Tag: Commercial Roofers in Dallas Texas

Looking at Commercial Roofing Material – Is Any Really Sustainable?

The earth’s environment is suffering more each year due to pollution, destruction of habitats, and many other practices that are changing the planet forever.

In response to this problem, many manufacturers of building supplies including those producing commercial roofing materials have begun designing products that are more environmentally friendly.

The question is, are those products sustainable, too?

If you’re looking for a truly environmentally sound commercial roof, pay attention to sustainability while choosing your materials.

What Is Sustainability?

Though they are related, sustainability is not the same thing as environmental friendliness to which it is commonly confused with and compared.

A sustainable natural material like on a commercial roof is one that’s sourced in ways that does not deplete a natural source or environment of that material.

It’s a method of harvesting what is essentially an unlimited material as long as the land is left undamaged so that material can continue to replenish itself.

Environmentally-Friendly Roofing Materials Vs. Sustainable Ones

Sustainable raw materials are environmentally-friendly, but not all environmentally-friendly materials are sustainable.

In terms of commercial roofing materials, it has the most to do with natural materials that have to be grown or harvested, how quickly they replenish, and what is being done throughout the world to keep those resources replenishing.

Environmentally-friendly materials used by commercial roofers include those that have a reduced carbon footprint.

Many are more thermo-effective, reducing the utility costs and the pollution made from creating energy while others are made of materials that can either be recycled and used again or buried to decompose naturally and become a part of the soil.

Durability and longer life expectancy, and cleaner production practices all contribute to environmental-friendliness; however, most of these products are still not sustainable.

What Sustainable Roofing Products Are Available Today?

While there are quite a few environmentally-friendly commercial roofing materials available today, the list of products that are truly sustainable is fairly small.

Materials that must be mined for or are made using petroleum products are not sustainable as those are non-replenishable resources.

Products made from cement are also not sustainable due to the pollution generated to produce it.

There is debate over whether shingles made from clay are sustainable and manufacturers claim that since it is a nearly unlimited material, it is as close to sustainable as anything can be.

What truly sustainable materials are available?

Wood shakes and shingles are the most sustainable commercial roof materials out there, since trees can be harvested and then regrown.

Of course, the degree of sustainability depends on the type of wood, where it’s harvested, and whether it’s being sustainably replanted; however, overall wood is considered sustainable.

Other materials that are considered as nearly sustainable due to their ability to be recycled and how they are produced include metals like steel, aluminum, copper, and as mentioned above clay tiles.

Green or living commercial roofs are also considered sustainable, especially when used to reduce utility bills and grow food and other vegetation.

Beyond these options, the higher the percentage of recycled content in a product, the more sustainable it is as it reduces the amount of new resources that must be sourced.

Sustainable Roofing Materials Scarce, But Available

There is more to environmental-friendliness and commercial roofs than just recyclability and biodegradability.

Sustainability is another issue to consider when shopping for the materials used by roofers.

Though truly sustainable materials are rare, sticking with eco-friendly products containing the highest amount of recycled materials is the best alternative for commercial roofing products!

Want a Sustainable Commercial Roof in Dallas Texas?

Contact the Roofing Experts at Comercial Roofers Dallas Now!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!

Don’t Make These Mistakes When It’s Roof Replacement Time!

Any residential or commercial roof replacement is a large and expensive investment in your home or building.

Naturally, the last thing anyone wants to do is spend more than necessary on a roof or end up with one that has problems over time or does not last as long as it should.

How can you avoid these problems when a commercial roof replacement is needed?

Be certain to get long-lasting, quality work from a commercial roofing service by being sure to avoid these common roofing mistakes!

1. Putting It Off or Never Get Round To It

If you already know you need to replace your commercial roof due to signs of aging or other problems, delaying the inevitable is probably not going to save any money and instead might actually cost you more.

As your commercial roof condition worsens, it increases the likelihood that there will be undiscovered leaks or other problems that cause additional damage requiring additional commercial roofing services.

You could go from needing a new roof to needing structural work done as well!

2. Hiring the Wrong Commercial Roofer

Being a roofer is an exacting job that requires skill, training, and attention to detail.

It’s essential to thoroughly research and interview commercial roofers before hiring to be sure you choose a reputable service that:

  • Has competent, well-trained employees.
  • Is honest.
  • Offers a good warranty.
  • Provides a great new roof at a reasonable price.

