Hard Work & Innovation: The Job of a Roofer

With any commercial establishment, the goal is always longevity. A commercial roof is no exception. In terms of getting the most life out of a commercial roof, the process must begin with proper planning. How you design and install your roof will directly correlate with its lifespan. If you plan to install a new roof on your commercial property, learn about some planning tips you should include in your process. 

Structural Issues

The first part of the planning phase must involve a deeper look into any structural issues. The roof is one of the most prominent protective structures on a building, but it is important to keep in mind that a roof does not work alone. The roof must be supported in order to serve its purpose. 

If there are structural issues under the roof, the roof will fail prematurely. Consequently, you must have the structure secured properly before the new roof is installed. Schedule an inspection with a roof installer to identify any issues that need to be addressed before the installation. 

Slope

Water should never pool on top of a roof. When water pools, no matter how well the roof is built, the standing water will eventually penetrate through the roof's materials, leading to a leak. One way to avoid this issue with your new roof is to design the roof with adequate sloping. 

Slopes are essentially slants that allow water to flow downward and off the roof. What type of slope a roof needs is dependent on a variety of factors, including the size of the building, the roof's materials, and average rainfall in the area. A professional can help you determine the specifications for your building.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance companies typically have roofing requirements for commercial buildings, including fire and wind protection guidelines. It is important to consider these guidelines in your roof design to ensure you will be able to have the roof insured and that these requirements typically help safeguard the roof and minimize damage. 

For example, in areas prone to excessive winds, an insurance company might require that a roof be designed to withstand these winds in order to secure coverage. Designing your roof to these specifications often means you have a roof that is better equipped to withstand the elements, which can make it last longer. 

For more information about commercial roof installation, contact a professional in your area that can help.