Category: Commercial

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Commercial Metal Roofing

Commercial Metal Roof Repair: Causes And Why Hire Professionals

Metal roofs have long been the gold standard for businesses, as they offer so many benefits over other roofing types. Like any roofing type though, there’s always a chance that the roof will develop issues over time. 

As a business owner, it’s important that you know how to spot these issues quickly. The sooner they can be handled, the easier, and more cost effective, the repairs will be. Here’s everything you need to know about commercial metal roof repair. 

The Benefits Of Commercial Metal Roofs

There are a lot of reasons why you’ll be using metal roofs on your commercial buildings. Firstly, they’re incredibly long lasting, with some roofs lasting up to 70 years with the proper care. Plus, that maintenance will be less intensive than with other roofing types. You won’t need to do as much to keep it in top condition and protecting your building. 

One of the biggest reasons why businesses use metal roofs is because of their Class A fire rating. With the maximum rating of fire resistance, you know your roof is safe if fire were to ever break out. This is especially important if your business is located in an area that’s prone to wildfires. 

With all this in mind, you’ll see that even metal roofs have problems from time to time. What should you be looking out for?

Common Repair Work Needed On Metal Roofs

When do you need commercial metal roof repair? Here are some of the most common causes of damage that you need to be aware of. 

Water build up: Like any roof, water is the main enemy of a metal roof. A metal roof does have increased resistance against water thanks to the way that they’re manufactured. As they’re made in large sheets rather than individual tiles, there are less potential entry points for water. 

However, even so, water can make its way in if the right conditions are met. For example, if there are blockages in your gutters, then that allows water to overflow back onto the roof and eventually cause leaks. In winter, this also leads to ice dams. 

It could also be because the roof wasn’t installed or designed to properly handle water. If the design doesn’t feature enough drainage, or if it hasn’t been installed by experts, then those leaks can happen. 

Aging: This is a reason why your roof is starting to sag, or leak. While a metal roof can last a long time, they cannot last forever. At some point the roof will be too old to continue keeping the elements out. 

This is why it’s important to know how old your roof is. If you’re doing more and more repair work to keep the roof in decent condition, then you may find it’s more cost effective to replace the roof than repair it. An expert roofer will be able to tell you whether that will be the case. 

Vulnerable areas beginning to leak: There are several areas on a commercial metal roof that are vulnerable to the elements. These include things like the vents, any piping going through the roof, roof lights, HVAC units, and gas lines. 

As these items all sit on or go through the roof, they represent areas that water could get in through. If you’re starting to see leaking around these areas, that’s a sign that the sealant around them is breaking down. 

Damaged roof flashings: Your roof flashings are the metal strips that are used to seal two sections of roof. For example, you’ll see flashing around the roof edges, and skylights. These are essential to the health of your roof as they’ll keep water out, but just like everything else will wear out over time. 

If you’re seeing leaks in areas under the flashing, that’s a sign that it’s worn or broken. You will need a roofer to check the damage and repair the flashing as needed. 

Poor maintenance: There’s a lot of damage that can happen to a metal roof thanks to the elements, but most of the time the damage will happen because it’s not well maintained. 

This doesn’t mean that you need to be up on the roof mending any issues as they happen. Typically, it’s a good idea to inspect the roof twice a year, and call a roofer to check on it. They will be able to diagnose issues fast and fix them before they get worse. 

Why Use Professionals For Commercial Metal Roof Repair

If you’ve seen any of the above problems on your metal roof, then you’ll need to get them fixed as soon as possible. It’s tempting to try and handle them yourself, especially if you’re a small business. However, it’s always better to have a professional handle it.

Here’s why:

Expert repairs: When you hire a professional, they’ll be able to spot damage much faster, and put it right. As someone who isn’t in the trade, you may not be able to carry out the repairs to the same standard, or worse, make it worse than it was before. 

Safety first: Repairing roofs is a dangerous job. Expert roofers have the training and the equipment needed to make it safe. When you leave the job to them, you’ll ensure that everyone involved in the repair is as safe as can be. 

Proper maintenance: If you’re following the procedure of having your roof inspected every two years by a professional, then you’ll be able to reap the benefits of doing so. That expert can catch any issues quickly, and they’ll be able to do a fully expert repair that will keep your roof going for its entire lifespan. 

