace your commercial roof. There are a lot of factors that come into play, but the following will give you a general idea of what influences replacement costs.

The Kind of Roof You’re Considering

There are a lot of different materials used in roofing today. If the roof is flat, it will require different materials than if the roof is steep sloped. Aesthetic appeal may make a difference in the kind of roofing materials you’re considering, which will directly affect the cost. Materials typically make up a significant portion of the price you pay.

The Condition of Your Current Roof

The extent of the work that is required will directly affect the cost. If there is only one roof system in place, then this roof can be roofed over, providing any wet or damaged substrate materials are removed first. The greater the extent of wet or damaged materials that must be removed, the more the roof will cost. If there are already two roofs in place, the existing materials should be removed prior to re-roofing.

There may be isolated areas of the roof that are more deteriorated than others, due to poor drainage, excessive roof top traffic and equipment, poor maintenance, etc. If the rest of the roof is in fair condition, it may be possible to replace or repair just those sections.

Accessibility to the Roof

Accessibility, logistics, safety requirements and size directly affect the cost of your project. Buildings with limited perimeter access for set-up areas, cranes and dumpsters may cost more than roofs that are easily accessible. A variety of things come into play that determine safety requirements i.e. building height, parapet wall height or lack thereof, trash removal requirements and any necessary deck replacement, to name a few.

Also, low slope and steep slope roofs have different requirements that must be considered when calculating the costs of your project.

The internal use and operations of the building can also determine working hours, when certain scopes of work can be performed, internal protection requirements and any necessary shutdown of internal processes to name a few. All of these can determine the production rate of the crew and may affect your pricing more than all of the other items previously mentioned.

Every situation and building is unique, to some degree.

Contact the Professionals for a Quote

While roofing materials, current condition and accessibility play a big part in the cost of your commercial roof replacement, there are other factors at play as well. For a more specific idea of your replacement will cost, contact the professionals at Matrix Roofing by calling 267-642-5027 or sending an email to jeffh@matrixroofing.info.

Common Commercial Roofing Problems that Can Be Avoided

Commercial buildings experience a range of roofing issues that cause business owners to seek a roofing contractor. Leaks, clogged gutters, and damaged membrane are some of the most typical problems that all types of buildings endure. However, there are some problems that are unique to commercial roofs.

Tree branches, leaves, and other debris can collect on top of drain covers and slow down water drainage. A clogged drain in a commercial building can be, at best, an unpleasant mess. In some cases, clogged drains are the cause of significant damage to the building. Serious clogs or clogs that are deep in the plumbing or drainage system will most likely require professional attention.

If drains become clogged with debris, standing water on the roof will follow. This standing water can attract insects, lead to mold and algae growth, and create interior leaks. It can also accelerate the deterioration of the roof, thus reducing its longevity. To ensure the roof isn’t "ponding," contact a professional.

Pitch pockets protect the pipes that run through roofs. Occasionally, a pitch pan becomes dislodged and then water trickles down the pipelines and causes leaks. This can happen for a few reasons, usually related to structural movement. The sealant can also dry out and shrink. It’s also possible that the penetration that is wrapped by the pitch pocket moves or vibrates, thus compromising the pitch pocket seal. Regardless of the reason, all pitch pocket problems mean leaks.

To help prevent problems in the future and ultimately avoid headaches for your business, clear debris from your roof any time you can see it building up on your roof or gutters. If you notice any of your downspouts not draining properly, be sure to check your gutter system and call us today to learn how we can protect your company's largest asset! Our Preventative Maintenance Program ensures that our experienced inspectors perform an in-depth survey of your roof and document and photograph its conditions to create customized repair and/or maintenance recommendations for you.