The commercial roofer you hire should be:

  • Licensed and have proof of insurance.
  • Trained and approved to install the products they use.
  • Willing to perform a thorough and honest inspection.
  • Able to provide a detailed estimate.
  • Ready to stand behind their quality workmanship.

3. Installing New Materials Over Old

Though it may seem like a money saver to install new materials over the old to avoid removal and disposal costs, it’s a huge mistake.

That will not provide a proper surface to install new commercial roofing materials, make getting accurate inspections harder, and cause any future problems to cost twice as much.

In addition, since it is very unlikely that an experienced commercial roofer will do that, so consider it a red flag if a contractor suggests doing that as a way to cut costs.

4. Skimping On Material Cost

There is a huge selection of materials out there to use to install a new roof with a wide range of prices.

You may not be able to afford the highest costing materials; however, don’t settle for the least expensive either.

In terms of roof materials, you definitely get what you pay for.

Installing a roof using cheaper materials with a short life expectancy is a waste of money when compared to the added cost of better materials that will last exponentially longer if well maintained.

5. Not Looking At the Fine Print

Roofing estimates and warranties from commercial roofing services can be complicated, so it’s essential to read them over carefully and understand what you are and are not getting.

Have estimates provided by potential commercial roofers spelled out in detail to include materials and labor, cleanup and disposal costs, as well as any other warranted fees you may be charged.

A warranty should be written in plain language and include details about manufacturer’s warranties, contractor warranties, how they apply, and who pays for what under which conditions.

Know ahead of time your recourse if there is a problem with the roof materials or workmanship, what it will take to resolve it, and what you might do to void the warranty.

Avoid Common Mistakes To Get A Quality Roof

Replacing your commercial roof requires a lot of forethought and research to choose a roofing service that will do a superior job on your roof.

Before you call any commercial roofing service, consider how to avoid these critical mistakes to be certain of getting your money’s worth and a long-lasting, trouble-free roof!

Need A Commercial Roof Replacement?

Talk to the Expert Roofers at Commercial Roofers Dallas Today!

Call (469) 677-8677 for More Info!

Will Your Commercial Roofing Material Last A Long Time?

Commercial roofs are expensive, probably the most expensive single component on any building.

Costing tens of thousands of dollars even for a less expensive version, you surely want to invest in a roof that’s going to last a while.

Do you know how long yours will last?

Though every type of commercial roofing material comes with a suggested lifespan, there is a lot more at stake when projecting just how long yours will continue to protect your house or work building!

Roofing Material Lifespan

Different roofing materials have different lifespans, which is a highly important consideration when you’re having a new one installed by qualified commercial roofers because it really is a case of you get what you pay for.

Less expensive commercial roofing materials in most cases are not going to last as long as higher quality but more expensive materials in their class, so keep that in mind when choosing.

To get an idea of how long your commercial roof could last in ideal conditions, start by looking at the suggested lifespan for different popular materials as suggested by the manufacturers:

  • Various Types of Asphalt Shingles - Ranges from 20 to 40+ years depending on product.
  • Wood Shingles and Shakes - Shingles up to 30 years, shakes up to 40 years.
  • Clay, Ceramic, Concrete - 50 years or more.
  • Slate - Up to 100 years or more.
  • Metal Shingles or Panels - 40 to 70 years, sometimes more.
  • BUR Roofing - 20 to 30 years.
  • Asphalt Roll Roofing - 5 to 10 years.
  • Rubber - EPDM roofing 15 to 25 years, TPO commercial roofing 10 to 20 years, recycled rubber shingles 50 to 75 years.

Workmanship

When guesstimating the lifespan of any type of roof, it’s important to understand that projected lifespans as stated by the manufacturer are how long the material should last under ideal conditions.

For starters, this means that the material was correctly applied by skilled commercial roofers who have followed the manufacturer’s installation instructions so the materials are properly laid and stay secure.

Poor workmanship can significantly decrease the lifespan of any commercial roof, which is why it’s so important to hire a reputable and knowledgeable contractor to install yours.

Maintenance and Repairs

The second important factor that can affect how long your commercial roof actually does last in spite of whatever the manufacturer suggests is how well you take care of it.

All roofs need some maintenance, which varies; some like architectural shingles need very little while others like wood shingles need a lot more.

Keeping up with maintenance will ensure your commercial roofing stays in great condition and lasts its full lifespan.

