Commercial building types and the roofing services they need should be at the forefront of a conversation between a building owner and the professional roofing company they partner with. For the processes that happen within a building to remain largely unaffected by roofing work, whether it be teaching, healthcare, warehouse services or grocery shopping, it requires advance and purposeful planning.
Commercial Building Types and the Roofing Services They Need
By definition, a commercial building generally refers to a structure that is a critical part of the business process. It is possible for these structures to be dedicated to only one type of business or multiple branches of business.
Depending on the type of building it is and the service it provides, some structures may require special arrangements when it comes to roofing repairs, renovations, or replacements. However, when it comes to roof renovations, there is very little disturbance for those inside. In fact, most occupants don’t even realize there is any activity going on during a roof renovation.
Here are some examples of commercial building types:
Convention Centers
Some convention centers are standalone while others may be part of a hotel. Either way, they are used to host large meetings, gatherings, seminars, or even rallies. These events are typically planned well in advance which enables an owner of a convention center to know their schedule and be able to arrange normal roofing maintenance or work accordingly.
Factories and Warehouses
The location of a factory or warehouse as well as the product or products it produces or stores determine the days and hours it remains open. Larger factories may remain open 24/7 with multiple shifts for workers. Smaller facilities tend to work during the day and close in the evenings. Factories or warehouses who require commercial building roof renovation, replacement, or repairs will need to work with professionals to determine which option will allow them to continue operating with as little disruption as possible.
Government Facilities
Depending on the specific type of service a government facility offers, there may not be much room for flexibility in timing when it comes to roofing. While buildings such as the Department of Motor Vehicles or the United States Post Office may be closed on at least one day of the week, others such as police stations may be open around the clock. The type of work done in a government facility and the hours it keeps will help determine which type of roofing solution is best as well as the best time to address the project.
Grocery Stores
Most grocery stores, whether a chain or a mom-and-pop store, are open seven days a week, and although they are generally closed overnight, they may still have people inside stocking the shelves. Since grocery stores help meet a community’s basic needs of food and water, roofing work typically must take place while the store is open and cause as little disruption as possible. Because of the large number of people coming and going from grocery stores, roofing waste will need to be kept to a minimum and safely away from shoppers.
Hospitals or Medical Facilities
Due to the emergency nature of situations happening inside of hospitals and medical facilities, many remain open around the clock. Roofing for these types of structures should be customized to be a system that does not require a great deal of noise so as not to disrupt the people or procedures happening inside the building. Roofing waste should also be kept at a minimum to avoid becoming a danger to those constantly coming and going from the building.
Hotels
Since hotels accommodate travelers, they are open all day every day with guests coming and going. No matter when roofing maintenance or work is to be done, someone will be inside. This means that building owners will have to either close the hotel for roofing work, which could negatively impact their bottom line, or choose a less invasive type of roofing that requires minimal noise and disruption.
Restaurants
Business hours can run the gamut for restaurant owners based on what meals they serve each day. Specialty restaurants may only be open from lunch through late evening, leaving the mornings open for roof repair. Those dining establishments that are open from morning until evening or even overnight will need roofing services to be performed while they are still operating. This will be a determining factor in the best type of roofing for the structure.
Schools and Universities
With a majority of the nation’s schools closed to the public during spring break or the summer, those can be ideal times for a campus to have roofing work and maintenance completed. However, should roofing work be needed outside of those times, it is essential that the repairs and renovations do not disturb the teaching and learning happening inside. It is equally important that the amount of roof waste involved be minimal due to the hazard it could pose to the hundreds of students and families in adjacent areas such as playgrounds, carpool lines, and pavilions.
Why Roof Maintenance Plans Are Key for These Types of Commercial Buildings
When a new roof is put in place, either on a new building or an older structure, it is given an approximate life span that can be accurate if the system is well cared for and regularly maintained. This is critical for buildings who cater to industries such as healthcare, government, hospitality, and education because neglecting the health of a roofing system will equal potential leaks and costly repairs that can become a substantial inconvenience.
The best way for a building owner to ensure a roof is well cared for is to participate in a regular maintenance plan from the first day a system is installed. Putting a carefully crafted maintenance plan in place can help:
- Avoid costly repairs that could have been less expensive and more easily repaired with early detection
- Circumvent damage inside a structure such as wet ceilings, mold growth, and electrical problems
- Control the temperature better and potentially yield some energy savings
A good roof maintenance plan from an experienced and reputable roofing company should consist of:
- Debris removal – It is critical to remove debris from drains and gutters to ensure that the flow of water is not being restricted and is disposing on-site. Without debris removal, it could cause the drainage system to be ineffective and water to pool in places it should not.
- Pipe boot inspection – With substantial changes in temperatures, pipe boots can expand and contract causing tears and cracks in synthetic rubber around a vent. Regular maintenance can help spot these problems before they become gateways for unwanted moisture.
- Flashing and caulking inspection – If caulking or flashing is not watertight, it can allow moisture into the roofing system where it could become trapped and cause major damage. Regular inspections should help catch this type of problem before it gets out of control.
To find out more about commercial building types and the roofing services they need, arrange a consultation with a respected, professional roofing company. The decisions you make together can have a direct impact both now and in the future.
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