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Reviewed by Tomas Kalkys. President.
Qualifications: More than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial exterior remodeling.
Founding farther of Legacy Service.
Written by LegacyUSA Team
posted on May 27, 2022
Get Estimates From Roofing Pros
If you manage a business or a commercial property, you know the importance of maintaining your roof. Taking care of your roof will ultimately take care of your entire building and the people inside. If it has been dealing with some problems lately or it’s getting up there in age, you’re probably considering replacing it.
If so, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to discuss commercial roof replacement and installation as well as the average costs you can expect in 2022. If you’d like to schedule a free consultation, contact our team at Legacy Service by calling 215-798-9790 or visiting https://legacyusa.com/contact/.
Not a real zip code.
Whether you’re constructing a new commercial building or looking to replace the roof on the same one, remember that the one you select will affect the property for years to come. Commercial roofs are quite different than their residential counterparts. They’re much more expansive when it comes to techniques, options, and maintenance.
Commercial buildings consist of restaurants, retail centers, manufacturing facilities, apartment buildings, and more. Any of these buildings will require commercial roofing replacement or installation by a team of professionals. If you’d like to get a general idea of the cost, continue reading this article. If you’d like to receive a free quote for commercial roof installation, contact us at any time.
A few different factors will affect your commercial roof replacement cost. Five of the most significant include the type of roof, what’s underneath it, code requirements, wind loads and fastenings, and roofing access. Also, keep in mind that there are two main categories of commercial roofs, which include flat and sloped. There’s also a variety of materials, which can affect cost.
The average cost of commercial roof replacement will differ depending on the type of material you choose. Whether your commercial building has a flat roof or a sloped one, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Fortunately, you don’t have to do it on your own! Read this section for a guide on the pros, cons, and average costs of each material, or contact your local roofing company to schedule a consultation. At Legacy Service, we provide free estimates for roofing installation and replacement projects to customers throughout southeastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Many commercial properties have flat roofs, which can be covered with materials such as single-ply or built-up bituminous roofing. The advantages include lower construction and repair costs and also energy-efficiency. However, they may be less reliable in harsh weather. The cost of commercial flat roof replacement will depend on the material chosen.
With sloped roofs, also known as pitched roofs, you’ll have plenty of material options. Two of the most popular ones are asphalt shingles and metal. The advantages of sloped is that they are relatively easy to maintain and are more efficient in evacuating water than flat roofs. However, they’re usually more expensive than flat roofs. The cost to install will depend on the material chosen.
Metal is a popular material for sloped commercial roofs for a variety of reasons. Not only is it durable with high fire-resistant ratings, but it’s also available in different materials including tile sheets, stainless steel, copper, zinc, tin, and more. Just note that it may be more expensive than other options. Property owners can expect commercial metal roof replacement to cost between $7 and $15 per square foot on average.
Modified bitumen commercial roofing consists of reinforced fabrics and bitumen in layers. The two-ply system helps to ensure maximum protection. With improved tensile strength, this material is a perfect choice if you’re anticipating lots of activity. With mod-bit roofing, you can expect the price to fall somewhere between $11.50 and $14.50 per square foot.
BUR membrane, or Built-Up Roofing, is an asphalt-based system that’s been used for commercial buildings for over a century. It has multiple layers, which helps to enhance the system’s overall durability. Those seeking a durable and cost-effective option are often pointed towards BUR membrane. On average, expect BUR to cost about $4 to $10 per square foot.
EPDM, or ethylene propylene diene monomer, is one of the most common materials used for commercial flat roofs. Not only is it easy to install and maintain, but it’s also quite versatile and long-lasting compared to other types of commercial roofs. EPDM installation can cost anywhere between $3.25 and $14.75 per square foot.
TPO is another popular material used for commercial flat roofs. It has many advantages, including that it’s highly reflective, lightweight, resistant to UV rays, punctures, and bacterial growth. Property owners choose this material especially because of its energy efficiency. TPO commercial roofing installation can cost anywhere between $3.50 and $14.00.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is similar to TPO, providing plenty of the same benefits. It’s lightweight, highly reflective, and resistant to punctures, UV rays, and most chemicals. It’s also resistant to harsh winds, which makes it ideal for certain types of climates. PVC typically costs somewhere between $4 and $12 per square foot.
Green roofs have become increasingly popular in recent years, for both commercial and residential. They’re a sustainable option for properties because they can help improve efficiency and manage drainage concerns. Their lush, green grass also gives them a unique visual appeal. However, they can be costly with a price range that typically falls somewhere between $10 and $30 per square foot.
Roof access is another significant factor that can affect your commercial building roof replacement cost. This can include property access, height, occupancy, and material storage areas, which we’ll discuss in further detail down below. If you’d like a free estimate, please feel to contact us at any time to schedule an appointment.
Access to the property will play a part in the overall cost of local commercial roof replacement. It involves the ability to get the materials and equipment into your property and close to the building. The easier it is to access your property, the more affordable the price will be, and vice versa.