Regular inspections will detect problem areas if followed by prompt commercial roofer repairs to correct those problem areas to maintain your roof and prevent it from wearing out before its time.

Will Your Roof Last A Long Time?

Other than inexpensive asphalt roll roofing, most commercial roofs will last at least two decades.

While that may seem like a long time, time flies before you realize it and replacing any roof whether a home or a business is expensive.

How long will yours actually last?

That will depend on the materials used, how they were installed, and the kind of care your commercial roof receives throughout its lifetime.

If you choose wisely, work with a qualified commercial roofer, and perform proper maintenance, yours should last as long as its suggested lifespan or even longer!

Need To Have A New Commercial Roof Installed?

Commercial Roofers Dallas Provides Expert Commercial Roofing Services!

Call Them at (469) 677-8677 Today!

How To Tell If Your Roof Leak Is Serious!

Roof leaks are sneaky; small leaks can be deceiving, leading you to believe there is some time before you need to call a roofing service to get them out to take care of it.

While that may be true sometimes, there’s a higher possibility it’s more serious than you realize.

Even seemingly small leaks could reveal a problem much worse than you’d expect, one that ends up needing extensive roof repairs or even a roofing replacement.

Rather than ending up in that type of situation, inspect any leak you find a little closer before assuming there is plenty of time to get it fixed.

If you notice any of these signs, that leak is potentially serious and has likely been there longer than you think!

1. Water Stains or Spots

The top sign that you have a leak that requires the attention of a roofer and it’s been there for a while is the evidence of water stains on the inside of your attic or water spotting on the exterior of your house.

Stains on beams, flooring, and even the contents of your attic suggest an ongoing, sneaky leak that has evaded you for a while.

Spotting on the exterior of the building underneath the eaves is another indication of leaking that’s been happening for a while.

You might be surprised at the extent of the damage uncovered by a roofing contractor if the leak has been present for quite a while.

2. Damage Inside the Building

Another big sign that you need to call a roofing company in a hurry is if interior damage appears like

  • Buckling and peeling paint or wallpaper.
  • Sagging or stained ceiling.
  • Moisture or stains on the walls.
  • Attic insulation that’s disintegrating.
  • Other moisture-related damage.

all of which are a prime indicator that you’ve had a leak for some time.

This kind of damage does not happen overnight and should be remedied as soon as possible before it gets worse.

3. Mold, Mildew, and Other Growth

The presence of moisture in your building in spite of a fully-functioning HVAC system is another big indicator of a leak that’s been there for a while.

Unhealthy mold in attic corners or in the insulation as well as mildew on the roofing structure or other surfaces means there’s either water coming in from somewhere or you have a serious attic ventilation problem, both of which need to be repaired by a roofer.

If you see mold, algae, or moss growing on your roof or the exterior walls of your building, this is another sign that there is a moisture problem that needs correcting.

Untended, exterior moisture issues can lead to more leaking that can cause extensive damage both inside and outside the building.

4. Structural Damage to Roof or Foundation

A sagging roof or one that has shifted in any way is another issue that points to leaks that have been there for a while, long enough to allow the structural framework of the roof to soften and change due to rot and other water damage.

Sometimes the first indicator that your roof is causing the problem might be hairline cracks in the foundation if the roof has shifted or become too heavy from water absorption in places that you have no idea are getting wet.

5. Intermittent Leaks In Colder Weather

There’s nothing more annoying than an intermittent leak, especially if the leak is noticeable when the weather is above freezing but seems to go away when it’s below freezing.

This could mean that your shingles are suffering from a destructive condition called ice damming, which could lead to needing to have a new roofing installed.

Ice damming occurs when water gets under the shingles for whatever reason and then freezes, expanding in that small space and further lifting shingles so they leak even more.

If the problem isn’t noticed right away, it could result in widespread damage under the shingles and a very expensive repair.

Even the Little Leaks Can Be Serious

It’s easy to get fooled into thinking that a little bit of water in the attic, a small stain, or an intermittent leak is just a minor roofing problem that can be repaired later rather than sooner.

What you might not know is that the leak is bigger or has been there much longer than you realize, in which case there’s likely a lot more damage than you realize.

Look for these signs above that your leak is more serious than you think, then prevent more extensive damage by calling a roofer at the first notice of any leak at all!

Got Leaks?

Commercial Roofers Dallas Can Fix Them!

Call (469) 677-8677 Now!