Up on the Rooftop
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The next time you walk outside, take a moment to gaze up at your roof. What do you see? Do you see even shingles that are all laying flat? Or do you see shingles that are starting to curl and that are covered in moss? You can tell a lot about the condition of your roof just by looking at it. If you are at all concerned about the state of your roof, then your first call should be to a roofing contractor. They can evaluate the situation and recommend repairs or replacement as needed. Learn more about roofing and roofing contractors here on this website.

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Up on the Rooftop

Planning To Change Your Flat Roof: 4 Things You Should Know

Lori Silva

Flat roofs are popular in commercial buildings because they're durable and require less maintenance throughout their lifespan. That said, you will find that many business owners think flat roofs are completely flat. As such, they may install the roof this way, which can lead to premature failure. 

There should be a slight slope when installing a flat roof to drain water. This prevents water from collecting on the surface and deteriorating the interior structures. Even with recommended care, a poor DIY installation will wear out at some point, and you'll have to change your roof. Hence, if you are seeking a new flat roof installation to change your failing material, you must hire an expert to guarantee you get it right. Here are a few things the expert will consider.

The Required Drainage

Before changing your deteriorating material, your contractor will check to see that you have the right type of drainage system. You should know that a properly designed drainage system prevents water from pooling, hence discouraging roof leaks. In addition, your contractor will verify that the internal drain matches the size of your new roof installation. This way, the water collected by your roof will channel as needed. 

The Correct Pitch

The right pitch is crucial during a flat roof installation. Hence, the contractor will ensure the right slope to eliminate the mistake you made with your previous installation. You should know that this is highly crucial in directing water to the designated drainage. More importantly, they will ensure proper leveling to ensure water pools are a thing of the past. In the end, you will have a roof that will remain in great shape for a long time.

The Weight Your Roof Structure Can Accommodate

The structural load of your commercial flat roof is crucial in ensuring that your installation lasts. Given this, your roofing contractor will ensure that the new material's weight matches that of the old one. Remember that the expert will calculate the weight your previous roof was designed to withstand to avoid a heavier installation. This will ensure your internal structure can hold the heavy equipment you add to the roof.

Your Roof's Heat Resistance

The heat resistance of your roof (R-Value) determines how much you'll have to pay to heat or cool your commercial building efficiently. Hence you want your building to have a high R-value to offer better resistance against heat transfer. In this case, your roofer will install reflective coating as it can help minimize energy costs.

Installing a new flat roof for your commercial building is a huge decision. More so, you want your roofing project to go on without the issues you may have faced with your previous roof. Hence, you must hire a commercial roofing expert who will pay attention to the few things highlighted in this guide. 

For more information, contact a local company, like W.D. Hutchinson Roofing LLC.


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