In most cases, taller buildings will need more materials and equipment than their shorter counterparts, which makes their roofs more expensive to replace. For example, replacement or installation on a 10-story building will cost more than a 2-story building because a crane will be needed to lift the materials.
If the building is occupied, like a hospital or apartment building, you may have to deal with additional challenges. The health, safety, and comfort of the occupants must always be your first priority. Additional costs may be incurred if mandates require labor to take place outside of regular working hours.
The material storage area required for your project can also affect its overall cost. A large roofing project will likely need more storage space since there’s more material, which can lead to an increase in price. Keep in mind that “lay down” areas near the building can help lower them by making logistics easier.
Every finished roof has a combination of components underneath that help protect the rest of the home. They typically consist of the roofing structure (wood, metal, or concrete deck), cover board, insulation, and other substrate materials). The condition of these materials may impact the overall price of your replacement. For example, if your roof’s structure is dealing with water damage and materials need to be replaced, the cost of replacement will be higher than a roof that just needs new underlayment and shingles. We recommend contacting a roofing contractor who will provide you with a consultation.
Not a real zip code.
Some replacement projects will involve installing, replacing, or repairing the structure itself. This may be the case if your structure is nearing the end of its lifespan or has sustained water or another type of significant damage. If your roof’s structure requires work, it can greatly affect the cost of your local commercial roof installation or replacement project depending on what it needs.
Insulation is another material that goes underneath your roof and can affect the cost of your replacement. Experts recommend replacing the insulation about every 15 years, so if yours is reaching that age, it’s best to get it done as soon as possible. Properly insulating your home can help reduce the amount of energy your house uses, which may help save money in the long run.
Cover boards, thin substrates that adhere to a roof’s membrane, are essential components that can help extend the life of any roof. Without a cover board, a roof is more susceptible to wind, hail, and fire damage, which makes it far less durable than it could’ve been. Cover board installation, replacement, or repair can affect the overall cost of your project.
Whether your roof needs other substrate materials or not will also affect the cost of your replacement. Other substrate materials include but are not limited to plywood, solid timber boards, SPF substrates, metal, and concrete. Consult with a construction professional to determine what you will need.
Sometimes, you may not need a full roof replacement. Fortunately, there are several other quality options for homeowners to choose from, including re-covering and coating. Keep in mind that it’s always best to consult with a professional before beginning your roofing project. But before you do that, let’s take a look at the alternatives to replacement.
Roof re-covering is one alternative to replacement. It involves adding another layer to your existing roof membrane to address damage without going through a full replacement. Keep in mind that building codes in most places will allow two layers maximum. So if you only have one roof layer and the insulation isn’t wet, it’s a good alternative.
Roof coating is another (usually less expensive) alternative to replacement. It’s the process of applying a thin liquid membrane to a roof to increase the amount of protection from the elements. This is a good choice when the roof is in good structural condition and has no issues with insulation.
How much it costs to install a commercial flat roof depends on a variety of factors, especially the material you choose. Let’s take a look at the different material options and their average prices:
Metal is always a great option because it’s visually appealing and durable. The cost to install a commercial metal roof will typically fall in the range between $7 to $15 per square foot.
The three most common types of single-ply membranes include EPDM, TPO, and PVC. Commercial property owners can typically expect to pay between $11 and $14 per square foot.
While most commercial roof systems are built to be durable, it’s still important to provide them with the proper maintenance to help maximize their lifespan and prevent damage to your building. By following these tips, you can properly maintain your roof for years to come:
Wondering when a commercial roof should be replaced and about how much it will cost? You’re in the right section! Here, we’ll answer some of the questions we’re most frequently asked about commercial roof replacement:
How much it costs to replace a commercial flat roof depends on several factors. The most significant ones include the type of roof, access to it, what’s underneath, and building code requirements. In 2022, commercial flat roof replacement can cost anywhere between $3.25 and $30 per square foot.
When your commercial roof should be replaced depends on a few different things. Age is a significant factor, but that will vary from material to material. You should also be on the lookout for certain signs including shingle damage, roof membrane damage, leaks, and blistering. If you think that you may need a replacement, get in touch with a roofing professional for a consultation.
The cost to reroof a commercial building will depend on the material you select, the ease of access to your building, and even the height of your building. For example, roof replacement for a two-story building will be less expensive than a 20-story building in most cases. Contact your local roofer to get an accurate estimate for your property.
The cost to replace a 1,000 sq ft roof will differ depending on the material you choose to install. Metal roofing will have a different price per square foot than single-ply membrane options. To receive the most accurate estimate, whether it’s for commercial metal roof replacement cost or another type altogether, it’s best to schedule an appointment with a roofing professional.
The average time to install a new roof on commercial building can differ depending on the type of material you choose. While flat roofs normally take an average of five days, a tile roof can take about eight days, and a metal roof may take roughly 12 days.
If you’re interested in roof replacement or installation for your commercial property, give us a call at 215-798-9790 or contact us at https://legacyusa.com/contact/ to get started.
Posted on May 27, 2022 in Roof
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