Conclusion

A metal roof can experience issues over time, just like any other roof. If you’re looking out for the warning signs of damage, and calling the experts to handle it when you do see it, then you’ll keep your roof in top condition. This way, you’ll get the full lifespan and value from your metal roof. 

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Residential Roofing Commercial

4 Roofing Materials for Every Home Style and Budget

Routine maintenance can eliminate a host of problems that relate to breaches in various roofing materials.

Roofs protect homes and businesses from environmental damage, and they are designed to take a beating from rain, snow, hail and wind. Eventually all homeowners need to replace their roof.

Depending on the type of roof materials chosen, spring and fall are the best times to have new roofs installed. Here are several types of roofing materials and their associated benefits.

1. Asphalt Roofs

One of the most common types of roofing materials on the market are asphalt shingles.

Organic and fiberglass shingles are the two primary kinds of asphalt roofing materials. Organic shingles are from paper. Asphalt covers this paper, and fiberglass shingles are from glass fiber mats. Asphalt also covers fiberglass shingles.

The fiberglass asphalt shingles offer buildings better protection against water damage, and they are less flammable than their organic counterpart. An asphalt shingle roof remains a popular choice for home owners because it requires the least short-term, financial investment.

Also, new asphalt roofing systems come in a variety of styles and colors that compliment different home types. Home and business owners can expect to get at least 15 years of use from modern, asphalt shingle roofing systems. 

2. Clay and Cement Tile Roofs

While asphalt shingle roofs seem to be the cheapest types of roofs on the market, tile roofs present property owners with the lowest-cost option in the long term.

Tile roofing materials, which are usually made from clay or concrete, can last for centuries. These types of roofs appear frequently on the mission-style homes that are common in the Southwestern states. They are also popular on the Mediterranean-style villas in Florida and California.

Tile roofs are naturally energy-efficient and resistant to weather damage. While this roofing material is undeniably durable, it is much heavier than asphalt and other building materials. The beautiful tiles that can add old-world elegance to a property must be applied to a roof that is fortified to carry the extra weight.

3. Slate Roofs

Property owners who want a truly distinctive roof that comes in a variety of profiles and natural colors often consider installing slate roofs.

Slate roofs are just as durable as clay and cement tile roofs, but property owners pay more for materials, installation labor and maintenance when they choose to invest in slate roofing systems. Slate roofing materials offer property owners good value in the long run. Slate tiles are fragile.

If you poorly install slate roofs, they are prone to shingle loss and damage. Also, the unique slate shingles are difficult to replace with substitutes that match in color and thickness.

4. Metal Roofs

Metal roofs present residential and commercial property owners with versatile, durable alternatives to lower-grade asphalt and heavy tile roofs. Aluminum, steel, copper and zinc are the types of metals and alloys for roofing systems (4).

Steel roofs are the least expensive of the metal roofing options. However, if you do not mix the steel with a rust-resistant metal, it will corrode easily. An aluminum roofing system is often the most cost-effective metal roof option because aluminum naturally resists corrosion and is relatively lightweight. Copper roofs are beautiful and rare because of their expense. Properly maintained steel and aluminum roofs can last over 70 years before replacements are needed.

 

Conclusion on Roofing Materials

Today’s quality roofs are made up of all types of roofing materials. Materials like slate, asphalt, and metal can accommodate a structure’s functional needs and style. 

Call your local roofing contractor today in order to determine which materials are best for your house.

Categories
Commercial

The Different Types Of Flat Roof Materials to Know

Commercial buildings, like residential, must maintain and protect their roof. This includes ensuring you use the proper flat roof materials from the get-go.

Changing out the roof on your commercial building is a different beast to changing a residential roof. As a business, you need to know whether you’re going to get the right roof for your needs and budget. If you’re looking at getting a flat roof, you’ll see there are different flat roof materials available to you.

Which one is the best for you? Here’s the types that you can choose from.

