The roof covering your commercial building is responsible for protecting everyone and everything inside your building, including every other structural component. Roof leaks can lead to rot and mold, damage inventory, destroy equipment and furnishings, and create potential health and safety hazards. A new commercial roof can be costly, so it is vital to avoid the mistakes that building owners often make with their roofs. The most common mistakes involve choosing the wrong roofing material, selecting the wrong contractor, accepting a bid based on cost alone, and failing to maintain the roof.
Top Commercial Roofing Mistakes Building Owners Make
How Can I Make Sure That I Select the Right Material for My Commercial Roof?
Your first step should be to keep an open mind about the various types of currently available materials. Over the years, many different kinds of materials have been developed for commercial roofs. Just because your building currently has a single-ply system or a gravel and tar roof does not mean that you should choose the same option for a replacement roof. Your second step should be to contact a reputable, experienced commercial roofing Austin contractor to discuss your options, explain the pros and cons of each type, and recommend the choice that is the best fit for your building, your budget, and your long-term plans for your building.
How Do I Select the Right Roofing Contractor for My Commercial Building?
Start by soliciting bids from at least three reputable commercial roofing companies. Ask for itemized quotes so that you can easily compare their bids to see exactly what each contractor plans to provide. Investigate the contractor by calling the references he gives, checking his rating with the Better Business Bureau, and verifying how long he has been in business. Ask him to tell you how much experience his employees have with the type of roof you are considering. It is always best to work with a licensed roofing company, but you should verify that its license is in good standing. Ask for proof of insurance coverage, especially general liability and workers’ comp insurance.
Why Might I Want to Avoid the Cheapest Bid for Replacing the Roof on My Commercial Building?
Many factors can influence the quotes you obtain from commercial roofing Austin contractors, including the quality of the materials and the contractor’s team members’ experience. However, the cheapest bid may not be the best choice for other reasons as well. It would be best if you also considered which option will have the lowest lifetime cost. How often will you need to replace the roof? What will it cost to maintain it properly? Another cost you might want to consider is your cost to cool your building. Some types of roofs can reduce your cooling bills by as much as 30%. If you consider all of the related costs, the cheapest bid may end up costing you more in the long run.
Why Is Roof Maintenance Important for a Commercial Building?
The roofs on commercial buildings are seldom open expanses. There are pipes and vents, equipment, and access hatches or doors. Roof penetrations are common sources of roof leaks, and technicians servicing your equipment can inadvertently inflict damage on your roof. If your roof covering has seams, these seams can separate. Because your roof has little slope, ponding can occur, especially if your gutters are clogged or inadequate. Periodic maintenance inspections by a licensed roofing company can identify small problems so that they can be corrected quickly. Without professional maintenance, roof leaks can destroy your entire roofing system, including your decking and insulation, before flowing horizontally and penetrating the building’s interior in several different locations.
Does Alpha Roofing Offer Commercial Roofing Services in Austin?
Alpha Roofing is one of the most respected commercial roofing companies in Central Texas. We would be happy to schedule a free consultation to determine your particular building’s best options. We install flat roofs, membrane roofs, asphalt shingles, metal roofs, flashing, and skylights, and we offer roof repairs, flashing repairs, and chimney repairs. We operate our metal fabrication shop,and offer free inspections for hail and wind damage. We are known for installing high-quality products with exceptional skill, providing superior customer service, and professionally delivering all work. For a free quote, call our Round Rock office at 512-777-1086 or complete the online form.