3/28/17 3:10 PM 5 min read

How to Plan for Your Property’s Commercial Roof Replacement

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So you’ve finally decided to replace your commercial or industrial roof system. Here are a few tips to consider before your commercial roofer gets started.

  • All rooftop electrical and gas-related lines and live electrical wire MUST be disclosed to the roofer before the removal process of the old roof begins. If there is conduit buried on the roof itself or attached to the metal/wood decking inside the building, it poses a major health risk to the men working on the roof. If the conduit is pierced by either a saw blade or fastener, it could be lethal to the individual doing the installation. It is the responsibility of the building owner to disclose all conduit or gas lines to the roofing contractor, and allow the roofing foreman to note the lines in detail before the job begins.
  • Do you have any derelict or useless HVAC or other rooftop equipment on the roof? Your roofing contractor would be more than happy to remove these dead units entirely from the roof surface, drop new decking over the hole, and roof over it. It is the responsibility of the building owner to discuss which units, skylights or vents they would like removed in advance of the roofing company’s arrival—although exceptions can be made on the fly. The building owner is responsible for the professional disconnection of active or powered HVAC units by a reputable HVAC contractor before the roofer can pull the units.

See related blog: Top 5 Customer Commercial Roofing Questions

  • Did you sign off on the application of a built-up asphalt roofing system? This is one of the best systems you can get, but you should be aware that it requires the use of an asphalt kettle on the jobsite—or in your parking lot. This machine heats the liquid asphalt to hundreds of degrees and results in a pungent smell that can make some individuals nauseous. Give notice to your employees in advance that the smell is only temporary.
  • Most commercial roofing jobs take more than 24 hours to complete. You can coordinate with the roofing contractor as to the best ways possible to not obstruct day-to-day operations, such as employee parking if roofing materials or equipment are stored on site, and the slowing of facility production if overhead roof decking needs to be safely replaced. A professional commercial roofing contractor will have YOUR best interests in mind, and is dedicated to working around your facility’s schedule and individual needs until the project is completed.

These are just a few examples of the tips we at Roberts Roofing Company provide to clients before we get started on the job site.

Do you have questions about your commercial or industrial roof? We welcome you to download our free e-book, The Commercial Building Owner's Guide to Roof Replacement, to learn more.

Roberts Roofing Company has been a leading provider of innovative commercial and industrial roofing solutions in Cleveland, Ohio since 1981. We provide commercial repair, replacement and maintenance to serve companies of all sizes in Ohio and the surrounding region, offering a combination of technical expertise, custom solutions and quality workmanship for every project.

To find out more about selecting a commercial roofer in Cleveland, Ohio, simply fill out the form on this page and a member of our team will be in touch. Or, you may call us at 440.946.2233.