How to Prepare for Your Commercial Roof Replacement
September 10th, 2020
When the time comes to have your commercial roof replaced, there are many considerations to keep in mind, especially if you expect to remain open for business during the process. Whilst planning for the work to be performed, you will need to take certain steps to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, is done as quickly and safely as possible and presents the lowest amount of disruption to your business as possible.
1. Have a Plan
Creating a continuity plan can help your business continue operations, reduce downtime, and allow your staff to work safely and comfortably. Creating a plan can also help keep costs under control and reduce the risk of the project taking an egregious amount of time.
Know the specifics of the project: the square footage of the roof, coatings and/or materials requirements, proposed timeline, etc. These details can help you create a reasonable budget and let the roofer know what to quote & how to plan the project.
If you wind up needing to halt business operations for the duration of the project, it will cost you a potentially significant amount of money, so it’s important to have a solid plan that you’ve communicated with the roofing company.
2. Establish a Budget
No matter what your budget is, if money is an issue, let the roofer know ahead of time to help them plan and make appropriate recommendations for the job. Keep in mind that there are almost always contingencies, so be sure that 18–20% of your budget is earmarked for unexpected cost overruns.
3. Research Reputable Roofers
A trustworthy roofing company has a reputation for delivering a smooth, problem-free roof replacement. Furthermore, they’ll communicate with you throughout the process so you can be sure that everything is going as planned. With those things in mind, it’s important that the roofer you choose has all the proper qualifications – licensing and insurance, factory certifications and other proof of their expertise. Know what warranties they offer and what exclusions apply.
4. Prepare the Area for Construction
You will need to do a cleanup prior to the commencement of the project to ensure it goes smoothly. This includes moving obstacles out of the way, whether it’s clutter, plant debris or furniture (applicable for green roofs), and making sure that tree branches are trimmed back so they’re at least three feet from the edges of the roof. Failing to remove obstacles could interfere with the safety and/or the timeline of the project.
5. Keep your Staff Informed & Updated
Everyone who works in the building should be made aware of the project and any necessary peripheral details so that they will know areas to avoid, where to park for the duration of the project, etc. Warning signs should be posted conspicuously around the area of construction to ensure the safety of employees, visitors and roofers.
6. Provide Clear Parking Access for the Roofers
The roofing team needs a convenient place to park their work vehicles that allows them full access to move the necessary supplies from vehicle to building. This will save time on the project as well as make it safer for people and personal vehicles.
7. Consider disabling security alarms during operating hours
The installation of commercial roofing can cause strong vibrations that may inadvertently trigger the building’s alarms. To avoid the disruption and inconvenience that this could cause, consult with your alarm company to determine the best plan of action.
8. Stay in the Loop
Make sure that you remain informed about all aspects of the project, beginning prior to commencement and throughout the end of the project. If you have questions beyond what is spelled out in the roofing estimate and contract, ask your contractor for clarification.
Northeast Industrial Roof’s expert roofing team has a reputation for excellence in commercial roof installation, repair and maintenance. We are dedicated to providing the safest roof for your facility with the best available materials and giving you an unmatched customer service experience. Our work is guaranteed and we are committed to getting the job done right the first time.
