Many property owners and business managers believe that a roof is a roof. When they think about the needs of their commercial roofing system, they often don’t differentiate those from the needs of a residential roofing system.
However, commercial roofs stand apart from residential roofs in a number of ways. Understanding these differences is crucial to maintaining a long-lasting roof, minimizing the need for repairs, and protecting your commercial property as a whole.
The best way to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps to maintain the roof that covers your commercial property is to partner with a roofing contractor that specializes in commercial roofing systems. These professionals deal with commercial roofs day in and day out. Not only do they understand their risks and peculiarities, but they also have access to the professional equipment and materials required to ensure these types of roofs are properly installed and maintained.
Questions a Commercial Roofing Contractor Can Answer
When you initially connect with a trusted commercial roofing contractor in the Jacksonville area, one of the first things you’ll likely want to do is get your questions answered. If you’ve never really considered your commercial roof to be different from a residential roof, you may have several inquiries in mind.
Answers from a professional can fill in the gaps in your knowledge and allow you to proceed with making decisions that benefit your roof, your property, and your business’s budget. Below are some questions a roofing contractor that specializes in commercial systems can answer.
How long will my commercial roof last?
The longevity of your roofing system will depend on a number of factors. The first one to take into account is the type of roofing system you have. Metal, single-ply membrane, and built-up roofing systems all have different lifespans on average.
The second thing to consider is the type of industry you work in and how daily operations could affect the integrity of your roof. For example, restaurant owners are often unaware that cooking residues and grease released through their ventilation system may shorten the longevity of their roof, depending on its type.
A final factor to consider is weather and climate. Exposure to severe storms, harsh winds, and extreme temperature fluctuations may cause damage to your roof over time and can play a significant role in its longevity.
How long does it take to install a commercial roof?
The duration of the installation process for a commercial roof can take longer than that of a residential roof, but again it depends on the type of roof being installed. For example, Duro-Last roofs are prefabricated off-site in a controlled factory setting. This makes installation a simple process with little seaming required and few if any disruptions to your business operations.
Other types of roofing materials can take much longer to install, especially if any delays in materials or logistical issues occur. It’s important to keep in mind that your commercial roof is considerably larger than a residential roof and thus will require more time overall to install, inspect, and repair.
What types of commercial roofing systems are available?
There are a number of roof types to choose from that are specific to commercial buildings, and this choice often comes down to costs, aesthetics, and functionality. Here are some examples to consider:
- Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO). TPO roofs are single-ply membranes that span the entire surface of the roof. This membrane is designed to be especially resilient to grease and bacterial growth, making them a common choice in the restaurant industry.
- Duro-Last. Duro-Last is also a single-ply membrane and offers exceptional performance that improves energy efficiency and saves costs over time due to its low-maintenance qualities.
- Metal roofing. Metal roofing systems have exceptional fire resistance and longevity and can be custom fabricated to fit a variety of roof shapes.
- Tile roofs. Tile roofs offer a pleasing visual for commercial buildings and can include Spanish-style clay tile as well as slate.
Get Started With a Specialized Commercial Roofing Contractor
At AMW Contracting, commercial roofs are our speciality. We have decades of experience serving businesses in the Jacksonville, FL community and have built a reputation for exceptional customer service and high-quality workmanship. With our support, you can install and maintain a commercial roofing system that protects your business for many years to come.
Choose a roofing contractor that understands the needs of and specializes in commercial roofing systems. Call AMW Contracting today at 904-725-4197 to learn more or for a free estimate!