1. Modified Bitumen Roof

This is the roofing style that’s commonly seen on commercial buildings, so it’s one to consider. Most businesses use it because it’s such a cost effective option. It’s certainly cheaper than other methods out there. If you’re trying to keep costs to a minimum, then you’ll want to use this kind of roofing. Despite the cost of the material, it’s still an excellent way to keep water out of the roof and building as a whole.

The only problem with this roofing type is that it doesn’t have a long lifespan. Typically, you can expect it to last around 10 to 15 years. It does also have a tendency to crack or blister when exposed to the weather. Despite this, it is still a good option for many commercial properties.

2. PVC Roofing

This is an option that many businesses are choosing, as it offers a lot of advantages. Firstly, the material is impact resistant, so you don’t have to worry about hail storms or an errant branch falling on it and damaging it. Also, you’ll see that it’s low maintenance, perfect for many businesses as you just don’t have the time or resources to be dealing with it.

Many businesses are also finding that PVC roofs help them save money on their utility bills. PVC roofs are usually white, which helps reflect heat back into the atmosphere. Because of this, they can spend much less on cooling the building in the summer months.

3. TPO Roofing

TPO roofing is seen as a good alternative to PVC. Many businesses are trying to go green, and that means making changes when improving or replacing parts of the building. TPO flat roof materials are more environmentally friendly than PVC, making it the perfect choice for many.

It’s also a great roofing choice as it’s so water tight. The seams in this material are heat welded together, so there’s a greatly reduced chance of leaks. It has the same white coloring as PVC roofing, so you’ll get the same energy saving effect with them, too.

4. Metal Roofing

This isn’t many people’s first thought when they think of flat roof materials, but it offers a lot of benefits to you as a business. It’s a good choice for roof slopes that are more than 2 inches high, and will last the longest, up to 20 years if well taken care of. Metal roofing is a highly durable material, so you won’t have to worry about cracks in it over time.

Be aware that metal is the most expensive of flat roof materials to install, thanks to the high level of expertise needed to work with it. For you though, that may well be worth the cost.

5. Torch On Felt

This is a cheaper option, one that will work well in more mild climates. As the name implies, felt is applied in layers with a hot torch, binding it together. As there are layers of felt, it does make the roofing quite robust. It’s also quite easy to get the felt around corners and in awkward spots, as the heat helps it bond properly.

6. EPDM Rubberized Roofing

This is another roofing option that’s becoming more popular with commercial building managers. EPDM material comes in rolls and is cut to measure your roof. It uses adhesive to stick to the substrate of the roof, ensuring that it will stay put for years to come. In fact, some rubberized roofs are guaranteed to last for around 30 years.

7. Green And Blue Roofs

These roofs are a little different to the norm, as they offer very ecologically friendly roofing solutions. A green roof is one that grows grasses and mosses, which looks fantastic. However, these roofs do need a little more work to keep them in good condition. Of course, you’ll have to cut the grass to keep it from overgrowing.

You’ll also need to install a root barrier, to stop the roots from interfering with the roof structure. It will also need a drainage layer to help the roof retain water. These do add to the weight of the roof, so you’ll need to think carefully before adding one.

A blue roof, on the other hand, is a roof that’s designed to temporarily store water, most commonly rainwater. These are designed for use in areas that are prone to flooding, as they stop the water making it’s way to the ground. After a storm has passed, they will either let the water evaporate or drain it away. If you have problem with flooding in your area, this is something to consider.

Choosing Flat Roof Materials

Now you know what’s available to you, you need to decide what material to use. All these options are great, but the one you choose is based very much on your individual needs.

For example, if you want a roof that will last for decades, a metal roof is what you need. If you’re looking to be more ecologically friendly, a TPO or even a green or blue roof is the way to go. If you’re trying to save money on your roof, then you’ll want a torch on felt or modern bitumen roof.

You’ll have to think carefully about what you want from your roof before you choose the material. If you’re still not sure, you can talk to a roofing expert and see what they recommend to you.

Whatever you need from your roof, you’ll see that there’s flat roof materials that’s right for you. Use this guide to help you pick the right materials, and get started with your new roof.

Categories
Commercial

Common Commercial Roof Types To Choose From In Virginia

When researching commercial roof types, you’ll see that there’s lots of choices for you, and to help you determine the best choices for Virginia roofing, we’ve created this guide.

