A business is only as good as its foundation. That isn’t figurative. It’s literal. The building in which a business is located has to be sound. Otherwise, the business conducted will be affected. For example, imagine negotiating a deal while drops of water fell from the ceiling onto the table. A wet contract isn’t a good start to any business arrangement. The solution is to repair the building, and the best place to start is the roof.
In fact, the demand for commercial roofing in the United States is expected to increase by 1.6 percent per year until 2020.
Commercial roofing is a multi-billion dollar industry. In fact, the demand for commercial roofing in the United States is expected to increase by 1.6 percent per year until 2020. The amount of roofing laid down is expected to reach 110 million squares (each square is 100 square feet). This is estimated to be worth $7.8 billion.
One of the common roofing products is flat roof installation. An the biggest problem with flat roof installation is leaky seams. The best solution is PVC and TPO roofing materials. Both have hot-welded seams that don’t come apart, even in the harshest weather conditions. Always ask contractors if they use PVC or TPO. If they say something else, such as tar and gravel, rolled asphalt, or modified bitumen, then it’s time to hire someone else. These materials are susceptible to leaks and puddle formation.
PVC and TPO are recyclable materials. Most PVC roofs can be installed without removing the old roof. This avoids tear offs, which end up as waste in landfills. Thus, PVC and TPO reduce environmental waste. EPDM, tar & gravel, and modified bitumen are made of petroleum based by-products, making them un-recyclable. These materials increase landfill waste.
PVC and TPO roofs are easy to maintain, and they are suited for add-ons. New equipment could be added without any hassles from the roof. If there’s damage, the roof can be easily patched.
Puncture resistance is another factor to consider when installing a new roof on a building. Built-up roofs are generally hard and have a thickness of 0.5 inches. Single piles and spray foam, on the other hand, are easy to puncture.
The third thing to consider when purchasing new roofing materials is longevity. Typically, manufacturers offer 25 year warranties for commercial installations. PVC roofs last 30 years. EPDM roofs last up to 15 years, but the warranties on this type of roof don’t cover failing seams or puddle formation.
The cost of commercial roofing varies, but there is a general agreement on the price. For example, PVC roofing costs between $6.50 and $7.50 per square foot. EDPM rubber is valued between $5.50 and $6.50 per square foot. One more priced roofing material is TPO. It costs $6 to $7 per square foot. These costs are for a work order over 1,000 square feet. The average cost of a flat roof ranges between $6,815 and $11,211.
For more information, contact My Florida Roofing Contractor.
