You may not look forward to replacing your commercial roof. However, there are several upgrades you can make to your roof while replacing it that will be worthwhile in the long run. You may also want to replace your commercial roof with an entirely different type of material.
Install Eave Flashing
If your roof has suffered from an ice dam, you may want to install eave flashing. These provide a watertight seal over your eaves to prevent ice dams from forming. You may want to install bituminous flashing in areas that are vulnerable, such as a dome.
Install a Better Drainage System
Your commercial roof may need a better drainage system. While homes might use gutters, a commercial roof usually has a drain located at the end of a slope on the roof. Water escapes the roof through the drain. Flat roofs cannot rely on gravity to drain water in the same manner as a pitched roof. With the right drainage system, water will drain from the roof in about two days.
Water removal is essential for flat roofs. When a roof has too much water on it, the weight of the water will place strain on the roof and cause damage. If your drain is not removing water from your roof fast enough, you may need a new drainage solution. For example, your roof might need more than one drain. This can be a problem in areas that receive a large amount of rain. Your roof may also need more of a pitch to allow water to flow to the drain.
Replace the Original Roof With a PVC Roof
When replacing an entire roof, one of the best footing options to choose from is PVC. It is known for being very durable, easy to install and reflective. One of the concerns that some property owners have is that PVC roofs are not seamless. However, this problem can easily be solved by welding two PVC sheets together.
Roof upgrades are important because you'll want your roof to be made from the best materials. Roofs that are made from the best materials will last longer and your business will be less likely to suffer from problems such as leaks. Some roofs are more energy efficient and will reflect the sun's rays. This will reduce the cost of cooling your building, which is one of the highest electrical costs for most commercial buildings. Therefore, you'll want to contact a commercial re-roofing contractor as soon as your budget can justify it.