Which one is the best for your business, and will last for as long as possible?

This guide walks you through all the common commercial roofing types in Virginia, so you can pick the one that’s right for your business.

 

Common Commercial Roofing Types 

There are plenty of different roofing types that you can use for your business.

Here are the most common that will be best for commercial properties:

 

1. Metal Roofing 

This is possibly the most common roofing material, and for good reason. Metal is a highly durable and versatile roofing material, keeping your building in good condition for years to come.

There’s a large subsection of different types of metal roofing, such as:

  • Stone coated steel
  • Copper
  • Aluminum, and more

You’ll be sure to find a style that’s right for you.

What’s great about a metal roof is that they have such a long lifespan. If well taken care of, you can expect a metal roof to last up to 50 years. That means that once it’s on the building, you probably won’t have to think about replacing it again.

Metal roofs are also rated highly for fire resistance, something that’s vital for a business. They usually get the highest rating possible, so you know that your workplace is safe to work in, and your property is protected from some amount of damage if a fire does break out.

 

2. Built Up Roof Membrane

This is one of the oldest commercial roof types, as it’s so effective.

As the name suggests, the roof is made up of gravel and tar, built up in layers. This is done to make it more durable against the elements.

When it comes to cost, it’s the most flexible and cost effective roofing available. When you have the roof installed, you can change the amount of layers installed in order to control costs. Even if you go with more layers, you’ll see it’s cheaper then a lot of other options.

This style of roofing is usually used for low slope roofs, so if you have this kind of roof on your business then this is the roofing material for you.

 

3. Thermoset Roof Membrane

This style of roofing is also known as EPDM roofing, and is made of a single ply rubber sheet.

It’s a common roofing material as it’s easily installed and maintained, making it perfect if you want something that’s low maintenance.

As a roofing material, it’s able to do a lot.

  • Firstly, it’s resistant to some acids and solvents, something that you may need in your place of business.
  • As well as this, because of the rubber used in construction, it’s a lot more flexible. When colder temperatures come, you’ll be sure that it can contract and expand without cracking or breaking.

In the summer, you’ll find that these roofs can also reflect heat, which means lower cooling costs for you. When you’re trying to keep costs down, this is an option that will work well for you.

 

4. Thermoplastic Roof Membrane

These commercial roof types are in demand from restaurants and other businesses that deal in food.

This is because they’re highly resistant to many chemicals, animals fats, and bacterial; growth. For a business that may emit oils and fats from their ventilation system, this is invaluable.

Depending on which one you use, you may see these roofs referred to as:

  • Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) or
  • Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC)

Whichever one you get, these roofs are also resistant to UV light and punctures and tears, meaning that maintenance is kept down to a minimum.

Like metal roofs, thermoplastic roof membranes are also highly resistant to fire, again making them perfect for business that do a lot of cooking or using hot appliances on a daily basis.

 

5. Green Roofing

The final option that’s been gaining a lot of popularity in recent years is green roofing.

As the name implies, these roofs are designed to help your business consume less energy and manage drainage and sun exposure at the same time.

If your business is looking to reduce their carbon footprint, then this is the roof for you.

They’re able to reflect more heat to allow for less cooling costs, stop heat from escaping in colder months, and all around allow you to spend less on HVAC in the building.

As well as protecting the environment, they also save you money, so they’re well worth considering.

 

Summary of Commercial Roof Types

As you can see, there are several commercial roof types available, and they all have their benefits. The one you choose will depend on what your business needs from a roof.

A restaurant may benefit from a thermoplastic roof membrane, while a factory may look into a metal roof. Use this guide to help you decide which one is right for you.

 

Taking Care of Your Roof

Once you’ve had the roof installed, you’ll need to take care of it to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. Here’s how you can maintain that roof and ensure it stays in good condition:

  • Check for rips, tears, or missing shingles: Depending on which roofing type you chose, you’ll need to keep a close eye on it for rips, tears, or missing shingles. If you have shingles, they’re easy to replace, but you’ll need to call a roofer to patch up any tears.
  • Clear the gutters: Gutters pick up all kinds of debris, such as fallen leaves, and they get blocked. Clear them out and install a gutter guard to stop this happening.
  • Check for holes inside: Getting into the attic is important, as this will show you if there are any holes in the roof. If you can see sunlight, you’ll need to make repairs.

