4 Things That Affect Your Commercial Roof Cost

When it comes to renovation of your business premises, your commercial roof cost could set you back a lot of money if you don’t consider all the issues and options available as well as understand all the factors that influence the job.

Commercial Roofing Material

It goes without saying that the type of roofing material you need and choose will result in different costs. Each material has advantages and disadvantages.

Single-ply systems can be used for flat roofs. These are also called membrane roofs and are essentially a sheet of rubber or other synthetic material that is attached to the roof  frame with ballast or chemical adhesives.

EPDM, TPO and PVC are the three main types of single-ply membrane roofs. Each material has advantages and disadvantages:

• EPDM (or ethylene propylene diene monomer) is generally the most affordable and easiest to install over polyiso insulation. It keeps air conditioning costs low when it is applied in a light color. The disadvantage is that – after about twenty years - it can become fragile.
• TPO (thermoplastic) is an even better reflector of heat and is mold-resistant and copes better with hail and air pollution. Its lifespan may not equal that of EPDM.
• PVC’s (polyvinyl chloride) biggest plus is that it is fire-resistant. It is also recyclable, and eco-friendly.

A  variety of materials are suitable for sloped roofs. Asphalt-based built-up roofing (BUR) is most common. BUR roofs can last as long as fifty years! The downside is that installation of a BUR roof is even more labor-intensive.

Irrespective of material used, a roof’s replacement cost is proportional to the coverage area, thicker material is more expensive than thinner material, insulation will add to the cost, and the steeper the roof, the costlier the replacement.

Commercial Roof Decking

Commercial building owners have started to notice the advantages of using metal deck roofing for replacement or new roof builds. Commercial roof decking is versatile, efficient and simple.

Roof decking is easy to install, using concealed fixing clips. Because metal reflects heat, it will result in lower energy costs – a saving that keeps growing over the years. Roof decking is easy to keep clean and requires minimal maintenance. It’s available in many color variations to suit your aesthetic. Because you can cover a large area for a low cost and the product is so long-lasting, roof decking is a popular roofing material choice. 

Commercial Rooftop Accessibility

As any roofing professional knows, safe rooftop access is imperative to ensure that equipment stored in this area is well-maintained. If the building is not properly planned, you will end with safety and logistical problems. Investing in a complete rooftop access system is the best way to go. The system should include stairs, platforms, and crossovers which work together to give you a safe and suitable rooftop solution.

Building Code Requirements

Commercial roofs require a Class D-2 licensee to perform the work. A roofing professional will know all of the many rules and by-laws associated with the process so that your building will be kept up to code. The roof must also comply with the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Why Hire a Commercial Roof Professional?

It is unlikely that people who are not in the roofing business will be up-to-speed on the details of the IBC and IECC, so it is best to use a roofing professional. Additionally, roofing professionals are insured and know the best practices to restore or build your commercial roof to the highest standards. Contact Bob Harvey roofing for all your residential or commercial roofing needs.

As a long-standing, professional roofing contractor serving residential and commercial clients in Northern Utah, we at BobBob Harvey Roofing are fully licensed and insured, and a member of the Utah Roofing Contractors Association (URCA).Get in touch with us today to discuss ways to get more bang for your commercial roof cost buck!