Commercial Roof Replacement

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Commercial Roof Replacement
– A Big Job for the Right Pros

Eventually the time comes when a building owner, facilities manager, or HOA board has to reach out to a local commercial roof replacement contractor because their flat roof system is no longer performing up to snuff. Replacing a commercial roof is no small feat and commercial roof replacement cost isn’t a small expense. In some scenarios, property insurance may cover the costs of a commercial flat roof replacement, but if not, consider the project a great investment in improving the overall condition of a building and advancing its energy-efficiency with new “cool roof” technology.

Commercial Roof Replacement Cost Factors

As with any other building exterior project, the cost for replacing a commercial roof will vary based on what type of flat or low-slope roofing system is being installed. Today there are many types of flat roofing, each with its own pros and cons. Rest assured, most any commercial roof replacement will bring positive results, it’s just a matter of what is best for a building given its current, aging material and whether it can be covered, coated or must be removed. The location of a commercial property is another factor. Commercial roofing companies will make their recommendation on what roof type to install based on the regional climate, taking into consideration seasonal temperature fluctuations, annual precipitation, heat and UV exposure, as well as wind conditions and the frequency of tornadoes or hurricanes. Fire resistance may also be a factor regionally, where wildfires have been common.

Liberty Roofing Pros’ clients who need a new flat roof installed must consider important factors in order to make a decision on the right system to install. Basically, there are two options, 1) asphalt composition and 2) single-ply membranes; each of these roofing types are available in a variety of applications and should be installed by certified commercial roofing contractors.

These are popular forms of asphalt composition roofing for commercial roof replacement:

BUR (Built-Up Roofing)
- Alternating layers of bitumen (asphalt) and reinforcing fabrics. Layers are then surfaced with a heavy aggregate material (ballast)
MBR (Modified Bitumen)
- MBR is often peel-and-stick. A material composed of styrene and butadiene is rolled onto the flat roof and adheres to it as the peel-and-stick backing is removed.
Torch Down (torch-applied or heat-welded MBR)
- Polypropylene material is cut and rolled into place. Its adhesive backing must be heated as it is rolled out

These are popular forms of single-ply membranes for commercial roof replacement:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene M-Class Rubber)
- Fully adhered, mechanically attached, or ballasted, EPDM is a synthetic rubber flat roofing material with sealed or taped seams.
- Rubber
  - Think of a tire’s inner tube. That’s precisely the same material used for rubber roofing. It’s applied and held in place with glue, anchor bolts, or a layer of ballast (stone, gravel)
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
  - A durable, flexible material blending ethylene and chlorine, which is mechanically attached, fully adhered or ballasted with heat-welded seams.
TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin)
- TPO has become one of the most popular forms of flat roof covering. It’s made of fused polypropylene and ethylene-propylene and installed mechanically or fully adhered.
Spray-On Coating (Roof rehabilitation products)
- Spray costing can be a cost effective means to prolong the life of an existing flat roof. A silicone spray that is applied over the surface of an existing flat roof system.

Asphalt composition and single-ply membranes are just basic categories to distinguish two main approaches to commercial roof replacement. Now the question is, what’s best for your commercial property?

Asphaltic Composition Lifespan/Benefits

Among the choices for asphalt composition systems, we estimate the minimal average lifespan to be:

15 to 20 years for BUR (Built-Up Roofing)

Key Benefits: Less expensive, effectively fire retardant

10 to 20 years for MBR (Modified Bitumen)

Key Benefits: Easy to install, often coated with a heat-reflective finish

10 to 20 years for Torch Down

Key Benefits: Very durable, often coated with a heat-reflective finish

Single Ply Systems Lifespan/Benefits

Among the choices for singly-ply systems, we estimate the minimal average lifespan to be:

Over 20 years for Rubber Membrane
- Key Benefits: Light in weight and easy to install
15-30 years for PVC
- Key Benefits: Highly fire resistant, wind resistance, and great moisture barrier
- chemicals, and moisture penetration
20 to 35 years for EPDM
- Key Benefits: Easy to maintain, relatively inexpensive.
15- 20 years for TPO
- Key Benefits: Resistant to tears and punctures, a “cool roof” that can deflect UV rays, thus promoting energy efficiency.
Up to 20 lifespan extension for Spray-On Coating
- Key Benefits: Saves on cost for a whole new roof, restores waterproofing

Typical Flat Roof Installation Process

Step 1

Pressure wash roof with minimal 3,500 PSI using rust off cleaner to remove dirt, oil, grease, loose rust, residue and any other contaminants.

Step 2

Prime entire roof using premium quality acrylic latex roof primer to ensure proper adhesion to roof, along with metal primer in rusty areas which has a rust-inhibiting compound.

Step 3

Waterproof all vertical and horizontal seams using a kevlar fabric embedded in acrylic base coat to shift and move under normal expansion and contraction.

Step 4

Inspect all fasteners, screws, and fastening devices. Tighten or replace loose or missing fasteners so that all metal sections are firmly held together and all joining sections closed.

Step 5

Waterproof all fasteners by encapsulating the fasteners with a low viscosity material designed to flow around each fastener head.

Step 6

Waterproof all penetrations, joints, vents, and flashings, and repair areas using a low viscosity compound which is formulated to seal areas where leaks could occur, to remain flexible, and cures to form a tough, durable finish.

Step 7

Apply top coat over the entire surface to provide UV protection, 85% reflectivity, and a tack-free, dirt-resistant finish.

Commercial Roof Replacement by Liberty Roofing Pros

A total roof replacement is a big job but a great investment when done right. When property owners, managers and HOAs need an honest local commercial roof replacement company, they turn to the experts at Liberty Roofing Pros!