With this guide, filtering through the commercial roof types that are right for your business is made easy. and keep it in the best condition possible.

Find and maintain the perfect commercial roof type with help from your reliable roofing contractor in Virginia today!

Categories
Commercial Blog

10 Reasons to Choose Commercial Metal Roofing Materials

Commercial metal roofing materials have many benefits, especially in the state of Virginia.

Is it time to re-roof your commercial building?

You’ll have seen many companies choosing to go with metal roofs, instead of other more traditional materials.

Why?

What is it about commercial metal roofing that make them perfect for commercial buildings, and why should you get one?

Here are just a few of the reasons why you should be looking at a metal commercial roof for your business.

 

1. They’re Sturdy

There’s nothing sturdier than commercial metal roofing.

You can go years without having to worry about your roof, as they can cope with almost anything that is thrown at them.

When you’re shopping around for roofers, look at what they can offer you.

  • Some metal roofs can take wind speeds of up to 140 mph
  • Most metal roofs are impact resistant
  • Majority of these types of roofs never corrode or crack.

A good quality metal roof is something that’s worth investing in, as they just keep on going.

 

2. They’ll Last for Years

Your average asphalt shingle roof will last you around 12-20 years, depending on weather conditions and how well you take care of it.

That’s good going, but you’ll get much more out of a metal roof. They last, on average, around 40-70 years.

In fact, some roofs last so long they could actually outlast the building they’re sitting on.

Depending on how long you’re in that building, you may never have to replace it.

 

3. They’re Fire Resistant

By their very nature, metal roofs are resistant to fire.

This gives most of them a Class A fire rating, the best you can get.

This is perfect if you’re looking for peace of mind if the worst should happen. It may even benefit you in other ways, such as lower insurance premiums.

Be aware that if your commercial metal roofing is installed over a combustible material such as wood, the rating will be lowered to Class C.

 

4. They’re Energy Efficient

With a regular roof, heat may get trapped under the roof and heat up your home, especially in the warmer months.

You’ll be spending more in utility bills trying to cool your house down.

Commercial metal roofing won’t give you that problem.

The roof will reflect heat back into the atmosphere, so it won’t find its way into your home.

You’ll spend less time cooling the home, therefore reducing your energy bills.

Over time, you’ll save a huge amount of money on those bills.

 

5. They’re Environmentally Friendly

Most businesses are now looking for ways to make their workplaces more environmentally friendly.

Did you realize that getting a metal roof can help you achieve that goal? This is due to several factors.

  • Firstly, thanks to their heat reflecting properties as mentioned above, you’re using less energy.
  • Next, there’s the fact the metal roofs are always made of at least 25% recycled material.
  • When it’s time to replace the roof, the whole thing can be recycled again. It has much less impact on the environment than a regular roof does.

 

 

6. They’re Lightweight

Commercial metal roofing weighs much less than a regular shingle roof does.

On average, they’ll weigh around 50-150 pounds per square, as opposed to 750 pounds that tile comes in at.

This puts much less stress on your building, so they’re worth considering if you have an older building that you’re looking to preserve.

 

7. They’re Quick to Install

As a business, you don’t have time to wait for large construction jobs to be done.

Having your roof installed is a massive undertaking when you’re having a regular roof fitted.

With commercial metal roofing, it’s a much quicker process. This is thanks to the fact they come in multiple shingle sections.

The roof will be fitted much more quickly, so you can open again and be ready for business.

 

8. They’re Perfect for Smaller Pitched Roofs

If there’s a smaller pitch to your current roof, you may have seen issues with leaking.

It’s harder for water to run off these roofs, leading to leaking and other issues in your roof.

Having a metal roof installed will help with these problems. They’re much less prone to leaking, so you will have a much sturdier roof.

 

9. Snow and Rain Will Run off Easily

Everyone’s seen homes and buildings with snow sitting on the roofs when the weather is cold. It looks picturesque, but in fact it’s causing all kinds of problems for your roof.

It can lead to ice dams, leaks, and other issues that will lead to mold, mildew and more.

