Precision-fabricated flashings can help speed up a roof installation.
You must consider many factors when your roof needs to be replaced or when you are constructing a building that requires a new roof: Price. Quality of the product being installed. Prefabrication. Installation disruptions. Ease of maintenance. Performance. Environmental impact. Life-cycle costs, and so on. It is crucial to review all of these aspects in order to make the wisest roofing choice and get the best long-term value for your investment.
This is the fourth post in a series that will discuss the issues involved in purchasing a roofing system.
Installation disruptions
Time and disruptions cost you money. When your business needs a new roof, you cannot afford to close your doors for a roof installation. You need to ask – How long will this installation take to complete? Will I need to close or control traffic at my business? Will my customers be disturbed or inconvenienced? Will I lose revenue?
Some roofing systems are disruptive when installed, using smelly materials that are not only irritating, but messy as well. Some systems may take considerably longer to install than others because they are affected by the weather and temperature.
Example: Installing some systems in 20? F weather will take much longer than others due to welding or adhesive issues. Others can be installed very easily without any disruptions to normal building operations. Make sure you are informed on the timeframe of the installation and any factors that could possibly disrupt your business operations.
Prefabricated roofing systems save on installation time. A precision-fabricated membrane is much easier to install and does not require labor-intensive welding on the job site. Furthermore, such systems can usually be installed over existing substrates, reducing the need for a tear-off, which can be very time consuming, disruptive, and messy.
Additionally, some manufacturers prefabricate roofing accessories such as curbs, stacks, scuppers, and parapets that are included with the system, which helps to reduce the installation time as well as ensure high-quality products that are a perfect fit for each roof.
Single-ply roofing systems that are prefabricated and mechanically-attached provide a quiet and safe installation. No loud machinery or noxious fumes are used that could disrupt building activities or harm occupants. In most cases, building occupants don’t even realize a roof is being installed.
When it comes down to it, disruptions during a roofing installation can cost a building owner money and time, so make sure to research how the installation will take place and what types of materials are being used.
In our fifth installment of Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Roofing System, we will discuss roofing system features that provide easy maintenance.
