What Does a Commercial Roofer Do?

Roofer professionally builds, inspects, repairs, and replaces roofing materials like metal, aluminum, wood, shingles, tiles, or steel. They also erect scaffolding to provide safe working conditions.

These professionals need a high school diploma or equivalent and undergo an apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job training and technical courses. In some provinces, they may be eligible for certification through the Interprovincial Standards Red Seal.

A commercial building’s roof is subject to a variety of issues. Continuous sun exposure can cause premature aging, and intense rain or wind can lead to curling, pooled water, and torn membranes. Commercial roofing professionals are skilled in assessing these problems and performing the necessary repairs. They can also provide valuable advice about the available materials and their costs.

Roof repair methods vary depending on the type of commercial roof. For flat roofs, for example, a contractor may use a roof coating system. This method involves spraying the existing roof covering with a liquid application. This is more affordable than a full replacement, and it is often a quicker option. It is also eco-friendly, and it does not create any fumes or toxic waste during the process.

Blistering is another common problem that can affect a commercial roof. This occurs when the water in the roof deck becomes trapped during hot weather and evaporates, creating a bubble in the layers of the roof membrane. This is a sign of leaks, and it should be fixed immediately.

Commercial roofing contractors may also use PVC or EPDM membranes to cover the roof. These types of roofs are not as susceptible to damage from heavy rains or snow, but they can become weakened by ice buildup and the natural expansion and shrinkage of the building’s structure. This can weaken the seams and flashing and allow water into the building, which causes damage to internal structures.

Leaks on a commercial roof are a serious issue that can lead to rot, mold, mildew, and interior damage. As a result, they are a top priority for a commercial Roofer. Whether they are caused by a hole in the membrane or faulty flashing, leaks should be repaired as quickly as possible.

During roof repairs, a commercial Roofer may clean the area and remove any pools of water or debris that have collected. This will help to reveal any additional problems that need to be addressed, such as leaks or punctures in the membrane. After repairing or replacing damaged areas, the roofer will add the appropriate sealant.

Roof Replacements

A commercial roofer can perform a complete replacement of the roofing system on a building. This process can include the removal of existing materials, installation of new insulation, a water-tight barrier, and the placement of the desired new roofing system. A commercial Roofer can use a variety of different roofing systems, including asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate, and metal. These roofing systems can withstand a range of hazards, such as ultraviolet light, weather extremes, mildew, and foot traffic.

A good commercial Roofer will provide a detailed plan for the work on a roof replacement project. This will include a safety plan for employee and building occupant protection. It will also include a staging plan for the location of dumpsters, cranes, chutes, and other equipment that will need to be used for the job. In addition, a phasing plan will help to coordinate the daily work area with the management and occupants of the building.

The roof on a commercial property is going to need to be designed in a different way than the roof on a residential home. There may be specific environmental concerns, code requirements, energy considerations and other factors that must be considered. These can affect the type of materials that are used and how they are installed on the roof. A good commercial Roofer will be able to discuss these issues with the customer in order to make sure that the correct roofing system is chosen and installed.

Roof Maintenance

A building’s roof is the most vulnerable part of a structure. It must be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, as well as protect the inside of the building from harsh light and sun damage.

To keep a building’s roof in good condition, a maintenance program must be implemented and followed. This program will ensure that any problems with the roof are addressed right away and prevented from escalating into bigger issues.

The commercial roofer will inspect and maintain all of the roof systems on the building. The inspections will include a thorough checklist that can be tailored to each individual roof. It will also contain pictures of the roof, a description of the existing conditions, and an overall summary.

These lists can be used for documentation purposes, and the checklists will also help to identify specific areas for future work. This will also be beneficial when it comes to obtaining bids for future roofing projects.

During a roof maintenance visit, the commercial Roofer will perform a variety of tasks including:

Re-flash openings in penetration base flashing.

Clean all drains, gutters and roof surfaces of debris.

Inspect all roof top mechanical units.

During each maintenance visit, the roof crew will provide a current picture of the roof area along with an inspection report that includes a description of the existing conditions, roof dimensions and applied systems.

This information will be kept in a historical file on-site at the building. This file will also include any pertinent information regarding the manufacture’s roof warranty. It is imperative that the owner maintain this file in order to remain in compliance with the manufactures warranty.

Roof Inspections

Roof inspections are an important part of commercial roofing services. Having a professional inspect your building’s roof on a regular basis can help you identify and repair problems before they become major issues that require costly repairs or replacement.

A thorough roof inspection can include a general lookover of the entire rooftop to check for signs of wear and tear, including ponding water, cracks, punctures, leaking seams, and more. A contractor will also examine roof penetrations such as vents, skylights, and HVAC units to ensure they’re sealed properly and not causing any damage to the roof. In addition, a commercial roofing company will assess the interior of the building, looking for any evidence of leaks or water damage in rooms or ceilings.

It’s also important for a commercial roofing company to perform a routine inspection after any significant weather events, such as windstorms and hail. The sudden increase in temperature from these weather conditions can cause the roof to expand and contract, which can lead to cracks and tears. Having your roof inspected after these storms will help you identify and repair any damage quickly, so that your business can continue operating normally.

If you’re interested in becoming a commercial roof inspector, the first thing you’ll need to do is take an online course. This course will teach you about the specific characteristics and common defects associated with various roof membranes, as well as how to determine whether a roof is fully adhered, mechanically attached, loose-laid ballasted, or liquid-applied.

After you’ve completed the course, you can begin performing roof inspections. It’s recommended that you start by examining building records and interviewing the occupants of the building. This will give you an idea of any previous issues with the roof, and can help you find the source of any current leaking or other problems. You should also ask them how often they experience a problem with the roof, what kind of weather conditions typically occur when they have a problem, and how long the issue has been occurring.

During a routine inspection, you’ll also need to check for drains, gutters, and downspouts to make sure they are free from debris and functioning properly. You’ll also want to check the condition of any insulation and ventilation in the attic or crawl space.