A metal roof is the answer if you’re looking to avoid this.

The panels interlock so they don’t allow any water through, and the hard slippery surfaces let snow slide off when it falls.

 

10. You Can Paint the Roof

The way your building looks is just as important as the inside, if not more so.

You can adjust the look of your commercial building by painting the roof the color that suits your business best.

If you pick the right paint, you’ll have additional benefits too, such as additional protection against the elements.

This is something a roofing business can do for you, so ask them when you’re looking for someone to install your new metal roof.

 

What Metal Is Used for Roofs?

There are several metals used to make metal roofs, and they all have different benefits. These include:

  • Copper: This has been in use for years. It’s naturally rust resistant, and weathers naturally.
  • Alloys: These are combinations of different metals to create stronger roofs.
  • Stainless steel: This metal won’t rust or corrode on your roof.
  • Lead: Malleable and durable. You can cut this metal into different shapes, depending on what you need.
  • Zinc: This is another versatile metal, that’s also resistant to corrosion.

 

Get a Quote for Commercial Metal Roofing Today

As you’ve seen, there’s plenty of reasons why you’ll want a metal roof on your commercial building.

They’re easy to take care of, quick to be installed, and will look fantastic.

Get your quote today and you’ll see that you really must consider one for your building.

 

Categories
Commercial Blog

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Commercial Building

Every building needs a roof, and if you own commercial building it is important to make sure it has a good roof. The right roof provides protection from the elements and it can also enhance its exterior appearance. Since there are so many choices when you are selecting commercial roofing, the following guide will help you pick the right one for your building.

Set a Budget

Before you begin, it is a good idea to set a budget. Certain types of roofing materials are more expensive than others. In addition to the materials, you will probably have to pay for installation costs. Your budget is likely to dictate the type of materials you select for your commercial building. After all, you do not want to purchase an expensive product that only covers half of the building.

Evaluate the Climate of Your Area

When you select roofing materials, you should try to consider the climate you live in. For example, certain roofs are designed to shield heat. This is a great option if you live in a hot climate. If you live in an area that rains a lot, then other styles of roofs might be better for your building. Since a roof is an investment, you want to choose one that will last long and provide protection against the elements. This is more difficult if it does not work with the climate.

Coordinate With the Style of Your Building

Finally, make sure to choose roofing materials that coordinate with the materials of your commercial building. Many materials are available in a variety of colors so you can match them to the style of your building. This is a great option for a fun shop or restaurant. There are also roofing options that look more professional for corporate offices.

If you need help choosing the right roof, you can always ask for help. Also, make sure to research so you can make an informed decision. This way you will be satisfied with your final decision.

Categories
Commercial Blog

Commercial Metal Roofing Protects Your Belongings

Metal is a superior material in many ways and has been the preferred metal for building projects for generations. Now you can experience the numerous advantages of metal by opting to add commercial metal roofing to any building that needs protection. There is strength and security that comes from having a metal roof. You can rest easy knowing that your belongings are protected by a solid new metal roof. All you need to do is call a metal roofing company near you.

Commercial Metal Roofing Benefits

Each new roof is created exactly to the client’s specifications. Commercial metal roofing elements are cut and shaped to conform to the structure that the roof will shelter. Small, lightweight roofing panels can be used on compact structures such as garden sheds and storage units. Larger panels are used for homes, commercial buildings, and industrial structures. You can install metal roofs on existing structure. Whether replacing a roof or it can be installing a whole new building, metal provides benefits. Awnings and covered patios can be added to a building and then given metal roofing elements, too. This is an excellent way to greet visitors and keep people safe from the elements. Solid commercial metal roofing will also protect any signage hung from these coverings.

A metal roofing company can show you many excellent examples of how attractive a metal roof can be on any structure. Many of these metal roofing elements are available in a range of designer colors so you can coordinate the look of all your outbuildings. Industrial settings sometimes choose to color coordinate the roofs of different structures in order to designate their use; important buildings can be given bright roofs in order to distinguish them from other nearby structures.

If your metal roof ever needs repaired, all you have to do is call the same commercial roofing company that installed it. Their team of experienced roofing technicians will be able to perform all the maintenance tasks you require.

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