There were 4,764 recorded work injuries in the U.S. in 2020. Safety hazards can be a cause of workplace injuries.
Postponing roof replacement can cause safety hazards and damage to your business and clients.
It may be easy to brush off a roof replacement as unimportant. By doing this, you risk only needing to spend more money on repairing the collateral damage.
Because of this, it is important to check and maintain your roof, and replace it when necessary. Replacing it may seem like an intimidating process, but it doesn’t need to be.
Read on for our complete guide to commercial roof replacement.
When Would My Roof Need Replacement?
Ideally, you may not need to replace your roof for up to 20-25 years after installment. It may even last longer than this if you have excellent maintenance.
While this may seem like a long time, there are also times when outside damage happens to your roof. This damage may be caused by poor weather, poor roof installation, no maintenance, or other non-time-related issues.
You will know when to replace your roof when you see visible aging or damage. This can be water leaks or mold growth, or even deteriorating shingles and sealant.
Can I Avoid Replacing my Roof?
Nobody wants to have to replace their roofing, so it is best to maintain it to avoid it as long as possible.
Maintenance requires regular attention, rather than just brushing it off. This may be more difficult for a commercial building since you will be busy with your business.
If you don’t make time to maintain your roof, it can cost you your business in the long run. This is because you may need to replace the roof more often.
There are a few things you should do to maintain your roof care. First, you will need to regularly check the roof yourself. You can do this every month, bi-monthly basis, or as often as you would like. Just figure out a scheduled time where you can dedicate yourself to checking it.
Plus, you will need to schedule at least 2-4 times a year to have your roof professionally inspected. A professional inspector will be able to see or catch issues that you could not. While it may cost you a little bit of extra money to hire one, the safety of having a solid roof is much more important than money.
Also, don’t be afraid to clean your roof well regularly. This is something you can do yourself or hire someone to do for you. Cleaning it will help dirt and grime from building up and causing deterioration.
Are There Safety Hazards if I Don’t Replace My Roof?
The short answer to this question is yes. Not replacing your roof can cause harm to not only your clients but your employees as well. Physical injuries, as well as health issues, are the result.
Depending on how long you have postponed replacing your roof, there is much danger of it caving in. Certain parts can also fall from the roof and hit passersby.
If the roof caves in, this can cause mass casualties and injuries. The amount depends on how many people were in the building or surrounding it.
Furthermore, a caved-in commercial roof isn’t the only thing you need to worry about. It is much more likely for water leaks and spots to form in a worn-out roof. Some of these you may not even notice at first if it does not penetrate all the layers of the roofing.
These leaks, however, can cause mold to grow. When not addressed, regular mold can turn into black poisonous mold. This can cause serious health issues for people who are exposed to it for long periods.
Your employees then would have the most exposure. This could create liability for you if you subject your employees to poor health hazards.
Clients can also experience health issues related to black mold, especially if they are allergic. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a condition where mold particles and dust cause lung inflammation. If your building has mold, it could take less than a few minutes for a client to have a life-threatening reaction.
In the long run, replacing your roof will be worth it for the safety of your clients and employees.
Should I Hire Someone to Do It for Me?
You may be thinking about doing it DIY style and not investing in professional services. While this may be an attractive choice because you save money, there are a few things you should consider.
Risks of DIY
Yes, DIY is less expensive. But if done incorrectly, it can cost you way more money in the long run.
By doing it yourself, you risk not installing the roof up to code. When inspection comes, you may have to pay fines then. On top of these fines, you will then need to buy more materials to have the roof replaced correctly. This could double the amount of money you originally spent trying to do it yourself.
Plus, if you are not a professional in the roof-installation business, you still risk harming yourself or your employees during the process. If you are confident in your ability or replace a roof, then go ahead and do it. If you have reservations, you may want to hire a professional service
Benefits of Hiring a Commercial Roofing Service
Commercial roofing companies can ensure that your roof is installed with excellence. Roofing companies are familiar with inspection standards and what you need for the roof to be up to code.
You will not risk needing to pay extra fines or redoing the roof if you have a reliable service. Research roofing services and look at their reviews to ensure they are reliable. Click here to find the best commercial roofing contractors.
What Is the Process of Commercial Roof Replacement?
The process of commercial roof replacement doesn’t need to be as daunting as it may seem. Instead, continue to follow this guide to know everything that will need to happen.
1. Inspection
First, you will need an inspection. The inspection will tell you what work will need to be done to replace it. You may not even be sure yet that you need a roof replacement.
In this case, an inspection will be helpful. They can also let you know if you need an entire replacement or just a repair.
2. Estimates and Budgets
After your inspection is done, a professional service can estimate how much the roof will cost you. This will include materials, labor, and other servicing that it will need.
A professional service may also recommend investing in a maintenance plan so you won’t have to worry about it. While this could be extra money, it can save you time and energy on maintenance.
3. Planning For The Replacement
Because your entire roof will be replaced, this can cause delays in your business. It is important to let your employees and clients know about the construction.
You should also alert any businesses near you about future construction. This will be to avoid conflict with other businesses that are doing construction or people that find it intrusive.
You should also invest in a building permit, particularly if you are doing it yourself. A building permit can ensure that your construction will be up to code and complies with any legal safety standards. If you don’t have a building permit, your risk getting fined hundreds or thousands of dollars.
4. Replacing Your Roof
If you hire professionals for this part of the process, all you need to do is kick off your shoes and relax.
You may opt to supervise the construction or assist if you want to help. This is something to discuss with the service that you hired in advance, so they can prepare for you being there.
Since your business is under construction at this point, it will be your job to assist your employees as they work from home or at a different location. It is important to keep your phone on you at all times and check your business email for questions or concerns.
Replace Your Roof Today
With professional services, commercial roof replacement does not need to be so hard. Your roof can be replaced and look better than ever. Plus, you won’t need to worry about replacing it again for another 20-25 years (or more!).
Instead of waiting and causing safety hazards to your business, choose to get started today and schedule that first inspection.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, check out our Business page for more information!
