When it comes to replacing a roof on a commercial building, there are 4 important steps to consider. Owning or running a commercial building is already a daunting task as it is, but when it comes time to take care of the actual business’ building, many owners don’t know where to start. The roof to your commercial building is an area that can cause a lot of concern for those new to commercial roof replacement. But it is also an integral part of your business, as the roof protects everything you work for, your customers, and your employees. So if your business is in need of a new commercial roof replacement in Tampa, FL, take some time to do your research.
We recommend following these 4 simple steps:
- Find your roof’s age
- What is causing your problem?
- Interview contractors
- Prepare your business
Step 1: figure out the age of your roof
The very first thing you should do when thinking about replacing your roof is to research its current age. Almost any roofing contractor will ask you this first thing, so having the answer to such a simple, common question will get you very far. If you don’t have documentation on when the roof was put on, it’s time to do a little sleuth-work. Consider calling the previous building owner or even the neighboring businesses. You might be able to find a rough estimate that way, but in a worst case scenario, you can expect the roof to have lasted its entire lifespan of 20+ years.
Often, having a roof inspection can help determine how old the roof is. Your inspector can look at the materials and how they have weathered over the years to possibly determine an age of the roof.
Step 2: discover the cause of the problem
Sometimes the cause is obvious, like a hurricane pushing a tree through a roof, but most other times, the cause is a mystery to business owners. When making calls to roofing contractors to replace a roof, do a little homework on your own prior to calling. Write down what is prompting your phone call; is it a leak, or missing shingles, or maybe your electricity bill is just way too high and you think the roof is the cause.
While you may not be able to ascertain the exact cause of the issue, scheduling an inspection will also help. Inspectors will be able to evaluate the roof from the exterior and interior, which will help identify the cause of problems.
Step 3: interview contractors
Once you have figured out everything you can about the condition of your roof, it is time to find the contractors who will work with you. This is one of the most important steps because who you choose to work with will determine the quality of the roof you get, the time it takes, and how it will impact your business. It is recommended that you interview several contractors and also get referrals from other business owners who have gone through the process.
Look at reviews online, ask the contractors for referrals of other past commercial clients, and ask many questions! A good contractor will be patient, kind, and provide you with everything you need to feel comfortable. At Stay Dry Roofing, our team treats everyone like family, even if they are just giving us an interview!
Step 4: prepare your business
When it is finally time for your commercial roof replacement in Tampa, FL, you will have to get your business prepared. Often, you won’t have to shut down, but you may have to adjust hours or simply ask your customers and employees to be patient while the work is being done. Depending on the roof style and materials that are being installed, roofing can be a noisy job. But a good contractor will treat your business as if it was their own and want to get the project completed fast, correctly, and with minimal impact to your bottom line.
Choose Stay Dry Roofing for all your commercial roof replacement needs
At Stay Dry Roofing, we have been serving commercial and residential homeowners with new and replacement roofing for over 30 years. Our team is proud of the work we do and always work closely with our customers to ensure we meet all their needs and expectations. If your business is in need of a new roof, give us a call for a free roofing estimate!
